Showing posts with label Links. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Links. Show all posts

Thursday, September 5, 2013

belated blog-iversary

"People change all the time and forget to tell each other."
Lillian Gershwin

A little over a week ago, on a wholly blessed trip back home to the Pacific Northwest, I did it.  I chopped off my hair.  It was a spur of the moment decision, one only made at a trusted salon and with my super supportive sweetheart by my side.  I have no idea how to style it each morning (Have I mentioned that I have the lowest-maintenance beauty regimen ever?), but the change was made. 

You're probably wondering where I am going with this.  It's not often that I choose to talk about my hair (it's pretty unspectacular, as far as I am concerned)... but stay with me. For the first few days, I was deeply aware of the transition -- trying to find my way around a blow-dryer again, grateful for excited comments from family and friends.  But, after a few days, after returning to Flagstaff and daily routines, I found myself completely forgetting that, just last week, I had a set of long, luscious locks.  Co-workers and friends would comment about my "new do," and I would find myself searching for a few moments to remember that I did indeed look strikingly different from the last time they had seen me.  The novelty, the conscious recognition of change had worn off, and it took friends, family, the outside world to remind me that there had indeed been a transformation.

Last week, on my Facebook page (have you had a chance to "like" it yet?), I shared a link to a blog post by Danielle LaPorte on Celebrating Your Evolution.  In the post, she speaks about recognizing our transformation, acknowledging our changes and, as the title would suggest, celebrating our evolution! 

I am regrettably about a month behind in recognizing this, but, in August, To Live Boldly celebrated it's one year anniversary! Can you believe it? One year of reflection, 365 days of self-disclosure, 12 months of transformations in vulnerability and wellness.  A year of experimentation, of introspection, and of growth. A year of falling on my face, of risk-taking, of blunders that lead to joyful self-discovery.

Danielle's post inspired me to think about this past year of life in Flagstaff and the transformations, both painful and natural, that have occurred from taking this big, fat risk.  How do I see the world differently?  Where have my priorities changed?  How do I look at myself differently now?  My partner? My loved ones?

My world has changed dramatically.  I still seek and search and honestly have no idea what the future will bring, but I have discovered passion and self-acceptance and greater depths of joy.  My relationships have transformed, growing deeper as they change shape.  My desires for myself, my future, my health have shifted, and my ability to prioritize my joy is finally taking form.

I have been anxiously awaiting the shift into a new season -- there is a refreshing newness that comes with the turning of the leaves -- and what better time to take a moment to celebrate all that has transformed since we last welcomed Autumn?

What about you?  Whether in the last month, last year, or last ten years, take a moment to appreciate your transformation.

Monday, August 19, 2013

monday inspiration

 

Photo Credit: P. McCarthy

Hello, my dearest of friends!

Happy Monday! As I am sure you have noticed over the past few months, with school, work and the crazyness of life, it has been difficult for me to write consistently -- something that I assure you has been a sorely missed piece of my daily life.  However, thanks to those brief moments of reprieve each day, there has been no lack of inspiration and daily learning!

Each week, my search for inspiration shifts.  One week, I am emboldened to seek out ways to be more creative in my daily life.  In another, I can't help but learn more about physical health and wellness.  And still others require a search deeper inside for healing and stress relief.

Please know that you are all in my hearts and mind -- and so, in leiu of a longer post, I wanted to invite you, on this lovely (albeit sleepy for me) Monday morning, to begin with a little Monday morning creative inspiration to get your juices flowing! 

.:Revolutionizing your relationship with "doing":.

.:An Open Apology to All of My Weight Loss Clients:.

Do you have videos, links or articles that you love?  Post them below!  We want to see!

Monday, July 22, 2013

lovely, lovely love song.


