Hello, hi, hooray! It’s Day Two of “Life Reset” week and I’ve woken up with at least 11 times more bounce this morning, despite a super late night on the computer last night. How are you going? How would you rate your energy today? How about your head space? Love to hear all about it!
This is what I’ve been doing in the past day that’s ramped up the joy-o-meter:
No sugar
There should be a big, fat strike through that heart but it was too pretty to deface! Ok, so I’m ashamed to admit this, but this is a pretty big one for me. I know, I know, it’s only been a day but when I’m busy or working long hours, my first instinct is to reach for something sugary (at 3pm, of course) to get me through the afternoon/ evening. I’ve been doing this too much and it needs to stop. Yesterday I didn’t touch any sugar and I don’t plan on having any for the rest of the week. Hopefully this can continue on after this week as well, the intention has been put out there so I’ll keep you posted with how I go!
I had some strawberries yesterday afternoon and didn’t even think about having anything junky, but if cravings hit this week I’ll combat them with fresh fruit, some protein (awesome for keeping the sugar monster at bay), a few slices of cheese or some full fat yoghurt. Full fat is the key here, as it’s fills you up and doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes. I go for the plain greek-style yoghurt, as I find that when I have the no-fat versions, I don’t feel satisfied and end up reaching for more sweet food to fill the gap. Also, the artificial sweeteners do not sit well in my stomach. Ugh.
What about you? Are you a sweet-tooth like me? What snacks to you have at 3pm to kill the munchies? I’m always looking for tasty snack ideas… and that reminds me, I must make some more of those delicious protein balls to take to work.
Yoga and Pilates
Last night my fiance and I did yoga at home with our good friend Jillian Michaels and her Yoga Meltdown DVD. The DVD goes for about 25 minutes and she teaches yoga the way I like it – fast, fluid and challenging. Pilates was my first love out of the yoga and pilates disciplines, so I’ve always favoured it and change my mind about whether I love yoga or not constantly. Anyway, this DVD is great for just popping on at home when you need a stretch out and it felt soooo good to release some of the tightness I’ve been holding through my shoulders, back and hamstrings.
I went to pilates this morning (first time in ages) at my favourite studio Essence of Living, which is run by my friend Michelle who is a bundle of positive energy and a total inspiration. I’ve definitely lost a bit of flexibility through my hips (a result of sitting at the computer all day, no doubt!) but I loved, loved, loved the class and can’t wait to go back again on Thursday morning. Pilates has always provided the perfect balance of exercise and clarity for me – I feel really peaceful when I walk out the door, like I’ve opened myself up and allowed energy and breath to flow into cells that haven’t been expanded in quite some time. When I talk to my man about it, he compares my “pilates high” to the way he feels after surfing. It centres, calms and invigorates all at once. Total bliss bomb.
A love letter to the world
I read this Love Letter to the World on Kate Swoboda’s fantastic site Your Courageous Life and had to share it. Poignant message to contemplate for the day.
“Whatever we see in the world, that is us, too. Cultivate a willingness to compassionately drop down into the zero center of someone else’s imperfection, and you’ll see their pain, and piece of your own. We are not so very different. We are far more alike than we often believe. With courageous hearts, we can change the world. So here goes:
In the face of complaints, look that person in the eye and imagine what it might have been like to be raised to see only what is wrong.
In the face of selfishness, wonder what it might be like to walk the world with a feeling of lack, of depletion.
In the face of insults, consider where this person first learned that it’s okay to abuse others.
In the face of disconnection, think about what causes it, and ask if your response will widen the river between the two of you.
In the face of laziness, recognise the fear of living big dreams.
In the face of extremism or fundamentalism, see the clinging, as well as the terror-filled silence that would arise for that person if they risked letting go.
In the face of controlling behavior, understand the chaos that must have bred it.
In the face of “always needing to be right,” see how often this person was once made wrong.
In the face of arrogance or bravado, hold gently that still, small piece that says “I’m not enough.”
In the face of drama or attention-seeking, see the person who wishes so much to be seen.
In the face of accusation, imagine what it might be like to live life with suspicion.
In the face of judgement or comparisons, step into the opportunity the world has just provided you for practicing love and acceptance.
In the face of passive-aggressiveness, recognise the child that wasn’t taught a safe way to express their truth.
In the face of anger, see the pain of isolation from others.
Most importantly: In the face of ferocious hatred, believe in the possibility that there exists the potential for equally as big, intense, lovely and fiery ferocious love.”
+ Pretty awesome message on compassion and love, huh? Make a promise to yourself that today will be day you forgive, let go, give someone a second chance. Spread the love, baby!
+ And finally, I don’t have a photo but we had a yummy thai pumpkin soup for dinner, full of herb-y flavour. What did you eat? I need some healthy ideas for tonight’s dinner, can anyone help me out?!
Images: 1. We Heart It 2. unknown 3. The Neo-Traditionalist
:) So glad to hear your day 1 went so well! The no sugar thing is much more difficult than it sounds!!
I started off well with a fruit platter, yoghurt and toasted nuts, did a Zumba class for a good laugh and a bit of cardio… Lunch was also a good one – left over cous cous and roast veggie salad and left over lentil and goats cheese salad combo.
Unfortunately dinner was a blow out – as we caught up with friends and had indian takeaway (I just cannot resist a good naan bread!) and then had chocolate fondue (chocolate coated raspberries – a few antioxidants maybe? hehe) – but the night was so full of laughter and fun that I think it was overall positive!!
I have posted on my blog every day so far this week and plan to hit the gym today – for dinner I am doing BBQ’d veggo skewers with steamed corn and roasted sweet potato. If you are looking for super healthy dinner ideas – one of my fave blogs is 101cookbooks
Thanks again for the inspiration – so far it has been a fabulous week – it is amazing how good your mood can be if you are determined to have a good and positive week!
Haha, I was just over at your blog posting a comment and then saw you’d posted on mine! Synchronicity :) Don’t worry about the blow out, it’s all about balance and the sounds like the best part was the catching up with friends bit… and hey, chocolate fondue is on my “good” list any day of the week! ha! I was just thinking the same thing about setting the intention for a positive week actually… once you’ve made that declaration that you’re going to crank things up a notch or two, life seems to meet you halfway. I feel like everything has flowed much easier this week, good things are happening constantly, I’ve had some beautiful connections with old and new friends and there has been a noticeable shift in my energy. “What you think about, you bring about.” Congrats on a healthy, happy start to the week Jas! xx
Rach I’m totally loving ‘a love letter to the world’! Very true and beautiful. So you have woken me up to how much I’ve slid down sugary lane recently… Boy no longer have I been thinkink at 3pm that I shouldn’t have a sugar feast and then trying to hold back the deamon, i’ve been letting it run free of late! Dam jelly beans, fantails, minties and all their delicious friends have invaded me good side! So thank you, for reopening my eyes to snap outta it! From today it’s back on the wagon, I’ll be strong and shop up a fruit and ‘good treat’ storm at the supermarket which should inspire me to behave! Oh and protein balls… I’d forgotton, you really should share that freggin mind blowing recipe with everyone. Xxx
Liz: I think you’d be as surprised as I am about the no sugar, huh?! haha! You can do it honey… and that link in the post was to the protein balls recipe, I put it up here as it needed to be shared…. a few people have emailed me to tell me they made the balls & love them! YAY! xx
You are forever leaving me speechless Rach…. Just beautiful!