I'd Rather Be Running..

LOVE this!

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:17:20 -0600

the wind.

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:27:11 -0700

There is some quote or saying or phrase about the wind, it goes something like this “even though you cannot see it. you know its there. your hear it and notice the way it shakes the trees and bushes”. How would we feel if we knew all the good things we want and desire were already present in our life just like the wind. Maybe we can’t see them but, it does not mean they are not already there. Would we tickle and entertain the ideas of fear of distrust? Would we believe we are underserving, not worthy, or never going to get those things we need?

The wind is there to support us in many ways. It helps us when we are stuck at sea and need a little wind to get the sail boat going, it helps foster and facilitate growth in nature by spreading seeds, it makes a pinwheel go round and round and round, a simple, yet beautiful pleasure. It carries bubbles, balloons, and leaves. Althought we cannot see the wind, we know it is there.

What are some of those things in your life that you wish you could see in order to know they are there? For me, it’s safety and security. What if i trusted that those things existed already and were right at my finger tips or hanging around the corner, waiting to support me on a day when I am stuck at sea or when I need a little extra boost to help facilitate and foster growth within in me. What if I trusted for one second that my safety and security was already apart of me, something I could access, something that brought beauty and pleasure and a feeling of trust to my life. What is for one second I was able to believe?

The wind is a constant. Somedays it’s there. And others it’s not. I don’t question it when I can’t hear it whipping around outside, instead I trust and believe in it’s presence, in it’s existence.

inspiration at its finest.

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:12:02 -0700

Borrowed from Dailyom.com

February 15, 2011
Recharging Your Batteries
Getting Run Down If you are feeling run down you may find a belief or behavior pattern that is out of sync with who you really are.

Our natural state of being is vibrant, happy to be alive. Yet, there can be times when we feel run down and worn out. This does not mean that we are lazy or unfit for the tasks in our lives; it means that we need to recharge our batteries and find a way of keeping them charged. Vitamins and extra rest can be very helpful in restoring our physical bodies. And if we are willing to delve deeper, we may discover that there is an underlying cause for our exhaustion.

Whenever you are feeling run down, take an honest look at how you have been thinking, feeling and acting. You will likely find a belief, behavior pattern or even a relationship that is out of alignment with who you really are. Perhaps you believe you have to be perfect at everything or you have been bending over backwards to get people to like you. Maybe you are dealing with mild depression or simply have too much on your plate right now. There may also be people or situations in your life which are draining your energy. Once you get clear on the root cause, you can weed it out and better direct your flow of energy in the future.

In time, you might notice that the reasons you feel run down have less to do with how much you are doing and more to do with the fact that in your heart, you would rather be doing something else entirely. From now on, try and listen to what your heart really wants. It may take meditation, or just a moment of silent tuning in to gain the clarity you need, but it is well worth the effort. When you know what you truly want to do, and honor that in all situations, you will find that getting run down is a thing of the past.

i think you are beautiful ole’ jelly fish.

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:57:27 -0700

i think you are beautiful ole’ jelly fish.

Inspiration at its finest.

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:39:51 -0700

Reblogged from: My friend doni’s blog!

I judge me.

by DONIREE on FEBRUARY 3, 2011

If there’s anything in this world that I’m immensely grateful for, it’s this:

Whether it’s been a day, a week, or a month (or more) between the last time I stepped onto my yoga mat until the very moment I’ve returned to it, there is one thing I can count on:

My yoga mat does not judge me. My yoga practice does not judge me. My sports bra, my sweat-wicking black pants, and my sticker-covered water bottle; these things do not judge me.

And thank goodness. The time I spend in between practices judging me is enough.

Yoga does not judge me.

I judge me when my to-do list isn’t accomplished, when my mood isn’t as elevated as I’d considermy ‘normal’, when I’m too distracted by what’s going on in my own mind to fully be present and hear what you’re saying, I judge me.

I judge me when it takes three more days to unpack from a three-day trip, when my laundry hasn’t been put away since I did it a week ago, and when my desk is a disaster. I judge me when I start to panic that my mail (and paychecks) won’t be forwarded by the post office fast enough to cover my expenses, and I judge me for not having saved more just in case.

I judge me when I consider my own debt, when I haven’t finished the project yet, when I put too much oil in the pan because at this point – I should know better.

