yoga en plein air

I feel... so gosh darn good. This morning, I awoke at 8:30am. I left my apartment forty-five minutes later and entered the calm, quiet streets of Paris. I hopped on the metro to venture to the northeastern corner of the city. As I ascended the metro steps, I noticed a yoga mat sticking out of the backpack of a man in front of me. Excusez-moi monsieur, vous allez au le yoga dans le parc? Obviously he was going, too. Together, we wandered into Parc de la Villette in search of the géode. I swear, if I hadn't already been proud of myself for having gotten up early, I would've blown myself away with my French conversation skills ;).

Eventually, we found them: a group of about thirty French people dressed in various outfits (shirts and jeans, tees and sweatpants, actual yoga clothes) on a range of yoga mat interpretations (think straw, cotton, nylon). It was the least intimidating environment I've probably ever experienced in Paris; such a vast difference from the Lululemon-clad yogis of New York.

My new French friend and I were a bit late so we quickly set down our mats and entered the first posture. It felt amazing to stretch again. The sequence moved slowly and thoughtfully--each posture was thoroughly explained (fortunately for me, the French names are literal translations of the English ones) and held for longer than I'm used to. As such, it wasn't so much physically challenging as it completely tackled my otherwise racing mind. At the end of the hour and a half, I felt calm, quiet, centered.

I wished my friend a "bon journée"and exited the park a different way than we'd came. It was my first time there so I walked down to the canal, stopped at a market to pick up basil for this recipe, and made my way home. One of the nicest Sunday mornings I've had in a while, and thus, definitely not my last outdoor yoga class. I'm hoping to return to Parc de la Villette one night soon as well. A date night at "the cinéma" with a boyfriend I've been missing like mad (he's been traveling a lot for work) sounds perfect.

things I'm afraid to tell you

Honestly, guys and gals: it takes a whole lot to be authentic online. As much as I intend to present everything as it truly is on this blog, I also leave out details about my personal life and self as a means to create a somewhat "better" version of reality. I suppose this is human nature, and I don't enjoy whining. But, after reading Ashley's and Sarah's and Erin's Things I'm Afraid to Tell Yous, I'm realizing the value in more vulnerability. So here goes... everything? Please don't be harsh. I know I'm hardly perfect.

Although solely understanding has it's benefits, I feel inadequate for not being fluent in Spanish. I should speak Spanish. With a grandmother from Colombia and a father from Mexico (and plenty of other multilingual family members), there's really no reason for me not to be bilingual at this very moment. And yet I'm not. According to my grandmother, when I was too young to remember, she tried to speak to me solely in Spanish. Do you know how I responded? "Grandma, hablame normal por favor." Also known as, "Grandma, speak to me normally please." Yes, her and my dad should have been consistent and persistent (having interned at Lucie Berger in Strasbourg, I've seen how remarkably fast children can pick up new languages), but I also played a small role. Boo. I will literally spend the rest of my life working at it.

I wish I could control matters of the heart. I understand I have no say in how people feel about me, but must I really go on caring about those I'd rather forget about? It's just inconvenient. Furthermore, I'm too gosh darn picky with future prospects. I agree, dating should be fun and one should not settle, but it is so beyond frustrating to be good at meeting people that are as interested in me as I am unenthused about them. What is my deal? Just because this would be an awfully awkward time to have a boyfriend, doesn't mean I wouldn't like to meet someone who I actually want to exchange flirty texts and go on fun dates with. Prince Charming, that's your cue. I promise to be nice.

Gosh, I'd like to be more athletic. Most of the time I am very content with a moderate yoga practice, infrequent barre classes, and walking as much possible, but I honestly wish working out came more naturally to me. It seems as though everyone else happily exercises at least four times a week. It's a part of their routine, and thus, they are almost always fit. I, on the other hand, go through habits of running or fitness classes far too quickly to ever maintain a consistently strong bod. I just want to maintain my active lifestyle (and weight) abroad.

I miss my friend. Humility aside, I like to think I have lots of friends; and that's just because I've done numerous random activities and walked away with at least one person worth keeping in touch with. With that said, I lost one special friendship a little over a year ago. The absolute worst part? I have no idea why. Even with a busy social schedule, it's hard to accept I'll most likely never see her again. I doubt I'll ever really get over it.

