Intention

A VERY belated Happy New Year, friends! Time is just flying by-- I can hardly believe it's been two (nearly three) months since my last post. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone, and we're well into 2018 now!

Quick holiday recap- December was a month to remember. I read this post No Moving Target December before the holiday season and revisited it many times throughout the month. If you don't read the entire post, here's the takeaway:


"I don’t want to miss what really matters in the name of productivity, perfection, and busyness."

I made it intention to slow down and treasure the magical time of the holiday season. I took a huge step back from any and all media (highly recommend it!) and was very intentional about how I used my time and the people I spent my time with. Don't get me wrong, we did our share of entertaining during the holidays. Like a LOT of it. But I knew that the house didn't have to be perfect and the "to do" list didn't have to be complete.

THINKING ABOUT... Healthy body, mind and soul

I've been battling a cold and generally have been feeling fatigued for a week yet I've still tried to keep up with my "routine." But this weekend, I threw up the white flag, listened to my body and surrendered. After enjoying three long days of deep rest, reading, eating nourishing and delish food (broke the 80-20 rule!), snuggling with Sweet P and the Sailor, taking a restorative yoga class and fitting in a couple of other invigorating outdoor sweat sessions, I'm feeling refreshed.

As moms, wives, daughter, sisters, we as women in general are concerned with taking care of others and other things. Whether it's rushing kids off to activities, prepping food for the family's meals, keeping the house tidy (forget about CLEAN!), fulfilling community obligations, so much of what we do is selfless.

But what do we do to care for ourselves? How do we show up for others when we aren't taking care of ourselves? Frazzled, worn out, distracted-- certainly not present and capable of listening to their real needs. We do what we're expected to do, usually on autopilot or out of habit. There's nothing mindful or intentional about our behavior.

What do you do to hit your 'reset' button so you can be your best self? Many things just take a moment to bring awareness, adjust your perspective and remind you to live with intention.

Here's a list of things that I've found work for me...
Please add your suggestions in the comments.  

Catching Up

I'm back after a little bit of  a blogging break. I've been trying to treasure the moments of summer, so that means less screen time at night for blogging or reading blogs. In the evenings after work I've been taking walks with Sweet P in the stroller and enjoying time on our patio (photos to come) when it's not too hot, humid and buggy to be sitting outside. What else has been happening around here?

Track Time
Grammie and Pop-Pop, Sweet P, and I went to Saratoga to play the ponies! Actually, we all came home winners because we didn't bet a single race! P's head was spinning with all of the things to look at-- food and drink vendors, people, bands, betting booths. She didn't quite get the concept of watching the horses at first, but it wasn't long before she was pointing and smiling as they paraded by on their way to and from the paddocks.

Retreat

The Sailor and I are heading to the Mohonk Mountain House today to celebrate our five year anniversary.

With honor & gratitude

Thanks to those who courageously gave their lives in service and those who bravely continue to fight so that we may enjoy our freedom.

Three Things- Buddha, Glam and Imperfection

Three things I am loving now...

New arrivals available at Waiting on Martha

Check out these buddha necklaces, described as "earthy, modern glamour" from Gold & Gray. So pretty on their own or layered!

My bucket

Ever hear of How Full is Your Bucket? ...It's a quick read about the concept that our emotional reserves are filled or emptied based on human interactions, what others say and do to us. The goal is to practice the Golden Rule- Add to others' buckets in a positive manner, and focus on what's right. Maximize positive interactions to create positive energy that allows us to adjust, heal, be more productive and healthy.

Land of the free, home of the brave

Never forget. 

Choose Joy

For the past few months, I've been involved with Coaches v. Cancer and their signature Teeing Off on Cancer fundraiser, which was held last week. I met some people with big hearts who were really dedicated to the cause, and we pulled off what I thought was a successful event. We raised a bit of money for a great cause and had a lot of fun playing a gorgeous golf course at Saratoga National Golf Club (Well, I didn't play, but I DID get to drive the golf cart-- even better!)

 Saratoga National Golf Club

Lil' Reminder

Namaste

Awe-inspiring asanas. This video for Equinox makes me want to get back to my yoga practice, which I've neglected for the past six months plus. What's even more encouraging is the Huffington Post interview with Briohny Smyth, where she opens up how yoga and positive affirmations helped her cope with struggles. Best line of the article: People often overcome mountains of adversity to be in a place where they can shine.

Brilliant Beyond Their Years

Thought for the Day: Om Mani Padme Hum

Not just the Thought for the Day, but the Thought for Every Day:

Om Mani Padme Hum

In Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones, Gen Rinproche says:

The mantra Om Mani Pädme Hum is easy to say yet quite powerful, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics, and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience. Päd, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom. 

Om-  Generosity

Ma-  Ethics

Ni- Tolerance and patience

Pad-  Perseverance

Me-  Concentration

Hum-  Wisdom

Character Building

Thought for the day

Just for today...

Inspiration

Audrey Hepburn: Thought for the Day

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

 

 

 

 

 

Day One Again

Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America.  If I'm not there, I go to work.  ~Robert Orben

Just for Today...

 via studio ten 25