Yoga does not judge me.

Child’s pose doesn’t judge me when my arms aren’t straight. Surya Namaskar doesn’t judge me when my chin isn’t lifted high enough. Half pigeon – thankfully – doesn’t judge me when my typically confident and open hips are instead tight and vulnerable.

The mirrors don’t judge me. They don’t look back and offer criticism, instead reflecting opportunities for re-alignment.

Re-alignment. Those subtle shifts in posture, subtle adjustments in stance. Joints safer. Muscles stronger.

Yoga doesn’t judge me. And this is especially crucial to remember, and to return to in the moments I am the harshest on myself.

“Be nicer to you,” she reminded me as I confided an over-arching feeling of anxiety and obligations and wanting everything to just land already rather than continuing to orbit out in the space just beyond my reach.

When I am my toughest critic, my yoga mat welcomes me back to its four corners, and I crawl into child’s pose like a baby into her mother’s arms. My weight – my physical weight and mental weight and emotional weight – is supported by the Universe, by the earth beneath me. Yoga has not forgotten this simple and unwavering fact, unmoved in that I had started to question it.

I am immensely grateful for the compassion of yoga, when I am my harshest critic.

Be nicer to yourself: Where do you need to cut yourself a break this week?

how do you know you are doing your life's work?

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:50:02 -0700

By how you feel when you are doing it. This post was inspired by one of my favorite websites, DailyOM. The post was published a few days ago (or even maybe last week) but the title and theme of it really resonated with me.

A simple, yet true idea, you know you are doing your life’s work by how you feel about it. Questions may arise in your mind such as, well how do i know if I am doing my life’s work? I just go to work and thats it. But it’s more then that. Do you have fire passion joy and love and work? Do you feel like you are truly connecting yourself and putting your heart and soul into the everyday tasks that face you? Do you sometimes feel like you need to reevaluate why you took a certain position or why you don’t feel connected to your work?

Those who are doing their life’s work are easy to point out, it appears that they are genuinely connected, gracefully going through the motions with ease. Observing these types of people can be a learning experience for us all. Maybe it can facilitate our desire to find a job that provides us with enough joy and bliss like these people.

Does your current job make you feel whole? What to other things can you do to bring yourself bliss?

that what you choose and decide the universe will support

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:26:45 -0700

THAT, could be a new job a new relationship a new move a new career change. whatever it is that you are focusing your energy and intention on, the universe will support. It can often be uncomfortable and unnerving for us to put our trust in the tide of the universe.. ask and you shall receive. however i believe that if something is truly meant to be the universe will support that outcome, things will align, people will come together, circumstances will line up, and signs will fall into your lap. all things that point in the “yes” direction.

so what about trusting our gut instinct. taking risks because it feels right. allowing ourselves to be guided intuitively. after all, the only person we can trust and rely on at the end of the day is ourselves. so why spend your day following the voice of parental/societal norms. challenge yourself, go outside the comfort zone or whats expected of you or what is safe. do what feels rights.

3-2-1.

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:53:49 -0700

I feel like I’m counting down the days until I get to go home this weekend for Christmas. I’ve been away from the fam for about 5 months (the longest time ever). And am anxiously awaiting their hugs, their smiles, and the beach! While living in Boulder, I have not been able to fully identify exactly what it is I have missed, but I know a part of me is oh so excited to be home.

In comparison to CO mountains, the beauty in NJ is the ocean and the bodies of water that surround my little town (and most of the beach towns). I grew up minutes from the beach and taking a run or a drive along the water was a pretty common thing for me. I remember when I lived in NY the only body of water I would see regularly was the Henry Hudson, however, seeing it helped calm my soul. It funny when we get to knowing ourselves and realize exactly those things we need.

be silent with yourself.

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:36:59 -0700

May seem like a simple task, however, the thought of being with myself can make my skin crawl. Maybe I’m scared to look within or actually acknowledge the things that my body mind and soul are telling me. Simple, but plain example, in the apartment right now, Grace and I have 3 different blends of coffee (all sitting out on the counter getting older/less fresh-er by the day. i’m a coffee snob if you havent noticed and strongly believe in not grinding the beans until you are using them and not buying anymore coffee until we are down to the bottom of the jar). The pretty anthropology jar that houses the coffee is fairly full, the starbucks christmas blend that I bought (because festive christmas stuff makes me happy) is half way full, and the third bag that GB bought at marshalls the other day is open, exposed and being used. It’s the best one. Each morning as I brew the coffee, I feel a tinge of guilt.. like an “oh crap” those other coffee grinds are going bad I should use them first. Well, what about the part where that little tiny whisper inside says, use the ones you like. do what makes you feel right.