Finally, perhaps the thing I'm most afraid to tell you: I'm just as terrified as I am excited for what's to come. Moving to Paris for grad school is huge in and of itself, and I'm doing it alone. Sure, I was scared to study abroad for a year; I didn't know anyone in either of the programs, I was moving to countries I was (mostly) unfamiliar with, and I was so, so afraid to miss... everything. The comfort was, no matter what, I knew I was coming home after. I had a plane ticket to prove it. And if that wasn't enough, I had two remaining semesters at Syracuse University which would surely ensure my best friendships would not be lost nor forgotten. There was a similar comfort on my solo cross-country road trip—if you replace my senior year at SU with my first few working years in New York. Plus, I was in a car, giving me absolute power to literally go straight home if I'd wanted. Now I only have a one-way ticket. No matter how excited I am to study a topic I've always been passionate about or live in a city I've adored for years, the lack of guarantee is unnerving. I'm sure I'll be lonely from time to time, but what if I fail? And I mean that in more than the academic sense (though that is also a concern). This is the most unknown I've ever tried to handle and I'm not so sure I can. Oh, and what if I do/don't come back? To the USA, that is. I'm aware I may not want to return New York with my masters, but I could literally end up anywhere depending on my personal situation and employment opportunities. Why yes, I do have trouble sleeping for the same reasons I chose this path in the first place...

Words by D. Alvarez, Logo by Ez

from concrete to greenery

Yesterday, a friend from home invited me to join her for a hike. I wanted to go even just to hang out with her, but I also realized it's been almost two years since I enjoyed Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Not okay! The Preserve is conveniently located close to our parents' houses and with over 1,400 acres, one can always find a new scenic path through "wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and fields and past streams, rivers, and lakes while traversing wood and stone bridges." Plus, on a sunny, summer day, there are few things more refreshing (the beach is one of those things, of course, but don't worry, plans are on the horizon).

I love walking through the city's busy and crowded streets. There's an invigorating energy and beautiful sights along the way. I read once that, "Paris is the most modern of ancient cities, while New York is the most ancient of modern cities." There's truth to that. Even just one New York City block represents years and years of history, and it's almost magical to try to digest it all. Then, following just 40 minutes on a train, I can find myself up here amongst even older trees and stars. Amazing, isn't it?

A recent HuffPo article outlined some of the benefits of outdoor exercise: improved attention and focus,  greater likelihood to keep exercising, lower risk of being overweight, more energy, faster healing and less pain, and higher Vitamin D levels. They also referenced a 2010, BBC-reported study finding: even just five minutes of exercise in green space can improve mood and self-esteem. My friend and I spent an hour and fifteen minutes hiking. Talk about an endorphin boost :).

Afterwards, we retreated to The Patio Restaurant for a late lunch. For a diner-style eatery, this place has an impressive salad menu. I had the Bella salad (chopped mesclun greens, spinach, arugula, asparagus, fresh oranges, sweet walnuts, raisins, goat cheese, avocado, plum tomatoes) with grilled salmon. Delicious.

It was quite the pleasant afternoon. And later on, I enjoyed a quintessential summer night in the city atop a Williamsburg rooftop. There really are an infinite number of ways to have an "I love New York (state)" moment.

heat waves & prom dresses

If you haven't heard already, it's very hot and humid in New York; as if the newly appointed summer were trying to make a point or something. This means one of two things. First, my eating habits will most definitely "improve." This is not to say that I make completely unhealthy choices the other three seasons of the year, just that in the heat of summer, I crave more raw fruits and vegetables.   

Case in point: today's breakfast smoothie. If you can believe it, I was actually explaining this recipe to a gentleman at a West Village bar late Wednesday night, and he was actually very interested in hearing it. I can be quite the conversationalist ;). Moving on... my usual blend consists of spinach, banana, cucumber, frozen berries, romaine, flax, almond milk, cinnamon, and avocado. Today, however, I tried something new.

