Be The Sunshine

I recently decided to dedicate to a morning mindfulness practice.  I take between 10 and 15 minutes each morning to sit quietly, breath deeply and focus on a daily reflection. This single practice has completely altered my daily experiences. But it has certainly been a practice. Many mornings, I wake up, not feeling energized to reflect, or with a racing mind about the list of things I ‘NEED’ to do. Who new how daunting siting quietly can be! But each morning when take to my mat and follow through with my commitment, I feel alive, bright and ready to champion the day. This morning, the daily reflection that circled in my mind, was an oldie but a goodie and it left me feeling ready to be my own sunshine on this cloudy day, and it inspired a Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie! (Recipe below)

Decided to be the sunshine takes recognition of the lens through which we see things. This morning’s reflection, ‘How you see the problem, is the problem,’ speaks directly to that point.  We often spend a great deal of time focused on what has gone wrong, what didn’t work out and searching for a place to rest the blame. All of this attention on external factors, over which we have no control, can leave us feeling frustrated and unmotivated. Like we are living in a world where the sun never shines.  But the minute we decide to shift our focus, look inside and reflect on what we as individuals bring to each situation or interaction, we can tune in to the ability to be the sunshine in our world. 






We each have the ability to bring unbridled passion, energy and compassion with us everywhere we go. Tuning in to our own ability to create the world we want to live in is a powerful practice and can alter your outlook for the better!

If you are looking to be the sunshine and you need a little boost but the 10-minute mindfulness isn’t your cup of coffee…give the Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie a try!  

Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie:

·      ½ Cup Water

·      ½ Cup coconut water (optional)

·      ¼ Cup Coconut Milk (any milk works)

·      ½ Cup Frozen Pineapple

·      ½ Frozen Banana

·      1 slice of fresh ginger

·      2 TBL Ground Flax seed

·      1 Scoop Protein Powder (optional, I use Plant Fusion Vanilla Bean)

·      Squeeze of lemon as garnish (if you want a little extra boost)

     Place all ingredients in a blender…and drink up!

    

     How will you be the Sunshine Today?

From Misfit to Perfect fit…All in a Days Walk

Positive self-talk should be considered a super power. It is a rare and elusive and gives a person the ability to instantly transform the world that they live in. As my Dad has been saying my entire life, “We are what we tell ourselves about ourselves.” The power of positive self-talk is everywhere in the self-help aisle, as it has long been noted as an important driver to experiencing health, happiness and well-being. Despite the general acceptance of the need for fostering a good personal dialogue, it remains one of the most difficult things to do on a consistent basis. The constant comparisons we tend to make create a sometimes deafening loop of self doubt, self-criticism and judgment that leave us feeling somewhat less than invincible.

Even though I was born and bread in an environment that hammered the value of positive self talk, when released into the world on my own, I stumbled as I lost sight of how to actively practice the self affirmations that had brought me so much joy and success in the past. Deciding to take the time to get back in touch with my authentic self, and embark on a journey to heal, I was quickly reminded how powerful self-talk is, for better and for worse.  I will admit, I drank the Kool-Aid, and it tasted delicious. Just today, during the 30 minutes it took to walk to a meeting, I was transformed from a misfit to a perfect, fit, simply by believing it to be true.  Reflecting on how most of my life I have felt slightly out of place, unable to define myself like others could, I came to realize that my uniqueness made me a perfect fit. I was a perfect fit for this body, for this life I am living. All of the sudden, I felt taller, I had a bounce in my step, with a magnetic energy. 

As simple as it sounds, using positive self-talk can be extremely challenging. But it can change a moment of despair to a moment of hope, a feeling of defeat to an exciting opportunity for creativity. It can transform the way you see yourself and the others in your world. It can change your heart and propel you forward toward the life that is your perfect fit! Who wants to talk?

