Less Attitude, More Gratitude

Hello my dear readers!

Today I found myself beginning to throw a pity party despite my best efforts not to.  I woke up with prayer and positive vibes and what do you know? Before I even began the busiest part of my day, negativity started to creep in.  I shared some of these thoughts with a family member who listened briefly and then asked "What are you doing to better the situation?"  Don't you just love family members and friends who keep you in check? :-)  But it got me thinking on how easy it is to complain and complain while not trying as hard as we can be.  When it comes to the things I was complaining about, I have been trying and patience is half the battle.  However, if I look carefully, I haven't truly been devoting all of my resources and energy to making things better, so ultimately I could be doing a lot more.  There are many things in life that you can't control, require perseverance or are at times unfair.  However, what most motivational speakers and authors will tell you is that you must keep working harder.  It may seem like you have to work so much harder than others and maybe you do, maybe you don't.  In any event, you've got to work to enhance that which you can control!

So what can one do to better a situation?  Every case is different but I think my points below best refer to working towards a goal.

1) Go all in-  It sounds simple and it should be but believe me it's not so easy!  Whether it's the new gig you want, the healthy lifestyle/image you want, or whatever, you truly have to work hard.  I've been reading blogs and articles of people who've attained things that I dream of and the number one thing they had in common?  They were relentless in going for it.  For example, if you want to make a dream your lifestyle, you can't just wish for it or put some energy into it, you've go to go all in!  That may require some creativity but you just have to be willing to work hard and for a long period of time.  Nothing worthwhile comes in a day!

2) Be patient- Whoever said that patience is a virtue was not joking!  Doors close and they remain closed and sometimes it doesn't make sense for a long time, if at all.  Through it all, exercise trust that your good intentions will be rewarded and remain calm.  Brighter days will come!


3) Have gratitude-  Being thankful for what you do have while working towards what you want can be challenging.  However, I believe that appreciation spawns better energy and greater opportunities.  If you sulk and complain daily, you are not only putting out negative vibes but you're likely also stressing and affecting your health negatively. 

I hope this helps!  Remember, it's impossible not to complain or feel bad when things don't go right.  It's natural.  The point is don't stay there!

It's Friday!!!

For many people (myself included), Friday just brings utter joy.  Even when I worked on weekends, Monday-Thursday were always the most hectic days.  I love Fridays because it signifies a more relaxed atmosphere (people don't look so stressed), office workers often can embrace casual dress and it's just all around awesome.  In honor of Friday, here are a few feel good jams that keep my spirits high and my smile bright:

Bon Jovi- It's My Life

Jill Scott- Golden 

"I'm taking back my freedom!"

Marc Anthony- Vivir mi vida

"Voy a reír, voy a bailar
vivir mi vida la la la la
voy a reír, voy a gozar..."

Krosfyah- Pump Me Up

Soca classic jam!

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend :-)

Good morning!

Photo Credit: www.godominicanrepublic.com

Good morning!  It's Thursday, April 24th and I am feeling good.  No, I'm NOT in the beautiful Dominican Republic as in the photo above.  Though I would certainly love to be!  It's a good morning because I'm alive and well.  Have you ever noticed how easy to start the day off poorly?  A bad commute to work, running late, disheartening stories on the news, disagreements or disappointments from the day before, you name it.  What if we flipped that and thought about all the reasons it's a GOOD morning?  First, you woke up.  Second, you're reading this blog.  It's okay, you can admit that you enjoy it.  Ha!  Anyway, when we begin the day with a grateful and thankful heart, it sets the tone for a nice day.

So, I'll get us started.  Things that made me happy so far (it's still early where I am):

• Waking up
• Sunny and seasonal weather day
• Seeing a family member excited because it's their birthday
• A delay-free and safe commute
• My growing ability to be confident and not let other people's opinions define my fashion style
• Calm day at work which will yield productivity
• Lack of stress and tension

If you'll notice, most of my list includes emotions and "little things".  When we take the time to be thankful and happy daily, it contributes to overall outlook.  Of course, there will be tough and hard days but if you can find just a moment to reflect on what's going right, you will be on the right track! So, think about it.  What things have made you happy today?

And with that...I wish you all a GOOD MORNING and a beautiful day!