Last week, a representative from Vega contacted me to see if I'd be interested in trying their newly branded Vega Energizing Smoothie. Yes, please! I hadn't enjoyed a Vega smoothie since the delicious Shake & Go choco-a-lot samples on my road trip, and was thrilled to find I love the vanilla almond Energizing Smoothie just as much. Rich in nutrition (two vegetable servings, 10g plant-based protein, 5g fiber, 1g Omega-3) and ridiculously convenient ("add water, shake, and go!"), they also come in four other flavors: tropical fruits, chocolate, mixed berries, and natural. I can't wait to try each one this coming week.

Aside from salads and smoothies, I also tend to gravitate towards quicker meals. Yesterday, I whipped up a batch of quinoa with edamame and bell peppers, grilled a handful of my beloved haricot verts, and warmed up left-over falafals (inspired by Heidi Swanson on a day when it wasn't ludicrous to use the oven) for lunch.

Second, the on-set of summer means that although I'm re-starting a running routine, I will most often seek refuge (and exercise) in beautiful, air-conditioned studios like this one. You can follow my class reviews on Pravassa. In other news, remember how I mentioned my little sister's prom? Well, there she is looking stunning as always in the left photo. To the right, you'll see me, seven years ago, at my junior prom. Our dresses are surprisingly similar, wouldn't you say?

how to not gain weight on vacation

What do you think of when you think Colombian food? If you're like I was about a month ago, probably nothing. I assumed they had empanadas (most Latin American countries do), but otherwise I was clueless. I was thrilled to discover ajiaco, bandeja paisa, and sopa del platanos while traveling throughout the country though. I was also pleased to find there's one food Colombians may just love most: bread. Actually, it seems that bread is perhaps the most universally popular food... almost as popular as it is on countless diet "do not eat" lists.

So, how is it then that one can delight in all the delicious breads of the world while relaxing on a well-deserved vacation and not return home with too much extra baggage? It's simple, really. Just forget about the vacation part of it; not necessarily because of what it actually means, "a respite spent away from home or business in travel or recreation," but because of how its definition has evolved, "a period of excess everything--most notably sugar, alcohol, and inactivity."

[an arepa de choclo (sweet corn bread) and café con leche]

I get that all this talk of moderation is annoying. Trust me, I do. But I'm also aware that many of us are trying to maintain our weight (and hopefully our health). No matter how glorious it may be to "vacation," finding we've come back softer and heavier takes some of the fun out of it. This is how I keep travel fun:

[changua (a creamy breakfast soup made with milk, egg, cilantro, and bread)]

Visit food markets. As I mentioned in on Holly's blog, fresh produce is generally cheaper when in season and it tastes a whole lot better. Try a new fruit or vegetable, and if you're able to prepare food for yourself, stock up. Be sure to sample some delicacies as well (they just may be healthy) and count the tastings as a meal (one of the three) while you're at it. Soak up as much culinary culture as you possibly can! And the best part is, you'll unexpectedly be exercising as you do. Speaking of...

[pandeyuca (yuca cheese bread) with caldo de costilla (a broth-based soup made with beef ribs, potato, garlic, onion, and cilantro)

Walk, walk, walk. Or swim. Or ski. Or bike even. Being in a foreign place is the perfect opportunity to explore actively. If you'd like, you can even keep up a bit of your fitness routine. It'll be more exciting practicing yoga (or whatever it is you do) somewhere new. I promise. Oh, and if you have a favorite pair of dancing shoes, don't forget to pack them. Going out for a night of dancing is always a great time.

[two fresh-out-of-the-oven roscónes (soft, sweet donuts filled with arequipe)]

Be on vacation. I know I said I don't like the word, or at least the way we use it, but try to remember why we do it. CNN recently reported: about 57% of working Americans had unused vacation time at the end of 2011. To that, I say, please take what you have earned. Get away (even if it's just to the next town over), disconnect (read: do not check work e-mails), and focus on having the fun you deserve with friends or family. This is your time to mentally relax and recharge. After having done so, you will surely return home feeling better in every which way. Not to mention, post-break, you'll happily find yourself more efficient at work.

And, you know what? If you've diligently followed these tips and still notice you've gained a couple of pounds while traveling, try not to worry about it. After a few days of eating healthfully and working out again, your body will settle right back where it was. Look back at the photos from your trip in the mean time. 

