no title because my brain won't come up with one

Hidey-Ho! Thanks for swingin' by to read my blog!  For the loyal 3 fans that read when I post regularly, my apologies for being so absent lately!  I have honestly been wrapped up in my new jobS and reading and prepping for work and working out! 

As for the New Year, New Ideas post (followed by Beets and Avocados) - those ideas are still on track!  Just on hold, for right now.  The beets, as a matter of fact, are in the veggie drawer in my fridge and I have a recipe picked out . . . just haven't made it yet! 

Perhaps more importantly, I haven't been writing to hold myself accountable for exercise!  I have been working out daily (with perhaps one lazy day) for the last two weeks!!!!  My body feels stronger and more flexible and I am sleeping so soundly.  *(Sleeping has been amazing since I moved back to Minnesota . . . my DIStress level has been nearly non-existent and my mind and body have felt very peaceful.)  Back to exercise, I've been able to attend one or two group exercise classes per week, leading an exercise class once per week in which I partake (soon to be two), walk dogs daily (anywhere from 10-40 minutes) and yesterday, I did yoga in my living room before work!  I've been more mindful about why I am exercising and how my body feels both before and after activit[ies].  My 'plan' and hope is that if I am more intrinsically motivated to move than I am extrinsically motivated (because lets be real, external motivators will never be nonexistent!), I will remember to be mindful, patient, and persistent in how/how often/when I exercise.

Of course, I have goals of completing another sprint triathlon, completing a half-marathon, and participating in a Tough Mudder and a Warrior Dash, I know my body and mind - if I try to do too much to quickly, my body reacts with pain and my mind becomes discouraged when I miss workouts or "don't feel" like exercise. 

As I am writing, my words don't seem to me like they flow - like I am forcing this post.  I'm not!  But I wanted to get back into writing more regularly . . . both to work on my writing, chronicle my thoughts, hold myself accountable for exercise, & provide some motivation and reality for my clients and readers -- all of those things.  I hope :)

Until next time (hopefully within a week!) - Be Well !!! :-)

Beet and Avocados

Those are the two "ingredients" this week for the "'100 Best Health Foods' challenge :)  Roomy and I opted to each draw from a deck of index cards on which I had written one 'food' from the book.  I will report on which recipes we chose (I picked beets, so that will be the food I use to make a dish or snack) and roomy will use avocado!

Next topic: exercise!!  Yesterday, I went to a yoga class at Total Wellness Coaching and was so happy that I did!  Not only did the movement feel wonderful, it was also really nice to be led by someone and not have to lead the class. 

Third topic: look good, feel good . . . I try to be very careful about this topic because looks are NOT who a person is or what a person can do.  I know from personal experience, though, that how I look and how I think others perceive me has an effect on how I feel!  Whether good or bad, its true - at least for me - and encourage others to contemplate this topic for themselves.  Along these lines, a few years ago, I gave in to the trend and persuasion of cosmotology-student-friends of mine to try coloring my hair.  WOW!  I've always enjoyed getting my hair cut, and always enjoy letting someone else wash my hair (read: professional head massage with soothing warm water). YES, PLEASE!  Up until a few years ago, I had been determined to stay with my 'natural color' - what God had blessed me with - and not mess with it.  But I succombed to the excitement of having highlights and lowlights . . . and sometimes, those little changes in my looks can give a boost of confidence!  Even if it may be shallow or show some of my insecurity, I am okay with saying that I enjoy getting a fresh look in terms of hair color!  :)  Of course, being on a budget with the recent move and lack of full-time work, I need to be careful with my money (financial wellness!!).  What I did instead of buying a whole haircut/hair color, I just went with a change of color and am going to wait on the hair cut until a) I can afford it or b) I cut it myself or get a free cut from someone :)  **LOVE finding deals, coupons, and bartering for service exchange!**

Wowza - do I want to talk today or what?!  Last topic: I am now officially employed by Total Wellness Coaching :)  I have other opportunities in the works, but at least starting tomorrow, I know that I will have something to pay bills sooner than later!  yahoo! 

Thanks for reading today :)  Consider indulging in a confidence-boosting pick-me-up for your 'outer shell' - meaning, take care of your hygiene (per hopefully usual) and maybe consider having a pedicure or try a new hair style.  Whatever it is, it doens't have to be expensive.  Or, it can be - whatever works best for you!  And as always, keep moving!!