January's Energy Boost - Heart Your Home

In order to step in the right direction for this project. I have chosen to work on my energy. Which is kind of a vital component of life if you think about it. It determines how your day goes, what you attract and how you feel.

Goal: Heart your Home

We spend countless hours in our homes. We have the most incredible conversations, laugh, cry, dance, and even sing in our homes. Since we depend on it for the most vital aspect of our life (SHELTER) it would make sense to commit one of my goals to it and give it a little TLC from time to time.

There was just piles and piles of clothes, books, papers, iPhone chargers, scissors, Christmas cards and gift bags and last but not least a yogurt that has been left out of the fridge for like 3 days straight! Ugh! This, is a description of what my second bedroom was like. It's where junk went to die. Permanently the door would stay closed because the moment I opened it, a wave of overwhelming anxiety would flush through my body and I would then drown my sorrows with a glass of wine and Family Guy re-runs. It might not seem like a big deal to the average person. In growing up with a Portuguese background like mine, having a clean home is just a vital part of life. In my opinion I think time would be better spent with family going for a walk together rather than talking over scrubbing floors. However, I would like to take a portion of the mentality of a good clean home and balance that out with all the other important aspects of my life.

I find it fascinating how our mind works when it comes to making or breaking habits. It's pretty obvious that we are physically able to do something specific like putting your keys in the same place. But I do tend to get in my own way with some garbage thoughts like "Remember the last time you tried this? Oh man you were good! There's no way you'll do it like that again".

Think Small!
Make one goal for the day. Be present in your goals and think what's important to you day by day. Chances are the momentum of doing one little thing and seeing your home so organized will entice you to keep going and don't overwhelm yourself with huge unrealistic goals.

No Comparing.
I will let go of all comparisons with others. Sure Sally Sue keeps her home immaculate, but you can't judge Sally Sue until you've walked in her shoes. Plus, that thinking will get you far away from producing anything good for yourself.

Clear my Messy Room (The Priscilla Way)
I designate 5 piles such as: Paper, Clothes, Upstairs Stuff, Main Floor Stuff, Basement Stuff. Then I commit to one week from  Monday-Friday, each day taking one pile and working through it.
This gives you the weekend to get F-R-E-A-K-Y!

10-Minute Tidy
Me, my hubby and doggy do spend our most of our time on our main floor. So 10 minutes before bedtime I'd like to commit to tidying things up for the next day.
All throws folded neatly, clear any cups in sight etc etc.

Easy Product Access
Make things easy for yourself! I keep small designated spray bottles with cleaner and cloths in places like the washroom, kitchen sink and even in the ottoman. Chances are if you make it easy and convenient to do a quick wipedown from time to time you'll do it.

“Order is Heaven’s first law.” –Alexandra Pope

January's Energy Boost - Pack in my ZzZs!

In order to step in the right direction for this project. I have chosen to work on my energy. Which is kind of a vital component of life if you think about it. It determines how your day goes, what you attract and how you feel.

Goal: At least 8 hours of sleep every night.

You know those mornings. Where you look outside and notice the sun popping behind the trees. In the summer you'll hear the birds chirping, the trees rustling. You get ready for the day at ease and even have some extra time for that cup of hot coffee or tea in the morning. You seem to remember to say "good morning" to everyone you see and everyone you meet. Man, I love those mornings. 

We could have more mornings like these, but instead let The Walking Dead or Keeping Up with The Kardashians with no commercial breaks, one right after the other pull us into the vortex of puffy eyes and Venti-sized Lattes. I have been pulled into this cycle of doom many times and it has costed me opportunities, petty arguments, migraines and some real stress.

I have made a vow to have at least 8 solid peaceful hours of sleep every night. Yes, even weekends. And before you call me old or "party pooper", think twice because that morning, I will either be partying it up at the gym pumpin' to the beat or getting my java on the couch cuddling with Mimo (my dog that I am just obsessed with) or at the very least...on time for the "breakfast special" that I seem to doubt really exist since I haven't really seen it for myself.

 People who sleep less than 7 hours a night are 3 times more likely to get a cold. When exhausted, your body tends to burn more muscle than fat that we actually want to lose. It is a known fact that better sleep aids mental health. I mean, if our brain is the conductor of our life, then naturally it needs needs rest to be ready for the same symphony the next day. When at 5% of battery life, unlike  an iPhone, we don't power down. We strain our brain really doing some heavy damage in there. Sleep helps us retain knowledge and learn new things which is a core provider to happiness. It also decreases our chances of getting a bajillion things such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancers (prostate cancer especially..ahem men in the back!)