Happy30: You Better Work!

What's up world!  Happy Wednesday!  It's the middle of the week and I'm feeling amped.  In the past few posts, I've lamented how I've been off my fitness and nutrition game.  However, the lamenting is over because I'm back!  Even if you go off course, don't let moments of bad habits turn into a lifetime.  Just get back on course! 

To aid me in this effort, I needed to add something new.  How about a new challenge?  One of the ladies I follow on Instagram, the beautiful and positively awesome Thara Natalie, recently completed a 24-day abs and core challenge.  It comprises crunches, leg raises, and planks, all of which I can handle.  I'm on day 3 and it's going well.  In fact, I've been so tempted to do more than the quantities but I want to try this plan as is.  #GetTonedwithThara!  Today my schedule finally allowed me to get back to my cardio classes, so today's blend was Zumba.  Though I've been doing Zumba regularly for quite some time, every instructor is different and brings a different flavor.  Some take it more international, some go heavier on the salsa, others on the reggaeton and I love it all!  This instructor (this was my first time in her class) Either the way, my hips were shaking and my body glistening and we heard several times "you better work!"  Indeed, I did!  "And I'm feeling good...so good!"

Choreo routine set to "Work" by Ciara

Speaking of work... doing solid choreography is one of my ultimate dreams.  I love dance so much! Ciara is one of the top female dancers in the game today (check her official music video here) and this group definitely WORKED!

That Castle Kind of Life

Transition- the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

Right now, I'm currently undergoing a period of transition.  This really is a year of growth and change.  I'm so ready for the new!  Believe me, change isn't always easy but if you never evolve, you always stay the same. And do you really want to look back 5 years from now and see the same version?  Changes can be tough because sometimes you have to let go of unhealthy habits/situations but in the end I definitely think it's worth it.  We all enter a phase in life where we seek clarity, purpose, and foundation in our lives, whether it's with goals, jobs, friendships, or love. 

Let me focus on the love side of things for a minute.  I've been watching one of my favorite YouTube vloggers, Naptural85, and I love the relationship she and her husband have.  They're both young (I'm pretty sure I'm around the same age as them) and have a beautiful daughter but what I love about their dynamic the most is that it's rooted in love.  Yes, this is turning into a relationship post.  I guess it's been on my mind lately!  Friendship has to be the core of any relationship but love and trust (transparency) are the other critical parts as well.  In anything we do, there's gotta be a foundation.  Sand castles are fun but are temporary and get knocked down so easily whereas a castle made of bricks will withstand the stormy weather and is lasting. Everyone is down to help you play with sand, only a select few want to lay down bricks with you.  Remember! The word commitment is scary to some but to me it just means having loyalty and focus and going from there.  Commitment shouldn't mean lockdown!  It's not prison, it should be something you actually want :-)  Looking back, I can see where I was in situations that were bricks and sand or even just straight up sand.  However, the wisdom that I've gained only encourages me that I will build the castle that I'm dreaming of.  All of that comes in time and, as is a theme in many of these posts, you just have to be ready.  You can't be pressured into it and in retrospect I've felt pressure and  possibly even applied the pressure in the past.  Where is this post going? LOL. I'm bringing it back! 



Speaking of castles, here I am in Carcassonne, France.  The castle I'm in front of dates back to Medieval times!

The point of today's post is that life is all about transition and timing.   Everything in its right place and time. I look back on many parts of life and see where perhaps things were just not meant to be even despite my best efforts and deepest dedication.  And that's OK.  Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone and sometimes you don't know how you'll grow until you move on!  Let it go.  It's all about embracing the journey and living with love, integrity, and honesty.  When there are no questions about your intentions, the answers are always clear.  That applies to all areas of our lives.  Stay positive!

Evolve by Mya- I love this song!

Happy30: Weekend round up- Taste of summer

Another weekend is winding down and this one was pretty low-key and relaxing.  Our region experienced beautiful weather and provided a taste of summer.  I was able to go out today without a jacket and in short sleeves.  While I normally would think "slow down, summer!", I am just so over all cold weather that the warm blast felt good.  Plus there were nice breezes that kept the temperatures in check.