If I continue to allow the chaos, chatter, and noise in my head to distract me, I will fail to choose what is right. Choosing what is right is like aligning ourselves on a current that is flowing rapidly down stream, it just feels good. It’s our aversion, fight, and struggle against the down stream, that does not feel right. Choose the earlier, work with your destiny, your path, that which is meant and right for you.

inspiration at its finest.

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:42:29 -0700

There is always a choice of love or fear. If we choose fear and the alienating behavior that goes with it, we go down the tubes. It is up to us. The future is ours. If we choose love and the opportunities it offers us, we will be able to heal ourselves and the whole planet. louise l. hay.

Inspiration at its finest.

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:16:21 -0700

“Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.”

inspiration at its finest.

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:30:06 -0700

ANYWAY

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway!
If you do good, people will accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway!
If you are successful, you will win
false friends and enemies.
Succeed anyway!
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway!
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway!
What you spend years building may be
destroyed overnight.
Build anyway!
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway!
Give the world the best you have
and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway!

Written by: Mother Teresa

Believing in the statement: "you are exactly where you need to be"

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:12:07 -0700

Don’t rush the process, trust it. This mind set can be an extremely difficult one to accept. I often find myself and others wanting to know the end result of a situation or circumstance. It is extremely difficult to sit with the unknown, I encourage you to stay anyway. Life is so much more about the process then what happens at the end. The joy comes from the ride. The struggles we push through along the way, the lessons we learn about ourselves, and the relationships we make with those that we meet and those that touch our hearts in an oh, so special way.

Love your process. Everyone’s process in life is unique to themselves. Sometimes it can be hard to sit, accept and not judge or process. In addition, it can be extremely hard to compare our process to those of peers, family members and friends. Again, I invite you to believe in the statement: ” you are exactly where you are meant to be”.

Belief in this statement requires patience, gratitude, and acceptance. In order to truly feel like we are exactly where we are meant to be, we must trust that what it is that we want is already unfolding. We cannot rush it to arrive, but instead know it is on its way. What if for a minute you knew that all of your deepest dreams and desires were miraculously making their way into your loving heart? How would you feel? Gracious? Practice gratitude. Be grateful that all your needs, wants, and desires are being met. And finally, acceptance. Even when things don’t feel like they are going your way, or you meet a road block, or some one tells you no, or you feel defeated. Accept that is is a part of it. A part of the success.

Inspiration at its finest.

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:11:05 -0700

Borrowed from a favorite blog of mine: Mining Garnet

30 Days of Truth, Ocho.

Posted on October 22, 2010 by mininggarnet

Day: 8

Topic:

Prompt: Someone who has made your life hell or treated you like shit

There’s this fucking bitch I know who likes to come around from time to time and ruin my day. She verbally abuses me, tells me how incapable I am, makes me doubt everything I’ve worked and am working for. She makes me feel as though if someone or something wants me, it’s not worth having. Nothing prestigious or valuable should ever be trusted in my hands.

She is not my mother, my friend or my co-worker. She is yours truly. I am my own worst critic, my harshest scrutinizer. I have driven myself to eating disorders and anxiety attacks, given up on things I would have succeeded in had I stuck it out. My self doubt, this ugly, ugly side of me, has made me scared to proceed with things I want in my life for fear of failure. For far too long in my life, I would listen to her, let her shape me, stunt me. Not any more.

She’s a bitch, but I don’t think she’s going anywhere. I have learned, and am continually learning, how to deal with her and use her as an asset instead of a source of fear. I’m not sure my self doubt will ever make a smooth transition to confidence and complete feelings of self worth, but I am learning to use my doubt as a challenger. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing more fucking annoying than someone telling you that you can’t do something. I am learning to channel my doubt and turn it into motivation, to dare me to defy myself. The more I rebel against her, the less control she has, the more I accept that she ain’t leaving, the less I will pay attention to her.