Yep, it was most definitely worth it.

how to have a good morning

Even when I have trouble sleeping the night before (it's been happening a lot lately), I'm a morning person. I just love that rising sun, those chirping birds. But there are a few rituals that also put me in a good mood in those early AM hours. First is exercise. I'll admit that I don't always work out in the morning, I don't even work out every day, but I enjoy it most when I do. Between those endorphins and knowing you've been active before noon--go you! Although I'm hardly in the habit of getting out of bed before 7am, free fitness classes (like those at Athleta) are a great motivation. So is promising to meet a friend at the gym or studio. Second is primping. Taking the time to get ready can set a beautiful tone for the day. I know I feel better when I believe I look better. I'm a lot calmer, too, after I've spent time with my mascara wand and tied up my new booties. And I'm not the only one. As Miss Holly said today, "I may have actually looked at my happy, put-together self in the mirror and sung out loud for the courtesy of my neighbors, 'I am a woman, hear me roar and take over the world!'" Yes, it can be that good.

Third is breakfast. If you're not in the habit of breakfasting, I don't know what to tell you. I can't even begin to understand your choices ;). But if you are, make it special. Even if breakfast is just a bowl of cereal, make sure it's the kind you enjoy most; or at least a healthier version of a childhood favorite. Better yet, with a few extra minutes, make yourself a hearty bowl of oatmeal or a refreshing smoothie. Or, prepare French toast from a stale baguette, fry up the last egg, and serve your favorite fruit alongside it all. I can assure you that doing so on a Monday morning actually makes it very okay the weekend is over and you're working on a holiday.


P.S. I've been thinking of making a series of "how to" posts like this one, e.g. how to pack lightly, how to work from home, how to eat out healthfully. Thoughts?

strong heart, sore ass

After three whole weeks of bus-riding bliss, he told me he didn't want to sit with me anymore. "Good, I want to sit with other people anyway," I'd said in response. I was crushed, and seven years old. Thus began my failed relationship streak.

I'm mostly kidding, but it is true I've been broken up with more than once. I like to think it's because I'm a part of the hopeful bunch. Still, even when you're not 100% into it (or the relationship = being school bus buddies), it hurts. Trust me, I know.

But, according to Smitten, break-ups come with perks too. Most of the ten are just funny, but my favorite two truths are: "Everyone reminds you of how beautiful, smart, funny, and overall great you are," (case in point) and "You can fall in love again. And you will!"In the gap of time between point A and B, I become the queen of distraction; I like to bombard my schedule with friend dates, weekend getaways, and family time. Doing so forces me to enjoy myself even as my heart aches. Eventually, I've found, the pain stops and the fun continues. 

Amy Spencer of The Life Optimist even has a list of 10 things all singles must do (in addition to these 36 experiences "every singleton should savor.") I can check off nearly every one--ahem, traveling alone and not coming home at night--but the most important to-do in particular, learning how to take even more care of myself, is and will forever be a work in progress.

Until this past December, I've never really understood how people maintain a regular workout routine. Now I get it. It's not about toning up, slimming down, or even staying fit, it's about getting stronger. And I don't mean physically. 

For as weak as we sometimes feel, we are incredibly resilient creatures. Practicing yoga, taking the stairs, dancing the night away, running towards the sunrise, has taught me that. It feels good to stretch, sweat, and see results, knowing that you did it all for you. Then this goodness spills over into the rest of your day. The magical combination of endorphins and confidence in your abilities makes truly living and loving again a habit. And before you know it, you're better than fine... you're planning for the best Valentine's Day yet with four great friends.

Words by D. Alvarez, Photos by K. Ottomanelli

have yourself a merry little christmas

Morning! Have you commented on this previous post for your chance to win $100 towards your next restaurant meal? You probably should.

It's Christmas Eve, and I've already worked out; it's my fourth time this week.

For as wonderful and loving as my parents are, there's one statement they don't share often: "I'm proud of you." That's not to say, of course, that I don't believe they are. I know it. They've always encouraged and supported me, and I couldn't be more grateful. But I also believe that the lack of frequency in the reiteration of the fact affected me. It drove me to be self-motivated and to seek self-satisfaction. I cannot tell you how many times I virtually pat myself on the back each day.