The Best Friend You Barely Know...or Never Met

On occasion we meet people or are somehow exposed to people with whom we feel an instant connection. A magnetic pull that stirs our soul and makes us feel as though we must know more. Some people call that chemistry, some may call it kinship. That immediate spark that leaves you knowing intuitively that that person was 'sent' to you for a reason.  We feel as thought this person is our long lost friend or our soul mate, even though we barely know them, or perhaps we have not even met.  How can this be?

Be the best friend you'd like to have!

Is it perhaps because we see them as we wish others would see us? Do they boldly and fearlessly embody what we know is deep within ourselves? Have we allowed the noise and clutter of living in a hurried world of scheduled "shoulds" and material attachments distract us from exploring our authentic selves? Have we put our heads down and buried ourself in activity to avoid productivity? Have we been running so hard and for so long, that we forgot why we laced up our shoes in the first place? Have we become so concerned with what others believe about us, that we forgot to believe in ourselves?  Have we lost touch with our forever friend, our innate kindred spirit or soul mate that os staring back at us every time we look in the mirror, choosing to focus on all the flaws? It was only a few years ago that I would have checked the yes box next to all of these questions.


The journey to discovering a new way of being, a path and purpose that was authentic is awkward, uncomfortable, challenging, exciting and fulfilling. Most importantly, it is ongoing. Having done significant work and dedicated study to the art and science of mind and body integration,  the feeling of being on  my path and moving toward my purpose is slowly sinking in. Viewing each day through a lens of gratitude and opportunity is a choice I make, intentionally and mindfully each and every morning.  I chose to use the space between stimulus and response to act in ways that embody my beliefs that positivity, kindness and authenticity are meant to be shared.  In so doing, it seems as thought I come upon one of these kindred sprits EVERY DAY! Perhaps it is because I have come to to develop on ongoing positive personal dialogue that enables me to be more present and aware of each of life's moments, lessons, challenges and opportunities to connect with the others in the world who are seeking the same synergy.

I am inspired by those that boldly and fearlessly create beauty for the world and share it, undeterred by fear or self doubt. I am thankful for the encounter today with a bold and fearless artist who inspired this post. I am happY to be part of this quiet revolution.  Are you IN?

Take Your Passion and Make it Happen!

I love staring my days with “morning mantras.”  My morning mental stiffness is quickly limbered by a positive affirmation that focuses my day. Often times we fall into a lull of monotony, playing by the “rules” along with everyone else.  When we break out and let our uniqueness shine through, we find real self-actualization, we become unstoppable. I have many passions, both professionally and personally.  I believe, wholeheartedly, in the power of sport.  I am pursuing a career that allows me to make that passion happen. 

I love to write, create new concoctions in the kitchen that are both delicious and whole health promoting, and exercise. So I found a way to cultivate those activities in a fulfilling way (if you’re wondering how…maybe I should rethink J ). I am in the process of refreshing my website and blog to be of better service so in the meantime I will do my best to drop a helpful spoonful whenever I can.

 Enter Smoothie in a bowl with homemade Kitchen Sink Muesli, Berries and TJ’s Almond Butter on top!  Breakfast is easily my favorite time of day. I love fueling up to tackle the day!  This breakfast is super fast, easy, delicious and filling. Even better, it is vegan, gluten free! 

Morning  Monster Smoothie in  a Bowl Recipe:

• 1 TBL Chai Seed
• 1TBL Ground Flax Seed
• 1/3 C raw oats
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Bean Plant Fusion Protein Powder
• ½ Cup Water
• ½ banana and several dashes of cinnamon (because I am obsessed)
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl or blend if you prefer then transfer ( I hate extra dirty dishes so I am a hand mixer)
• Top with berries, granola or muesli of choice and any nut butter you love! You can really go all out with whatever gets you excited to get out of bed!
• Finish it off with Almond Milk/Cashew Milk/Soy Milk...whatever tickles your fancy.
• Devour!

What passion are you going to make happen today?!

Happy Friday!  