This weekend included some time in nature, family conversations, vision board planning, and healthy grocery shopping.  While that may not sound like much, it was perhaps just what I needed.  Here's why:

Sometimes it's really nice to just go outside and just take in the fresh air and soak in the sun.  Especially before all the pollen hits!  I enjoyed a bit of fitness, reading, listening to music, and writing.  I'm so full of creative energy right now that I can't wait to turn some of these daydreams into realities.  Beyond just my own aspirations, more than ever, I just feel ready for more positive experiences.  I know that I possess the qualities to be a great friend, partner, and mother and I look forward to all of that and just finding my way.  Just as the sun shines and the wind blows, so shall I flourish and grow.  Just being outside in the stillness and activity of it all did (and does) wonders for my spirit.  Highly encourage you all to just take some time for yourself and breathe and truly free your mind.

I will admit that I've been slightly off my fitness/healthy game recently.  While I managed to eat fairly well during my recent trip abroad (I realize I still haven't blogged about that yet- it's coming) and even on my initial return, I've fallen a bit off track of the diligent eating plan and fitness schedule I was on prior to the trip.  Well no more!  Spring and summer are the best times to be active, have fun times, and reconnect/meet new people and I want to be at my optimal.  That doesn't mean just looking good in all my spring/summer fashions but also maintaining that confidence that goes from the inside.  Always remember, everyone backtracks a little but don't let a few mistakes ruin all your progress.  You can recover and rebound if you just renew your focus and do it.  A healthy lifestyle is a journey with ups and downs not a temporal thing so recognize your mistakes, learn, devise a plan and just do it.  Good luck!  We got this!

Wishing you all a wonderful and positive new week.  Much love!

 

Speaking of nature, check out one of my favorite Disney soundtrack songs ... "Colors of the Wind" performed by the beautiful Vanessa Williams! Can't believe this song is almost 20 years old.  Wow!

Happy30: Sentiments and Shakes!

I fell behind on my Happy30 posting again.  Grr!  I talked about my post but didn't actually write it.  So here it is for April 9 and 10 respectively...

Wednesday, April 9:

I believe that happiness and joy can come from all sources, including when it's derived from an emotional space.  First, I love YouTuber Naptural85's hair and life vlogs.  Both are so helpful to me, especially as I'm managing my hair and just trying to enjoy life.  I was watching a few from both channels when I came across one that really touched my heart.  It was titled "Overcoming Inner Struggles" and I had a feeling that I would relate before even watching.  I'll save my own story for another blog posting but I've definitely had my share of low self-confidence moments and general fears.  Anyway, what touched me the most was the question that was asked.  I'll let you watch (watch the video below) but it had something to do with how to love yourself more.  Floodgates!  So I know you're wondering how is that a smile/happy moment?  Well, Whitney's (Naptural85) reply echoed similar feelings that I also experienced.  It may seem like you're the only one going through something but trust me you're never alone. Everybody is insecure about something or has fears because we're all human. Whether they show it or not. Trust me.   So through the metaphorical tears of looking back at that time in my life and seeing my own growth on this journey came the smile moment of the day!  

This lady truly rocks!  Her channels are awesome! She's Naptural 85 on YouTube!

Thursday, April 10:

Today's smile-worthy moment came in the form of friendship and food!  Can't go wrong with that combo, right?  Anyway, I had no plans after work today other than to perhaps do some laundry.  Fun times, I know.  A friend of mine was in the neighborhood and we decided to link up.  We sat outside soaking in the springtime sunshine and just having lots of conversation.  We can talk about *almost* everything, LOL and it was just fun.  I love planned outings but sometimes literally just getting together and spending some quality time without any special guidelines is cool too.  It's the spontaneity of life!  Friend wanted a snack so we hit up a cupcake shop for a specific flavor that they supposedly have daily but did not.  In fact, they didn't have much variety at all.  Mission fail!  I feel like that is a Yelp-worthy review but I digress.  So we brainstormed on more treat ideas.  Cookies?  Good idea but where you can buy a fresh baked one?  Frozen yogurt? I'm always down for it (especially Pinkberry) but Friend wasn't.  Shakes?  Hmm, interesting.  That was Friend's suggestion and it was a lightbulb moment.  I knew the perfect place in our vicinity!  After an odd delay, it was milkshakes and fries on deck.  Yum!  Maybe the best in our city?  Perhaps.  I need more visits to confirm :-)  More cool convos and then we parted ways.  Definitely a beautiful way to end my Thursday!  Clearly I should've Instagrammed my treats but we kinda just dug in.  Next time!