She does give me hell, she does treat me like shit. But the big fuck you I get to give her when I prove her wrong is worth all of her bullshit and more.

At age 12, I learned the coping skill of Avoidance.

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:19:00 -0700

In the 6th grade I learned the coping skill of avoidance. My 6th grade teacher was heinous. Well, she was going through a divorce and I was often the target of her misery. Mind you, I was the good kid in my family, always got good grades, my teachers always loved you blah blah blah. The way my 6th grade teacher portrayed me to the principal and my parents was a false representation of who I am. I was so sick to my stomach (from emotional upset) that I would lie to my mom and tell her I was sick, sick, and could not go to school. The truth of the matter? I was avoiding my teacher.

As an adult, I still utilize the coping skill of Avoidance, ill over clean, over eat, pack my schedule with mindless tasks so i can disengage from what is really going on. It was funny because this morning as I was cleaning my apartment, I recognized that I was doing just that, disengaging, checking out, avoiding. I kindly encouraged myself to stop, sit, and look within. I asked myself what was really going on, and received a polite answer. The thing about it is, that the longer I avoid, ignore, distract, the longer it will take for me to regain a sense of balance. The further I push away the emotion, situation, experience, that I am avoiding dealing with, the more time and energy it will require of me.

So, instead today, I recognized what I was feeling. I wouldn’t say I fully accepted it, but i’m working on it. I reflected on the fact that deep down inside I am still that insecure, emotional, nervous 6th grader. Sadly, she did not get what she needed at that age, (which was acceptance), but luckily, as an adult I can work on providing myself with that need. And so today, I offer myself a container, a pretty large one, maybe with a lid on it. A place to dump the avoidance, and the thing I am not wanting to deal with, and a deep breath of accepting.

Inspiration at its finest.

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 19:18:16 -0600

My friend Jodi introduced me to this beautiful website, Isle of View, that creates acronyms based on a word such as Life or your own name. The creator, Russel McDougal, is super cool for numerous reasons. 1. He made an acronym for my little sisters name for me Margeau, which he did not have in his data base yet, 2. Friend requested me on Facebook when the acronym was ready 3. Made me an individualized one for my last name. I’m in love with this website and think these acronyms and images (that Russel pairs with the acronyms) are beautiful and a great gift idea.

S.O.B.O.T.I. - Sweet Openness’s Blossom Opens Timeless Illumination

Wanting vs. Acting.

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:28:45 -0600

There is a process that we go through in order to achieve what it is that we want. First, we define our wants, then we decide what action steps we would need to take in order to achieve these wants, then we act in hopes of achieving the initial want. Sometimes people fall short in this process. They define what it is they want, talk about it repeatedly, make some changes, and then when the going gets tough they through in the towel.

Why is it that we give up despite the fact that we really want something? My mom has been in a 6-7 year battle to stay in the house that we grow up in. As she says “this is my home and I want to leave it for you girls (referring to my sisters and I”. I always called my mom a warrior (i think her cuban blood has something to do with it :) ). But this fight that she has put up to achieve her want, is truly amazing, inspiring, and down right admirable. Despite being turned down by mutiple banks, going to court with my dad, having someone make an offer on the house, have a pending move out date scheduled, etc., my mom NEVER gave up. She dug her heels deep, focused on her outcome and did not rest/give up/let up. She has faced days of mental and emotional exhaustion, but the woman never gave up. This is dedication. My mom inspires me. She acted on her wants. Instead of allowing life to pass her by, move out of the house because it was easy, she fought her own legal battles in court, did not allow realtors to take advantage of her, and when she was turned down by one bank (to re finance the mortgage), she kept moving forward to find someone that would support her want. Now mind you, my mom does not have a formal college degree, was a stay at home mom (and an amazing one at that), and really never had to deal with the finances, legal stuff etc that homeowners face, my dad did all that stuff. My mom totally pushed herself outside of her comfort zone, asked for help, defended herself, educated herself on legal stuff, mortgage stuff etc. I must say, hot damn, my mom is absolutely a warrior, diligent, focused, determind.