So when I tell you that- this morning, I worked out for the fourth time this week, I say it with pride. I've formally exercised more in this past month than I did the entire summer. Being active is my thing, but going to the gym, running on a daily basis, frequenting fitness classes to the point at which I'd become recognizable, isn't necessarily. To be honest, I wanted to get into better shape mostly because I knew I'd be on the beach come this year's end. Do I now have the most perfect bikini bod? Of course not. But I did end up rediscovering mi confianza.

It's probably the greatest gift I could've given myself this year. Because, at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter how many people tell you how proud they are of you, or how great of a job you're doing, or (my favorite) a simple "well done." What's important is that you trust in how capable you are and recognize how much you're achieving, every single day. Success is all relative. It starts and ends with you.

Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, wishing you the very merry weekend you undoubtedly deserve, from my family to yours.

treating myself

I don't know if you've realized this, but in addition to embarking upon "the most wonderful time of the year" we're also in the midst of that frightening holiday season with gift stress, family drama, and empty calories. The horror!

At least we're enjoying spring-like, late fall weather?

In all serious though, I'm excited. I feel secure with where I am personally and professionally. My social calendar is filling up with potlucks and parties. This year (as opposed to the last) I'm feeling especially festive, thankful, and ready.

In order to enjoy everything to the fullest, I'm rededicating myself... to myself. When I get the fun kind of busy, I tend to exercise less, eat out more often, and not get enough sleep. As much as this lifestyle is fine for a short while, it becomes anything but when it lasts for weeks on end. So, here's the plan:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule. I like my planner, and my to-do list, and all the productivity that is meant to come from it. Trouble is, when it comes to settling down in the evening, it's tough to slow my mind down from that go-go-go. Enter a book before bed. Although I read regularly, shutting down my computer and opening up my next good read of choice isn't a habit of mine. I've decided to make it one. Reading before bed calms me down and truly prepares my body for sleep. And when I am able to get those solid 7-8 hours, my days are brighter, as is my skin. Just last year, Swedish researchers found that "people deprived of sleep for long periods appear less attractive and more unhealthy than those who are well rested."
• Prepare myself (at least) two meals a day. Working from cafés by day and making dinner plans in most evenings means that I too often only make myself breakfast. I wouldn't dream of waiting for oatmeal until I was out and about ;) but I also need to pull in the reigns (reindeer pun intended) on my lunches. I'm usually more than capable of channeling Heidi Swanson and whipping up one of the recipes I'm constantly collecting. As for those days I can't be home around noon, well, I'm pretty sure convenience is why sandwiches were invented. Prioritizing these midday meal options will surely be more beneficial for my health and finances.
• Get fresh air on a daily basis. Being that I have the unfortunate desire to become less active in the colder months, I was inspired to write Four Reasons to Stay Active This Winter. Even if it's just taking a walk with my roommate's dog along the East River or around Central Park, I know that being outside and moving makes me happier... and helps me maintain my weight. (There. I said it.) Thankfully, I'm also responsible for reviewing fitness classes for Pravassa. I'm hoping it, along with publicly declaring my goal of 4 classes/week, keeps me accountable.
• Only celebrate when celebrating. I am the first person to advocate for plenty of bubbly and sweets this holiday season. With that said,however, there's no real need to open three new bottles of wine in one week, or have three homemade pumpkin scones in one sitting; even if both or either are gifts. Furthermore, prioritizing health and maintaining mindfulness when I'm eating on my own will surely make those many special occasions with family and friends (and drinks and desserts) that much more special.

my big fat greek wish

Happy Cyber Monday, friends. For many, I know that discounted shopping opportunities like this are exciting, but for me, well, I could care less. You see, I've never been big into beautiful things. Beautiful places though... yes, please! I hope this means I'm visually-driven and artistic rather than completely superficial.

 

I just cannot get enough natural beauty or that of architecture, photography, dance, art museums, design, and the culinary arts. These aesthetic forms delight and inspire me, and unseen ones often help determine my next destination. It should be no surprise then that Greece often tops this "beautiful places to go" list. 

It was the Ancient Greeks that first defined beauty as pure, simple, and symmetrical. Since then, the word has been shaped and reshaped by culture so that it is not only seen as a quality of perfection, but also imperfection. (Remember the Japanese ideal of wabi sabi?) Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Still, there is one aspect that seems to have remained consistent throughout the world: the connection between aesthetic appeal and well being.