Happy30: Kids love a Footballer!

Today's smile moment comes courtesy of Liverpool F.C.'s star striker Daniel Sturridge.  For my non-sports fanatics, he's an English soccer player and a rising star of the game.  His team is currently contending for the English Premier League title and he's awesome.  Off the field, he seems to be a stand up, class guy.  Watch as he gives surprises students in a prank they won't soon forget :-)

Well done, mate!

Happy30: Barre is Back!

Day 7 of my Happy30!  Woo hoo!  So it's Monday and it rained all day.  Sounds like a recipe for a bad mood, right?  Wrong!  It wasn't a downpour and today marked the return of Barre class.  If you're not familiar with Barre, it's an exercise class based on the movements of ballet (you use a Barre) with a little bit of Pilates mixed in.  Oh, how I missed Barre!  It's a strength and toning class without the sweat!  Perfect if you're not heading home right away, which I definitely was not.  For one hour, it was awesome to just get away and get lost in the music and the toning.  My obliques and other muscles are on fire!  So that was today's happy moment, which is fitting because it was a release of endorphins.  A bonus moment was that I tried one of my favorite natural hair blogger/vlogger's hairstyles and it looked pretty good (before the rain and humidity set in).  Rain couldn't put a damper on my spirit even if it did on my curls.  Ha!  It's all about progress, though.  Natural (thick) hair can be hard to manage but it's the effort and attempts that will yield better results.  So as a part of my experimentation phase, not bad. Not bad at all.

Happy30: Days 5-6

So I didn't blog over the weekend but I still made mental notes of joyful moments.  By default, weekends are always happy because it's free time to relax, enjoy, and unwind. 

Saturday, April 5, 2014
Progress in play! Did another quick shopping trip and it truly is a confidence boost to see hard fitness work pay off.  I haven't reached my goal completely but I'm feeling good.  Perfect for spring!  I also had some good family time out, so that was also good.  Even if you see/speak to family regularly, it's nothing like spending some actual quality time with them.  That goes to all the important people in your life.  It's easy to say you appreciate but it's gotta be shown while you can.  And I did!



Sunday, April 6, 2014

Downtown, pizza, and fundraising!  Now that's what I call an easy Sunday.  It was a sunny, beautiful spring day and I ventured to a neighborhood of the big city that I don't get over too often enough.  It's a spot that's quite eclectic and has one of my favorite coffee shops around.  Anyway, the venture was for a good cause.  A celebration for my sister and her colleagues for a commendation their organization received.  Plus there was pizza.  Now pizza spots abound but I will admit this pizza was pretty good.  Now, I'll have to go again to confirm but I might venture it's a top spot in the city.  Any pizza-loving takers?

Happy30: Day 4

It's Friday!!!!  So I'll keep this brief.  Ever meet people who just seem to radiate positive energy?  Well, I have!  This person always managing to maintain a joyful demeanor even when they have a million things happening. Graduate study, a family, work--can you say multitasker?  But somehow through all of the stress or challenges that those things individually or collectively can bring, this person doesn't lose their light-hearted, energetic and fun nature.  So awesome and inspirational!  No matter what we have to balance in life, it can be done and doesn't have to be horrible!  I want to do more than just appreciate what I have, I want to just enjoy my circumstances.  It's a journey that will have ups and downs but the goal is a cheerful disposition throughout it all.  After all, the energy you put out is what you get back in return, so which vibes do you want?  I am team positive all the way!