Photo courtesy of Mary Lambert

She says, I smell like safety and home
I named both of her eyes, 'forever' and 'please don't go'

I have featured her poetry here before, and I am sure that most of you have heard her incredible voice emanating from the speakers on your radio... but Mary Lambert, the co-author of "Same Love," which went platinum just this past month, by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, is making some melodious waves herself in a release based on the same song. 

Whether you're gay, straight, or somewhere in between, "She Keeps Me Warm" puts words to love, with the graceful power of Mary's voice behind them.  It is intimate and deeply personal, resonating with the universal experience of being truly in love -- comfortable, life-giving, and exhilarating.  If you haven't had a chance to listen, do it. Listen, share, download.  And, if you have a moment, read her thoughts behind the release of this oh-so-personal single.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

the gift of siblings

Smack dab between Mother's Day and Father's Day, here is an article that celebrates the crazy ones that make us who we are, see us as we are, and love us as we are.

"With a friend, I have to be more articulate.  With my sisters (and brother), I can be my most primal self: inarticulate, childishly emotional.  I'll have a fight with my sister and say, 'O.K., I know we're in a fight, but I need your advice on something,' and we can just put the fight on hold. They're the only people in the world you can be your worst self with and they'll still accept you."

Thursday, February 21, 2013

how do you workout?

If you're anything like me, with winter in full-gear, your workout habits are forced to change!  Here in Flagstaff, the weather changes daily - a beautiful 50 degrees and sunny this past weekend and 6 inches of snow today!  

How and where do you like to workout?  Outdoors?  Indoors?  In the gym or on a trail? 

Check out NY Times Well to gain some of the benefits for yourself!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

intention


"The Constitution only guarantees the American people 
the right to pursue happiness. 
You have to catch it yourself."  
.:Benjamin Franklin:.

Last month, as we rang in the new year, I wrote about the role of happiness in our lives and creating a small, manageable set of goals with the intention of making room for more happiness and joy.  I began, just as Gretchen Rubin did in her book, The Happiness Project, setting goals that would enliven and energize my daily life.  Working out, sleeping more, de-cluttering my home to make room for more joy (not to mention the clarity that comes with a de-cluttered space).  

Honestly, while I was deeply enthused and excited about the possibilities of creating a "happiness practice," I had no idea that, with my new practice, I would be setting in motion a personal theme for 2013.  Only one month into 2013, I can say that this year has already brought with it an intensity that has challenged my deepest intentions to think positively, make healthy and whole-hearted decisions, and be courageous in my daily life.  And, I'm not alone.  In a moment in history where Americans ages 18-33 are reporting significantly higher levels of stress than their older counterparts, the circumstances of everyday life have the power to wear a person down.

Last week, as I caught up with my brother in Boston, he said, "You know, every time I get caught up on somebody's life in our family, it seems like our circumstances are trying to one-up each other in terms of how hard they can be.  At the moment, I'd say your life is in the lead." I laughed and reminded him that, in the scheme of things (or, as my mom raised us to think, on the scale of human tragedy), the circumstances of the moment have very little impact on how ridiculously joy-filled my (very blessed) life is.  I mean... I get to live an adventure-filled, passion-igniting and gratitude-increasing life alongside my best friend in the world and with the overwhelming love and support of a freakishly amazing family.  And the adversity of the moment can do little to change that.

This weekend, my sweetheart and I watched the film Happy, which chronicles the lives of individuals around the world and explores what makes us, as humans, truly happy (like I said, a completely unintentional continuation of this years' theme).  Scientists have found that, while genetics determine, on average, 50% of our happiness levels, our life circumstances determine a mere 10% of our overall happiness.  The remaining forty percent?!  This is made up of our intentional behavior - the positive practices that we have put in place to increase our happiness.  They identify six universal elements of happiness: 

Play
Practicing gratitude
Compassion and altruism
Connection to community
Mindfulness (they call this a "flow state")
Exploring something new

Consider this a monthly check-in.  What intentional practices have you put in place this year?  Take stock of the goals you have set for yourself. Where are you in reaching these goals?  

