Don't get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.....

How can it be, that life gets too exciting, too full of lists 'to do', too full of social events to go to, too full of ambition, too full of 'should do's', that we forget to take some time to care for the most important person to us - ourselves.

A few months ago, I began embarking on a journey to become a Pilates Instructor. From day 1 - I loved it! I felt renewed, fresh, calm, balanced and excited at the prospect of being able to develop my skills, knowledge and body at something 'new and shiny'. I had found a passion.
Initially I had decided to sign up for the 6 month long Reformer Instructor course, to give myself an extra source of income on the side-lines of my full time teaching job, as well as to complement my enjoyment of running and prevent the array of injuries that seem to be happening more regularly as I become older (I never actually believed my parents say that when they blamed old age for needing more time to rest to heal, thinking that it was their excuse to have some 'R & R' while the three energetic and bouncing kids played on the slide and cubby house outside for hours!!).
Yes - suddenly we realize that we do actually have to look after your bodies and our minds to be able to deal with the many day today tasks that life throws at us.

From the initial course, I found myself researching for hours, the various training courses and qualifications around Melbourne needed in my quest to become a better qualified instructor.
I met with (and dragged my very patient boyfriend along!) several franchise companies - perhaps I could set up and manage a studio? I emailed and phoned several well known Pilates instructors around town, to try and determine what was needed to become a well equipped, and eventually highly sought after Instructor. I bounced ideas and vented my frustrations with my Parents, friends and again my (by this point, EXTREMELY patient) boyfriend. I spent every spare moment at home, at work, between coffee dates and while waiting for appointments researching and running ideas through my brain - trying to figure out A) What I needed to do to get where I want to, B) Where exactly I wanted to be in the near and far future, and C) How in the world was I going to be able to get the time to do this whilst working full time??!!

Eventually I decided on a course, and have held off on setting up my own studio until I am better prepared - but it is amazing how much your own thoughts can almost sabotage your life, your relaxation, your ability to rest, your desire to enjoy the simple things and your own want to do anything else apart from Pilates, Pilates, Pilates!!!
I still very much love Pilates, and preach it's amazing benefits to everyone I speak to - but it was time to star letting my mind appreciate what is around me - instead of focusing so much on what I didn't have or what I had to add 'A.S.A.P'!!

My body was starting to scream at me; I wasn't enjoying the running or reformer classes like I used to. My mind was hurling negative thoughts from every direction; I was coming home in tears and stressed about things that really didn't matter. I wasn't enjoying the things that got me to this point in the first place!!!

Thank goodness - my Superhero boyfriend and wise old parents told me one thing. You need to allow yourself a break to enjoy the great life you already have! Sounds simple. At first, I didn't want to let myself take a step back thinking that I needed every spare second of time to dedicate to the 'idea' that I want to become. I thought to get better, I need to donate everything into getting there. This thought process got me to the point where my body was aching, my run times were slowing and my passion was beginning to wilt, like a week old rose.

I can happily and confidently say that after a week of including meditation, yoga, time to read my book, dropping back on a couple of days of running/pilates and actually going out on the weekend for a few drinks and social catch ups - has completely lifted my spirits.
I felt myself smiling after too many scooters, pilates hundreds and standing leg adduction exercises for a Sunday morning. I noticed the federation style houses, pot holes, newly landscaped gardens of the streets I ran through yesterday. I was reminded how refreshing a cold beer and glass of champagne can be with friends.
I was back! Life certainly isn't as difficult as my mind had me believe a couple of weeks ago. In realistic terms - Pilates and the opportunity to open my own studio will still be there waiting for me after I have a couple of weeks to process exactly what it is that I wanted to do.

Meanwhile - I am enjoying snuggling up on the couch after a delicious brunch, a cheeky couple of organic cakes, watching the footy and excited to begin a new week (hmm - not to say that Monday-itis won't hit tomorrow!!) of new moments, challenges and journeys...and yes embarking on my Instructor journey in a way that I can enjoy it, not resent it!!

Life is too short to get caught up in thinking too far ahead. Enjoy what you have, and enjoy the journey to your destination; wines, coffees, friends, blue skies and time doing nothing at all :-)

Challenge yourself to feel 'the flow of confidence' :-)

After a couple of weeks with a severe lack of training - due to injury and our sweltering Melbourne heat  wave(which is most definitely not the ideal preparation for a big race in a week and halves time!!), I have found myself with a wandering mind...


