the little things in life...

I hear a lot of people who say they wish they could really contribute to the World but they don't have that one idea, or know how to go about making their mark. What is that "really?"  What do you mean by it? Do you want to be recognized for it? Win a Nobel Peace Prize? Provide water to those without? Eradicate homelessness? Or make a difference in just one person's life?

We often hear "THINK BIGGER," but maybe it's time we think smaller...

If you are plagued by the desire to be SO great, SO epic, SO powerful and you can't figure out where to start I suggest you begin by thinking smaller. What can I do today, right now, that will make a difference? 

I've always believed that one smile has the power to change the World. Kindness goes a long way. When you start doing things for others, for strangers even, from a place a love, a whole new world opens up to you. You see how much others appreciate the little things and then you yourself start seeing beauty in everything.

Martin Luther King Jr. said "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up..." He said one day because he knew it wouldn't' happen over night. It would be a struggle.

When Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize, she was asked, "What can we do to promote world peace?" She replied: "Go home and love your family."

Rosa Parks just didn't get off that bus. That's pretty simple, right? She impacted the world by standing up for her beliefs and refusing to give in.

So if you're struggling with how you want to make your mark on the world, try to think small to act BIG. Recognize and believe that YOU can make a difference. Everything you do, do with love.

Life really is... all about the little things... that stick with us throughout our journey here on Earth and beyond...

bananas for bananas...

make this:

2 frozen bananas

1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder -OR- raw cacao powder

1 tbsp of agave (optional)

put in a food processor. 

eat.

enjoy.

eventually... mix in your favorite toppings like honey, strawberries, nuts, raw chocolate chips, mint leaves.

put it out into the world... and CRUSH it...

Earlier this year I shared a goal in front of a room of people. The goal was to lose 50lbs by December of this year. 

I took ZERO action on this goal and found myself gaining more and more weight. By August, I had reached my absolute peak weight. The number on the scale was higher than I would have thought I would weigh 9 months pregnant. I actually thought I wanted to be pregnant in that moment so at least I would have an excuse for not being able to ditch the excess pounds. I had an entire closet full of clothes that didn't fit. I was self conscious of my appearance. Every thought, of every minute, of every day was spent thinking about how "gross" I was feeling, or how "wrong" I was for overeating. It was exhausting and I wish it upon no one.

This past week, I was reminded of my goal by one of those people in that room earlier this year and how freaking cool it was to see where I am now. Today, nearly 3 months later I've completely transformed my body and my eating habits. My relationship with food has been turned inside out. I have a new found respect  for the body that I inhabit. I want to fuel it with whole, healthy foods, while occasionally treating myself without worry.  I've lost 30lbs of guilt, shame, and disrespect. I am energized and alive. What about the other 20lbs? It's not necessary... I've never felt more accomplished as I do in this moment regarding the deeper meaning of my goal and I feel GREAT about it.

When you share a goal with others, or a deep desire for something, it becomes a real life possibility. 

Last night, I hosted a small event for our store at our house. We titled it "Goals, Grub, and Gratitude." Our team and our community were in attendance. I cooked a turkey (that's a whole other blog post) and everyone brought holiday dishes to share. We wined, we dined, we laughed, we connected, and then we we're led through a goal setting workshop by Cristina Houston of InPowered Yoga, (check it out here http://www.facebook.com/InPoweredYoga ) 

I listened as others shared their vision and goals for their future. It reminded me of that day earlier this year when I shared my goal in front of a room full of people. I became overwhelmed with excitement for those sharing in my home. I KNOW they will achieve their goals and I will have the privilege of being the person who reminds them in a few months of what they declared!

Goal setting is somewhat of a selfish process, as it should be. But what about "goal supporting?" I think that is just, if not MORE exciting! For the individuals who shared their goals last night, they know have an entire room of goal supporters on their side and we'll be damn sure to make sure they crush those goals!

Watching others achieve goals they didn't even know they had is what I want to be up to everyday. In order to support others in goal setting you, yourself need to be crushing goals and taking action everyday. So what are you waiting for? What do you want for your life? Set goals NOW.

Get at me.

S

take a picture, it will last longer...

Take a picture, it will last longer...or will it?

I want to preface by saying what I'm about to describe has totally been me before.I'm a total photo junkie and instagram enthusiast. 

You seen it before, you've done it before... taking photos and video on your cell phone at concerts.

Unless you ponied up and bought tickets in the pit, most of the images you capture on your phone are blurry and hard to make out. And videos? I have yet to see a video that actually had audible sound. You usually never look at them again either.

I was recently at a show up in the Woodlands and at one point all four of the girls in front of me had their phones out, held high above their heads attempting to record the entire song. One girl was actually editing and deleting photos throughout the whole song! How can you enjoy the show when you're not paying attention?

This occurrence reminded me to live in the present moment and be connected to where I am, what I'm doing and who I'm with. It's easy it is to let little moments go by without acknowledging what sits before you.

Now for some humor... I'd love to see some of those horrible concert photos. You know you have 'em!


*this post was originally posted by my dear friend Katie, author of Engaged in Fitness, who asked me to guest blog for her