I began this year with my healthiest resolution and these words, "Is it a coincidence that when I look back on the happiest parts of my life, they're also the times in which I looked and felt my best? I think not." Hippocrates, a Greek doctor, teacher, and "father of medicine," would probably agree with me. He believed in treating the body as a whole and that optimum health would be reached through a proper diet, fresh air, good hygiene, and plenty of exercise. Most, if not all, Ancient Greeks agreed with him on that last part; exercise had become a physical activity to reflect their belief in the beauty of the human form.

Of course, I am no health evangelist. I believe that seeking pleasure is equally as important as maintaining optimal health. And for that, I look towards another school of thought originating in Ancient Greece. Epicuris, an atomic materialist, believed pleasure to be the greatest good. He believed you attain the greatest good in living modestly, gaining knowledge of how the world works, and limiting one's desires. These days, epicureanism has been misinterpreted to mean a love of enjoyments, especially good food and drink. As for my personal understanding and practice, it falls somewhere between these two extremes.

Each day, I combine Hippocrates' philosophy on health with an adaptation of Epicuris' philosophy on pleasure as I strive for "good living." And according my favorite authentic Greek Yogurt, FAGE, good living is actually a Greek tradition. Interesting. Apparently, in spite of my attempt to combine all the yummy philosophies I've acquired throughout my travels and life experience, those from this beautiful country I've never actually seen seem to have resonated the most.

The best way to enjoy life is to keep oneself intellectually stimulated and physically satisfied, and that, my friends, just may be the most beautiful thing of all.

I would love the opportunity to experience Greece for myself some day, and that is why I wrote this post... As part of the Foodbuzz Featured Publisher program, I have been entered for the chance to win a trip to Greece courtesy of FAGE. You too can enter to win one of three trips to Greece by entering the FAGE Plain Extraordinary Greek Getaway here: http://www.fageusa.com/community/fage-greek-getaway.

Words by D. Alvarez, Photos by M. Egkolfopoulou

real reflections

While living at home, I took my dogs on daily walks. I allowed my thoughts and feelings to flow freely with the movement, and spent more time doing so each day. In the past week, I dug deeper by combining this natural stimulation with absolutely awe-inspiring urban experiences at Meet Plan Go and RHH Live. I cannot even begin to share with you how amazing it all has been. What I can do, however, is share the photos and quotes I found to be most powerful.

"In life, nothing happens by coincidence." -Rita

"If there's one decision you will not regret making, it is taking that first step." -Amanda

"Greatness doesn't happen when you sit on your ass." -Kris

"I am so sick and tired of possibility. Possible?! My dream is a done fucking deal." -Danielle

"You cannot be a good servant if you can't take care of yourself." -Russell

"The most basic human desire on the planet is to feel like we belong." -Simon

"When a woman loves herself, and takes ownership of her beauty and pleasure, it is a privilege to be in her presence." -Gena

"You already have all the tools you need within you... everything is figureoutable." -Marie

Pretty amazing, huh? Please wish me luck as I take the fresh empowerment and apply it to the first day of my new job today :).

a balancing stroll

May has certainly been a busy month thus far. I moved and settled into my new apartment, I'm slowly but surely surviving a marathon work week, and apparently my birthday is the weekend after next. It's been fantastically exhausting. So, for the next few days, I am going to take a long, hard look at the areas of my life that need balance and determine how it is I'm going to find it.

Sleep: I don't often sleep as much as I should. I intend to go to bed early and then stay up, lying in bed, as I ponder all the things I need to do the next day. Then I watch Hulu for a few hours. Unfortunately, lack of proper rest has physical effects as that of stress. You can imagine how pretty things often don't look as a result ;). I need to get myself on a regular schedule while also finding moments throughout the day to mentally rest. Meditation comes to mind, quite literally.

Nourishment: I cannot say that I haven't been eating healthfully, but recently, convenience has taken priority before nutrition. Now that I have my weekends again, I'd like to visit my local farmer's market more purposefully, seeking seasonal produce with an idea as to what dishes I'd like to whip up later in the week. I never though I'd be the one to plan my meals, but perhaps I will. Albeit loosely. It might be the only way I'll properly use my new Vitamix, and it'll certainly be a way to make sure my eats have variety.