Friday, February 1, 2013

sick-day secrets


Photo Credit: P. McCarthy, 2013

What with working with a half-dozen families, spending hours upon hours in a muggy office with flu-ridden co-workers, and babysitting two very sick kids for the week, it's no wonder that, yet again, I have come down with a bug.  I've felt my body fight valiantly over the past few days, but... alas... it's a weekend of rest and hydrating liquids for me.  As my mind succumbs to the foggy power of my last dose of NyQuil, I thought that I would leave you with some weekend inspiration!  May your weekend be blessed with warmth, love and health!

This blog is like crack for the art lover.

I need a vacation like this.

Did you need another reason not to eat these things?



What would you do if money was no object?

xx

P.S. After months of wavering back and forth, we finally bought a blender!  What's your favorite healthy smoothie recipe?!  The best recipe will be featured in an upcoming post!



Sunday, January 27, 2013

not cool, robert frost

Two roads diverged in the woods,
and I took the road less traveled.
And it hurt, man!
Really bad.
Rocks!
Thorns!
And glass!

... not cool, Robert Frost!

But what if there really were two paths?
I would be on the one that leads to awesome.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

finding purpose

It doesn't happen often that I post twice in one day,
but I couldn't help but pass along this gem.
It's exactly what I needed to hear today.
 
 


success.

I basically love this:
 
 
Read it.
 


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

the anxiety closet

For many of us, the holiday season is filled with stress and anxiety, family expectations and painful traditions.  Here's an beautiful, authentic article about how to move past our anxiety this holiday season.  Hint: it has something to do with seeing past ourselves.

Monday, December 3, 2012

the family drama

For many of us, rather than Hollywood's version of idyllic family togetherness, the holiday season means awkward, stressful and sometimes painful family interactions... even just the anticipation of those family get-togethers can be anxiety-producing.

Here's a great article about how to work through those tough family moments during the holiday season!

Wishing you joy and peace.

xx

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

to cultivate gratitude


Happy Thanksgiving week, y'all!

In the spirit of the holiday, I wanted to pass along this
great article about cultivating gratitude!




Tuesday, November 6, 2012

having a bad day?

Found this gem while hopping around the internets today.

It might be my new favorite thing.

Enjoy on those days when you're not feeling so hot.
Or even on those days when you are.




Sunday, September 30, 2012

a little light for your day

As you'll see, this is not the typical video that I would post here at toliveboldly -- But I received a lovely reminder about this beautiful video from one of the greatest men in my life (my brother)... which just reminded me about how wonderful he is and how blessed I am to be his older sister.  It encapsulates so much about the human reality, love, death, family, life and joy... I hope that you enjoy this little bit of light.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

get up and move

Somehow, I managed to start autumn off on a rough note... with a sore throat and total lack of energy, but it's meant that this week has had a definite theme for me: getting and staying healthy.  This has resulted in me finding ways to workout despite the cold, forgoing the usual ramped up cardio workout for a low-key yoga session and biking or walking to run errands, eating healthy and, always, remembering to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

It's also meant a little extra time to do the personal research that I love -- finding new research, health tips and more -- which means that I get to pass them onto you!

As autumn ramps up with work, sports, school and more -- what are you doing to keep a fitness routine?!  I want to know!

Also, make sure you check out some of the benefits of an A.M. workout!

Monday, September 24, 2012

can food be addictive?

We've all experienced those insane cravings (did I forget to mention last week's desperate search for a chocolate fix that involved not one but two trips in the car to find satisfaction...?).  Whether its ice cream, cookies or your personal comfort food, researchers are recently discovering a link between our neurological firings and food addiction -- and the bingeing that sometimes goes along with it.

Check it out and leave your comment below!  What are your reactions?!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

"should"

Stop "should-ing" yourself.  I could NOT have said it better.

With love, 

A perpetual "should-er"