It's funny how when you stop doing the things that seem to give you confidence, your mind starts to feel as if it is unable to complete the things that should come easy to you.

I haven't been able to run or ride as much as I would have liked to. As a result, I have had more rest days than normal. Each of these rest days, in my mind, acts as a form of 'defeat'. I feel as if I am unable to do everyday tasks, achieve what I want to be achieving in my career, unable to complete the half ironman goal I set for myself (which - up until a couple of weeks ago, felt somewhat attainable!), unsure about the direction I am heading in life....confidence plays a very big role in our ability to take on larger tasks.

During a hard swim or run session, it is as if my body has to demonstrate to my mind that it is suitable and up to any upcoming challenges.
And when my body does what I want it to - I feel as if I am ready to take on a new challenge again! It's as if our mind has to interview or body, and occasionally, the other way around, to ensure that it is capable of being 'at one' with the other.
Being able to connect the two - mind and body, makes you a far stronger person.

A recent article in 'Runners world magazine', (p.74 - 77), suggests that being able to feel a sense of 'flow', where our body (or skill level - such a running, or completing a task at work) is matched with the level of challenge, makes us forget all of the little 'troubles' in our lives. For a period of time, we feel clear headed, confident and with a sense of growth and satisfaction. This 'flow' is what people, particularly high achievers become addicted to, and understandably!!

So how can we keep this so-called 'flow', allowing us to feel awesome and accomplished more often?

1) Set yourself a goal (Remember, we have to make something challenging for our 'skills'; not too difficult to cause anxiety, and not too easy to cause boredom).
2) Focus on the moment. Take the time to look around you, feel what your body/mind is doing rather than the extra large 'to do list' sitting on your fridge at home.
3) Focus on something that you can control. For example, as much as you like - you can't control everything.  So, the reaction of others, relationships or employment may be a little unreasonable to focus on all the time - think about your response, your actions, your own goals.
4) The more effort you put into your goal - generally the better result, and the resulting more regular 'flow' will occur. So 'go and get them girl!'.

Giving yourself challenging, but attainable goals is a brilliant and proven way to improve your confidence. Be it a physical, mental, family, workplace, academic or travel goal - the feeling of 'flow' you get from reaching it, or even knowing that you're getting closer to your goal will improve your confidence. It amazingly has a ripple effect on your outlook on life and gives you the confidence to try new challenges, or push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Xxx

Getting through the frustration of injuries or life events......

I now know how it feels to be stuck, patiently waiting for an injury to heal. Mind you - my injury is merely a deep, open blister in the very annoying and useful position of the instep of my foot arch, but none the same, it is frustrating, disappointing and making me feel abnormally anxious!!!

I had been training for the last few months consistently and to a slowly increasing level of kilometres and strength in my chosen sport (even though I still very much class myself in the 'recreational' but 'love it to bits' classification of triathlon).

I turned up ready to fire for my first race of the season; for which I was hopeful of being able to fare better than in previous years. As I unpack my gear bag and lay out my items of clothing and fuel at the transition area, I realise I have forgotten a valuable item of clothing; my socks. Convincing myself that this would be no major issue, I continued on through the race as if everything was going to work out fine.
Was I wrong! Sliding my bike into it's well deserved rest after the 40kilometre ride around St. Kilda's bay area, I slip on my runners, throw on my visor and off I run out to the last leg of the morning.


Five minutes in to the Forty minute run - the rubbing begins. By the time I hit the twenty minute mark, I can feel the soft, bare skin underneath my arch getting thinner, sticking to the bottom of my shoe and pulling a little more of the fragile layer of skin off my poor foot. Did it hurt? Absolutely!!! Was I going to stop? No way!!!
I continued aiming to catch every female ahead of me, focussing on each as a small goal to keep my mind from wandering back to the pain in my foot. Until finally - the finish line was in sight and I could finally kick off my favourite Nike frees like the Karate kid when he fought in the concluding fight of the film, minus the focussing moment of 'wax on wax off' before he completes his winning move!!

That annoying blister and need to finish the race has left me stuck with an infected, swollen and very agitated left foot all week. On top of a record week of heat -my friends have told me I have been a little on the 'angry' side this week......and I somewhat agree!