Movement. Oh dear yoga, how I have neglected you. Exercise always seems to go to the wayside as I accumulate more and more into my schedule. I miss it. Believe it or not, I'd actually like to get into the habit of running at least once a week. I also must use of my Yoga PassBook, in addition to trying out local rooftop yoga at YoYoga! NYC and a few other studios I've acquired trials for. Thankfully, no matter what, I always have my walk to and from the subway. It keeps me centered.

And there ya go; My general plan for re-balance. Throughout these next few posts, I'm going to highlight a few of the tools that have and will help me in this ever-necessary process including a round-up of kitchen staples, new activewear, and general thoughts. I know I'm looking forward to writing and then practicing them more than anyone :) hope you'll enjoy too. Have a good night, lovelies.

life well done

Final thoughts: Smile. Eat Breakfast. Do Less. Focus on Making Memories. Be Grateful.  Sleep Enough. Face Your Challenges. Keep in Touch. Move Often. Say Something Nice. Just Breathe. Hug it Out. Savor Those Snapshots. Chocolate. Also, pretty please (with three cherries on top) visit The Well Daily, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. Live Fearlessly.

come what may

It's eight o'clock on a Wednesday morn: the rain is coming down hard outside my window, the sky is gray, my room is cold. I have no desire to get up, get dressed, and get myself to NYSC for a vinyasa yoga class. Yet I'll probably go anyway.

Some would call that willpower, but I beg to differ. I think that my decision to make myself go--despite the fact that I'd rather stay warm, dry, and comfortable in bed--is rather a reflection on my personal understanding that I will feel even better after the class. I'm not sure if that comes from age or experience, or maybe it's a combination of both. I think they call that wisdom, right? In these past few weeks, I've felt more strong, centered, and proud of my accomplishments (mental, physical, and emotional) and I'm not ready to give that up quite yet. At least not until the week after next when my "30 days for $30" promotion runs out... then I'll just have to deal until I find my next feel better booster ;). Please note that I am sipping today's coffee extra thoughtfully as I ponder this.

There are mainly two decisions that we have to make at most hours the day. The first is what we're going to do in any given situation that comes bearing choices. The second is how we're going to react to those things, people, and events that just kinda happen to us. Truth is, even those with control issues (ahem) must accept at one point or another that they'll never be able to regulate everything. Sad but true, haha. 

Like say you meet Leslie for a networking event, end up drinking more wine than you bargained for (and enjoy every second of it), catch the last train home by all of 30 seconds and then sleep right through your stop. You wake up just in time to jump off at a stop ten miles north of you but it's 3:15 a.m. at this point and there's no way you're going to be able to land a ride home. Well, there's nothing to do but call a cab and scrounge together the cash that you have floating around in your purse. It should be so easy, except you just met a girl in the same situation, with far less clothes on (there's a winter chill in the air), whose phone has died, lives 15 miles farther south than you, has no cash whatsoever and no opportunity to retrieve any since the three banks in close proximity aren't hers and their doors only choose to open for cardholding members. In this case, there's nothing left to do but offer to let her share the cab and pay for the entire ride. Sure, there are other options... but not really. And a few weeks later you will receive half of the expenses as promised. In the words of Psychology Today, "Open heart, open eyes."

Some decisions are easier to make than others. Even fewer are as transparent as the one above. At the ripe age of twenty-two, when life's opportunities are, without question, limitless, there is no such thing as the right way. So, those like me must take chances, embark on leaps of faith, choose to do what feels right. After that, we can only hope that those areas of life that are beyond our control will come as blessings. No matter if they're blessings in disguise; we'll figure that out eventually. There really is no better way to go about living our lives otherwise. 

Today I am thankful for my youth, and for the facts above, even if I oftentimes need lovely friends to remind me why. In other news, can you believe that it's already December 1st? I hope you rang it in in an appropriately festive manner. I've decided that I'm going to make the most of every last moment in 2010, and when the January does come, there will be no resolutions made. In this coming year of wonder, I wouldn't choose to have it any other way.