Happy Friday...xoxo

Happy30: Day 3

It's Thursday!!!  Almost the end of the work week and I am excited.  Sometimes you just have those weeks where you're ready for the weekend break.  Maybe that's every week for some people.  Haha.  Anyway, today's happy dose came in the form of retail therapy and ice cream.  I went shopping and it was awesome.  I'm not a marathon shopper like I used to be, no I pace myself to about 1-2 stores per shopping trip.  I mainly got summer dresses (j'adore dresses!), some cute spring tops, and lovely accessories.  I still want to get a few more items/looks to rock this season but this was a good start.  This trip was successful and happiness-inducing for the following:

1. I'm down a couple sizes, indicating that work does pay off (at least at this particular department store, lol)
2. It was not crowded
3. They were playing awesome pop tunes (Rihanna- Pon de Replay and the like)
4. They were playing the most beautiful and romantic ballad of 2013/2014 and other customers were singing.  I love when  people get lost in the moment and sing!  Which song?  Of course, "All of Me" by John Legend!  That song is so beautiful.  How wonderful to be in love like that!  It's going to be the date/wedding song of 2014. 

 

"All of Me" by John Legend

love, love, LOVE this song :-)

To end the afternoon, I treated myself to ice cream!  Fitness wise, that's absolutely not a part of my nutrition plan but you've gotta treat yourself sometimes!  The All Lovin' No Oven signature creation at Coldstone Creamery is on point and this staff is always so friendly and high energy.  Plus it was a fundraiser day, so a good treat and a good deed!

Today was a good day :-)  Can't wait to rock the new looks!

Happy30- Days 1 & 2

Hello!  So I've been a little relaxed in my blogging but I'm back!  For the month of April, I'm going to post daily things that make me happy or put a smile on my face.  It's so easy to focus on the opposite of that and lament on what went wrong or what's not happening that you can lose sight of the little things.   I'll probably post other things throughout the month but this is my personal theme. This idea came from a friend on Facebook and I think it's great.  Therefore, I have decided to do a really abbreviated version and the posts will likely be short.  However, bursts of joy can come in many forms, it's all in your perspective!  I'm one day late but I'll include both items below:

Tuesday, April 1st:

While walking to work, I saw a gentleman walking his 2 dogs.  They were sooooo beautiful, so much so that I gave them names.  LOL.  Ever since watching the special "Too Cute" on Animal Planet this past weekend, I've been sentimental when it comes to puppies.  I adore Labs but am finding so many other breeds cute as well.  It's springtime and I work in a pretty big city, so I know there are only more adorable sightings on the way.  Yay!

An image from Animal Planet ... love these pups!

Wednesday, April 2nd (today):

Today was a bit rough for me.  I just wasn't in the greatest moods and I was just a bit frustrated...with everything.  I'm human, so it's totally allowed but it's days like this ones that I need to smile even more.  So to YouTube I went and watched some of Naptural85's videos.  She does a cool mix of natural hair journey videos  + a cool lifestyle vlog.  I love watching videos of real people living real life.  Her family (she, hubby, and daughter) is just awesome on so many levels, particularly because they're just normal.  So there came my smile moment today :-)  I also found out that one of my favorite football (soccer) clubs, Paris Saint-Germain won which mean that Chelsea F.C. lost today in the Champions League, so that was cool too. LOL

Spring + Happiness Day

Hello!  It's been awhile since my last post because I was away.  Where, you ask?  Why only Barcelona and the French Riviera!  More on that in future postings.  For now, I want to focus on today- March 20.  A truly epic day.  First (and foremost), it is the Vernal Equinox also known as spring.  Whether you love springtime or were just turned off by winter, today was a welcome change for everyone!  In my city, it was sunny and mild, a nice touch to the changing of the seasons.  I know there's a cold blast with snow in the forecast but I refuse to think about it.  Must. only. focus. on. sunshine.  I'm just excited that days have begun getting longer, brighter colors, flowers in bloom and no longer needing heavy wool overcoats.

The second reason March 20 was so awesome was that it was International Happiness Day #happyday 2014!  Now I was already excited because of the nice weather for spring's introduction and the fact that the NCAA March Madness tournament got underway.  But a dedicated day to happiness?  Awesome!  Besides jamming to Pharrell's "Happy" on repeat (I swear that should be a global theme song), I decided to reflect on the great opportunities I've had recently as well as the dreams of the future.  I feel happy when I workout or dance, when I travel, and when I can have good times with family and friends.  A simple list but the best things in life don't have a price tag.  The key is to just enjoy what you have.  Aspirations and goals are great but you've gotta just release, breathe and embrace.  Sure those things won't pay the bills but they sure will improve your quality of life :-)

Do you like spring?  What are your favorite activities during this season?  What makes you feel happy?