Looks Aren't Everything, Or Anything…

Ever notice that your world seems to have themes?  A common thread that runs  through all the different spheres of your life?  I’m not a believer in coincidence.   I rest in the notion that the “patterns” of our days are nudges that push us in the “right” direction.  Over the past few days, the notion of breaking down the archaic definition of beauty and empowering a generation of women to love themselves and celebrate their uniqueness has been unavoidable. Not that I am complaining.  As someone who, at times, has struggled to enjoy the beat of my own drum, questions whether I should just in line with everyone else, this flood of inspiration was just what I needed to get back on the…wagon?  

Kitchen Sink Muesli with Berries Almond Butta 

When I woke up this morning, I ditched my original plan of a 5:30 am gym run and decided to power my day with some morning fuel in the form of Kitchen Sink Muesli (recipe to come) and some writing.  It may not be pretty, but it is pretty darn good!

Physical activity and good nutrition are two foundations for good health.  Mental and emotional wellness, however, are equally as important pillars that are often overlooked. One of incredibly bright roommates recently asked me, “But do you do anything just for you, for fun?” When I responded, “I really like to work out…” she said, “No, but something that is for you, not trying to achieve something?”  She had me there, simply because I could not come up with a quick answer. While I do LOVE working out, I love feeling fit and strong, there is a feeling of pressure to maintain my fitness for superficial reasons. I don’t think I am alone here right?

Me and my brother - good times 

So I took time this past weekend to do some thinking. Cooking, writing, yoga, and my family. The only thing I gain by spending time on any of these things is pure joy. Emotional and mental bliss that inspires my creativity and allows me to reach my health and fitness goals.   A state unattainable with exercise and nutrition alone.

So this morning I made myself a hearty and delicious breakfast– packed my bag for a gym session after work and sat down to write!  I have been asked so many questions lately about “how I do it?” From eating, to exercise, to cooking for one, to not eating a whole box of cereal in one sitting.  It may seem like a strange answer, but it all comes down to loving yourself. It’s that simple, in theory. But stay tuned as I dive into these topics and hopefully pass on a little inspiration to in-power you!

In the meantime…

Always #LikeAGirl

Get Puck Naked! 

What inspires you to love yourself!?

Wrong Turns in the Right Direction

It is so easy to fall into routines, habits, maybe you call them ruts. I happen to be a fan of routines. I like the comfort of consistency, to some extent.  For most of us, when transitions or major life changes occur we are forced to turn off cruise control and take the wheel.  Which means we may accidentally make a wrong turn, or blow a stop sign...or two (I swear it came out of nowhere).   But one thing is certain, the only way to find your stride and regain your composure is to get back on the bike and keep pedaling.  Enough metaphors yet?

My first week in Bristol, Connecticut was certainly filled with a variety of missteps.  Adjusting to life in a dorm shared with 8 other women, a new job at espnW and trying to maintain my health with nutrition and exercise was no small feat.  But instead of easing into it and letting myself settle into everything, I tried to force fit the perfect schedule right off the bat.  Always swinging for the fences.  Well we know what they say about home run hitters, they either go long or whiff.  And let me tell you, I had certainly hit a slump!

Popping out of bed early on day one to get a nice run in before heading to work seemed like a great idea, until it started to pour half way through! But no biggie, right?  After a quick shower, tried to make a nice cup of morning coffee but instead of a little sprinkle of cinnamon, I threw in an onslaught of garlic powder! (I am used to the cinnamon being in the front!)  I don’t care what the magical powers of garlic are; it does NOT taste good in coffee!  But then it was off to day one at ESPN so nothing could bring me down.

 

Baseball Tonight Studio 

The next morning when I tried to start my day with an INPower breakfast, it took a few tries to get my egg into the pan and not on the floor. I never realized how much of my kitchen time was on autopilot! The last kitchen hiccup was, in fact, at work when I somehow missed the neon yellow paper that was directly at eye level noting, “anything left in the fridge overnight will be discarded due to cleaning.”  That made for a nice surprise Friday around 1:00pm. See ya lunch and favorite Built NYC bag. 