It is also argued that the quality of sleep is far more important than quantity. Which is why a brand new mom would be exhausted with 7 hours of sleep with interrupting feedings and fussiness. But that single bachelor after that long night at a bar would be ready for the office after 6 solid quiet hours of sleep.

Some tips for a "quality" session of zZzZs:

1) Power Naps - Could be from 20-90 min depending on how sleep deprived you are.

2) Be Mindful of your Mood - Are you really THAT upset that your man didn't replace the old roll with a new roll of toilet paper or is it time to lay down?

3) Ask for help - If you are taking too much on try to lighten your burden and ask for a hand from someone you trust while you take a load off.

Looking for some tips on getting ready for bed? Treat yourself like a baby! Get all Johnson & Johnson'd up! Soak your feet, enjoy a nice warm tea, dress comfortably and make sure it isn't too cold or hot. ALL ELECTRONICS OFF!! Lights out or have a little night light.

Here is my fav video of bedtime routine inspiration by miss glamorozzi:

http://youtu.be/DAef7Ofloxw

Good night, sleep tight, 

Don't let the bedbugs bite,

Wake up bright

In the morning light

To do what's right

With all your might.

- Unknown

 

January's Energy Boost - Eat Good & Eat Often

In order to step in the right direction for this project. I have chosen to work on my energy. Which is kind of a vital component of life if you think about it. It determines how your day goes, what you attract and how you feel.

Goal: Fuel your Body!

All this moving around is great and yes I do feel energized. However like a domino effect, a car cannot run without gas and I certainly cannot do another 20 reps of squats without feeding myself. Sure, I can take the Regular 87 Octane Gas but how far and better would I perform with the Premium 91 Octane Gas??? 

I could go on and on about eating better (and it is important) but my main problem was how little I was eating or forgetting to eat! Huge problem! We expect ourselves to go on 7-8 hour days with a splash of cereal or that 5:1 Ratio of Lettuce in our salad so of course I ended up completely blacking out halfway through my very first step class. I was embarrassed feeling like a Happiness failure in the Oakville Hospital but a good friend of mine convinced me to write about it. If others can learn one thing from my crazy experience, then it was all worth it. So here I am surrendering to you. Eat good and eat often! 

A cute water bottle might entice you to drink more often. Usually if it’s pretty to look at, us girls will use it. Do what’s convenient for your lifestyle whether it’s a banana you can peel on the bus or granola in your drawer at the office. Chances are, you won’t be waking up at the crack of dawn to make that Florentine omelette so just be you and try to make things easier for yourself. I have a friend that enjoys Turbo Kick classes to get her cardio and another friend that tracks her food and posts them on social media indicating how many weight watcher points these yummy eats are. This is keeping her accountable and committed (Follow her @juliegetsfit27)! 

Find your way to be an Eating Gold Medalist. My scare definitely made me find the Priscilla way to take my next step class with a little more confidence.

The Priscilla Way

Do it: Drink Water

Drinking water in the morning helps with your metabolism and the afternoon dehydration crash we get before we sneak a coffee in. Also, I have switched to water for drinking with meals with the exception of my glass of wine on those long days! I also found that I taste my food so much more without downing it all with the sweet stuff.

Do it: Switch to Green Tea

I still get my morning coffee! (My Relationship with Joe is far from over) 

However, I have rekindled my relationship with green tea and I do tend to lean towards it when choosing my comforting beverage in the evening. In fact, I drink about 2 cups of it before I hit the hay!

Do it: Eat Breakfast

Instead of having a mini snack when I get up, I try to have at least 3 different food groups.

Being one of the only smoothie virgins, I just picked up a new Magic Bullet. I can finally hide some greens in a liquid heaven of fresh cut strawberries and yogurt to start my morning.

Do it: Start Listening to Your Body

Delicious meal? Eat on but take it slow and once your body feels satisfied, try to stop before you hurt yourself and your tummy. Doggy bags have saved my life when it comes to healthy portions!

Do it: Add  Veggies to Every Meal

Remember how our parents buried our greens into our meals? I still do this to make sure I get the vitamins I need. Look up recipes on how to make your veggies yummy! Light seasoning and olive oil go a long way in the taste department!

Do it: Cook at Home!

I'm not saying quit fast food entirely, but your hard earned dollars went towards your grocery bill. Try to use what's in your fridge. I'm not sayin' I'm perfect at this, but I will try! I often try to make a game of how many meals I can make with what we have before going back to the store. Pre-planned meals are a great idea if you can make it work! Frankly I'm just not that organized...yet!

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf

bon appetit..

I've definitely made some bad choices before

but with a little inspiration

you can go a long way!

January's Energy Boost - I LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT

In order to step in the right direction for this project. I have chosen to work on my energy. Which is kind of a vital component of life if you think about it. It determines how your day goes, what you attract and how you feel.