She wanted, acted, and I can proudly say is extremely close to solidifying her dream of staying in her home (i wonder what she will do after all this hardwork is over.. maybe end world hunger? ;) ). Anyway, my focus on my moms struggles is a way for me to reflect on the fact that she did not wait/allow life and time to pass her by. She took an active role in making her want a reality. She underwent big changes (mentally and emotionally) to achieve a goal. Her determination is a beautiful reflection of how strong we really can be. Step 1 determine your want. Step 2 move in a forward, active direction. Step 3 dont stop or ever look back.

Thanks for being so strong mom.

Grace's New Blog!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:18:57 -0600

My roommate Grace launched her new project/ food blog last week! Its beautiful, inspiring AND she has already hosted me on it :)

Check out my vegan pumpkin pie… And all the other recipes of course!

http://gracefullplate.com/

my friend has cancer.

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:05:00 -0600

My friend Courtney has been in my life since 2002-ish. She became good friends with my 2 older sisters, Rebecca and Alyson, during high school. They did so many things together like, riding the bus, hanging out after school, driving to school (when Rebecca finally got her license), and doing high school things like going to parties, getting drunk, going to football games etc. I was still in grammar school at the time, but I remember I always loved when Courtney would come over, not only is she fucking hysterical, but she always knew how to make me smile. She is one of those people that, despite the fact that I was much younger, made me feel included, special, and heard. She knew how to make all of us laugh, lighten the mood, and act like a big sister and friend to me.

About 9 months ago, Courtney was diagnosed with Leukemia. I remember hearing the news from my sister, Rebecca, and experiencing an overwhelming feeling of sadness as I thought about the battle Courtney and her family were about face. I followed Courtney’s blog, stayed in touch through facebook, and felt connected to her as she kicked but in this battle, which as actually been quite a serendipitous journey. Courtney’s younger sister Katie (who lost her fiance to stomach cancer), was a perfect match for Courtney. Courtney under went bone marrow transplant surgery and was in remission up until 2 weeks ago. Again, I got the news from my sister Rebecca, while I was at work. And felt the same sadness, that I felt 9 months ago. I wished, cried, and prayed that there were something we could do. I know this is not Courtney’s time to go.

In May 2010, I ran a half marathon that passed by Courtney’s house. The night before my half marathon, I logged on to facebook and saw that Courtney was online. I told her I would be running the half marathon the next day and asked if she would be able to come outside around the time I would pass her house. She told me she planned to sit outside for a bit, but had to be careful due to the fact that her immune system was very weak. Deep down in my heart I hoped I would get to see her. Like I said earlier, she always brought a smile to my face, and passing her around mile 8 would provide me with the positive energy I would need to complete my 13.1

The following day, I headed out to run one of my toughest races yet. I was facing high temperatures and high levels of humidity. My run was tough, I felt dehydrated, exhausted and knew I needed some release. As I prepared to leave Oceanport and face the last few miles of my run, I saw Courtney’s face outside her house and I cried. Not because I was sad, but more so because I was so gracious. Despite being sick, despite being feeling down or drained, Courtney came out to see me, support me. The exact feelings, emotions, and images that Courtney represented for me as a young teen, where still very strong and very present. Despite being sick, Courtney has always been such a light, inspiration, and true representation of strength to me.

Tomorrow Courtney is facing a pretty important day. Her doctors will be telling her if her cancer is back in remission. I wish I knew how to offer Courtney all those things she has offered to me over the years: a sense of safety, security, acceptance, support, love and inspiration. I wish I could hug her, inspire her, tell her life will be ok.

What I can offer you today Courtney is my hope. my belief. and my strength that this will all be ok. It will be ok because it is meant to be ok. Your light, your strength, your inspiration are very much apart of me and everyone you come in contact with. Please dont forget that. And as you walk into your meeting today, dont give up.

Fabulous Foodie Friday Finds!

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:56:00 -0600

Saturday, IT’S ON!

Vegan Pumpkin Pie!

Ingredients

8 ounces tofu cream cheese
30 ounces (about 3 3/4 cups) canned Pumpkin Pie Mix
1 1/4 cups soaked raw cashews (soaked overnight in salted water)
3 Tbsp lemon or orange juice (optional - adds a slight zippy undertone)
2 tsp cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg

2 graham cracker pie crusts

Instructions

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/09/5-ingredient-vegan-pumpkin-pie.html