Then there were the few times I made wrong turns coming home from work. Mind you, there is only one turn to make and the office is less than a mile away. 

Some may throw this one up in the loss column as a rough first week. But I am rocking a huge W.  Nobody learns how to throw a new pitch over night; it is the process of learning and figuring out what will work for you, that’s the fun part. The only way to figure that out? Keep at it.

Weighted Boxing Gloves for Piloxing! 

Being in a new town it was really tempting to stay in this weekend and get “caught up”.  But I decided to go for it – keep pedaling. I mentioned last week that I found an incredible fitness studio here in CT, Bloom Yoga Health and Wellness.  I like to start my day early – so why not with some 7am fist pumping and jab and hook combinations?  Ever heard of Piloxing? Me either, but let me tell you, I am a fan! A mix of boxing and Pilates, it is a great work out.  I was very hesitant to walk into the packed class, with weighted boxing gloves, a complete newbie. But I am so glad I did. If I had not gone, I would have never met some of the great women there who gave me a bunch of suggestions for the rest of the day and insisted I join them at the fusion yoga class immediately after. It was the perfect combination for a Saturday morning!     

Crescent Lake, Southington, CT

I was inspired by the yoga class, where we focused on our half monkey pose (a split), which symbolizes the “greatest leap of faith” and easing into something new but simply going for it! I mean…quite the coincidence.  I spent the rest of the day exploring the area, only to find exactly what I was looking for.  At first glance, there does not seem to be much beyond a series of strip malls and Dunkin Donuts on Queen Street.  But if you just keep going, tucked away in sleepy Southington, CT was rolling hills, beautiful orchards and a lake that was the perfect cap to a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  It was a good lesson in being in the moment, open to whatever comes, and trusting that moving forward with the best intentions will get me to my final destination at the right time. And not a minute sooner – no matter how hard I push.

Looking forward to a new adventure today with the family! 

What new things have you tried lately?

Fresh Blooms

It has been a long while. My last post was several months ago, after I had returned from a edifying yoga retreat. Unfortunately, my tendency to over involve myself left me little time to do the writing that I would have liked.  SOO naturally, with starting a new job today, I thought it was a great time to “get back on the horse!” On Saturday I moved into a new dorm for the summer that will be my home during my internship at ESPN. It is a very exciting, energizing opportunity that is filled with uncertainty. As we all know, change or transition is difficult and throw some unknown variables into the mix and it is a recipe for anxiety! So having invested significant time in getting to know myself, I knew the best way to help maintain balance and peace of mind during this experience is to fall back into the old habits that energize my soul.  Enter, The Whole Peace…and Yoga! 

After getting next to no sleep on my first night back in a twin bed (holy achy back!), while my 8 roommates (yes you read that correctly) slept, I hoped onto the spotty wifi to find the closes yoga studio. To my pleasant surprise there was an 8:45 hot power class a mere 7 miles away. Bloom Yoga Studio was exactly what I was looking for. The universe’s way of reminding me that following my heart will bring me to the right place at the right time. 

One of the yoga mantras written on the wall read “Bloom where you are planted.” Albeit simple, I found this line to be incredibly poignant.  Over the past few years I have been planted and re-planted several times in locations that are all very different. Each was an opportunity to learn, grow and flourish in a new environment. This simple line was a reminder that the challenges that lie ahead are nothing more than an opportunity to learn from those around me, grow, learn and flourish in new ways, that were perhaps previously undiscovered. The decision to “bloom where you are planted” is a commitment to being present, in the moment and dedicated to being the best version of myself in the face of every opportunity.

Come Monday, its time to take the field!  Day one is always the most exciting, new people, places and the endless possibilities!   Cant wait to see how this garden blossoms!

Have a great Monday…what is blooming in your garden?