Goal: Join a Gym and STAY at the Gym

I was given a Christmas gift of either a one year membership at the gym or equal value of a shopping spree. At first it was an easy decision of shop 'til I drop because of my hindering past of choosing bed and pjs over an intense workout at the gym. I then starting calculating the benefits of both and a membership definitely won by far. Physical exercise has SO many benefits such as #1 MORE ENERGY, clearer skin, better posture, minimizes stress, a smokin' body and to my surprise..better flexibility in the boudoir.

Sure, based on history I could believe that I won't be able to create a new routine to fit into my busy schedule as well as sticking to it. The obstacles to the goal are very obvious however I believe with changing up the music playlist for inspiration, some fitness classes to shake it up, and a close location to my 9 to 5 job, I choose to believe that I can and will.

Goal: Dancing & Skiing With The Stars

Have you ever watched Step Up, Save the Last Dance or the classic Dirty Dancing and felt jolts of energy going through your body as if you wanted to get up and show Patrick Swayze how it's really done? Ever dance at home like no one's watching to your fav song in the mirror?

If I had to think of myself at my most happiest and full of energy, it would probably be at a hot club in Vegas probably in the middle of the night moving as fast as I could to a Latin beat. Now I have been told that I can learn routines quickly and efficiently. With some DUI (dancing under the influence) through my eyes, I felt like I was a Spanish hot little number called Lolita showing off her Salsa moves. However in the light of day, I did realized that I needed some professional help so I had called Fernando at Blue Heel Dance Studio in Oakville and booked my lessons ASAP. Remember "Singing n the Rain"? Here is this guy just getting his feet soaked in puddles, (which would make me miserable) and he's going on and on about how glorious he feels! Let this be a lesson! When life rains on you, dance, shake, JUST MOVE! Chances are the silliness will crack a smile on you or probably the person watching.

My Ultimate Skiing Experience..Doing something different and out of the box

Routine is good. Studies have shown that routine instills security, boosts relationships, and even insulates us from addictions. However when too stuck in a rut, it's easy to let fear take over your decisions. I have always wanted to ski. To do the free fall down a slope and leave all my fears behind. Talk about an energy rush through the body. The Power of Now, a book I am reading by Eckhart Tolle says that there are many peeps that enjoy dangerous sports activities because it pushes you to be present in the moment. You won't be halting to a stop on the snow thinking "I wonder what shoes I should wear with my dress on Saturday." All those thoughts get pushed away and all you can feel is how alive you are at that very moment. I finally leaped into this last weekend after being offered a number if times by a good friend who showed me the ropes (I mean slopes!) and I had such a fantastic time. Sure I was nervous and probably looked pretty funny clutching on to anything I could get my hands on, but the best thing I did for myself was say yes to that offer. 

Has there ever been an offer you wish you had said yes to? Is there something you've been dreaming about doing for years? What is the one thing you can do today to take the smallest step towards it? Bored of your gym routine? Shake it up with different music or take the group classes offered. You may meet someone with a common goal.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”  Joseph Campbell

January's Energy Boost - Meditate & Forgive

In order to step in the right direction for this project. I have chosen to work on my energy. Which is kind of a vital component of life if you think about it. It determines how your day goes, what you attract and how you feel.

Goal: Daily Meditation

Med·i·ta·tion ˌ

medəˈtāSHən/ - a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. 

Gabrielle Bernstein is one of the hottest 'Spirit Junkie's right now that has all sorts of different meditations on YouTube like "the ego eradicator" or "meditation for manifesting". The ego is something I have learned from Gabrielle and most definitely takes up a lot of my time and energy. Basically it's the Big Judgy voice inside your head that tells you "you suck" or "don't bother trying because you won't make it". Once I had identified my Big Judgy, it was easier for me lower the volume on him. It made me realize how much I judged others and had pushed them away from me. Gabrielle has even written affirmations you can use in meditations for more forgiveness or balance in your life. I have them recorded on my phone and use them during my busy day.

Goal: Flipping the big F on Dad (Forgive of course!)

Resentment and disappointment has been no stranger of mine and it has taken years of my good vibes. Turns out instead of just dealing and feeling I've been dumping and shoving it all away as if I had no right to feel sad or sulk. Sometimes we just need some time to park our butts on the couch, cry at the heartfelt moments of Silver Linings Playbook and eat a whole bag of cheese puffs!! All the hate and resentment was poisoning my big heart! I've decided no more repressing and I am working on releasing and forgiving. Starting with my Daddy. I have been giving him the ol' Judgy without really understanding him or what he has been through. So I thought, the least I can do is tell him how I feel and what I want.

Is there someone that you need to forgive in 2014? Is it holding you back from being happier you?

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.- Will Smith