This lead me to think about how we can get through injuries that stop us from training, or doing the things we enjoy most - that tend to keep us sain. I discovered, as most of you can relate I am sure, that when you take away the one thing that keeps me motivated, feeling a sense of achievement, being free from restlessness or anxiety, escaping any trace of depression, taking something which may mean you have to change your goals or plans for the upcoming months or simply just your escape from the fast paced and sometimes societal pressured world around us.


So - before you rip some poor un-expecting friend or family members head off with a short fused backhand of a comment, consider trying he following strategies to get you through the recovery period....

- Try another form of exercise. If the physical nature of exercise is what burns that extra nervous/anxious energy, why not give something else a go. There is a range of activities available both indoors and outdoors, competitive and recreational which can focus on different areas of you 'injured zone'. If you have hurt your ankle, why not focus on getting those 'wash board abdominals' or toned upper arm muscles? Strengthening any supporting muscles (such as your glutes or core) now can save you getting another injury in the future.

- Reach out to family and friends. use the extra time to catch up and spend extra time with the friends you struggle to see when you get so caught up with other commitments, invite your family over for a dinner party or picnic, try out that awesome new café or shop to your hearts content to fill in the extra hours.


- Talk to people who have been through similar situations. It's surprising how simply having someone who has been through the same thing can have the effect of making you understand and feel as if you are going to get through it. They often have great ideas to keep you entertained - tried and tested!


- If you have the time, book a short getaway, either with friends or fly solo!

- Take up a new hobby. Why not try writing, cooking, learning a new language or if you're feeling really adventurous, have a go at setting up your own small business, or extra study; now they will keep you occupied!

- If you feel yourself getting anxious, why not try meditation, yoga or simply going outside for some fresh air and to gain some perspective on the situation. Sometimes it feels like you're a boiling pot of hit water, when it just takes a moment to step your mind outside of its situation and look around at the world still continuing on.


- If you had to alter your goals. So be it. You know what? You're going to want it more when you get back to your 'picture of health' , and will be a force to be reckoned with knowing that you're now also equipped with a stronger and more motivated mindset. Unfinished business is a powerful tool when times get tough!


Just try to keep your mind occupied. The more you sit around, the more you will find yourself thinking about the situation and that growing little ball of frustration inside of you will be tempted to want to explode!!!


Good luck Gorgeous Girls!
xxx

A new year - Reflecting on a better you :-)

So you made it to 2014 (relatively) unscathed and ready to attack another year with 'gusto'!

The beginning of the new year brings with it resolutions and new ideas, some so big that leave you feeling as if you couldn't possibly fathom to write everything down in an ordered and well-planned list.
Resolutions are a great way to take a closer look at the life you are living and perhaps plan to make some changes to make it better. But is it relevant if you haven't really given yourself some time to reflect on your life; your achievements, your fears, dreams, goals, new interests or dislikes?

I know that the iconic New years eve and New years day festivities are starting to come to a close - as we recover from the heavy celebrations. However, if you have not done so already, take a moment to really think about your life and all of the trials and triumphs which you dealt with in 2013.
Write it all down, draw a picture, create a photo board or have a chat with a close friend or family member'.

When I look back on the year that I have had - it has probably been one of the biggest learning curves I am yet to have. My year consisted of such highs, such lows, and so many moments of feeling a little 'lost' in the big world.

I lost a job and gained a job, I had a relationship slowly melt away while I found new light in the company of others more than ever before, I travelled the world, studied, had a 'mini - career change', I witnessed the marriage of two close friends, found and re-kindled my relationships with my 'soul mate' friends.......but I also found myself and appreciate who I am, what I have achieved over the years and look forward knowing that I will continue to achieve and learn new things in future years.

I have learnt that although life is not always filled with roses, I regret nothing and know that I have become a stronger person for each of these.
I have seen my strengths and weakness' as a person and will not only work on improving these, but also accept the things about me that make me the person that I am.

So if you have not done this already - take some time to sit and think about your life - every little part of it. I guarantee as you sit back and actually think about these things, the low parts seem to be a lot smaller than you originally thought. When one door closes, another always opens - which although doesn't always happen straight away, gives us a sense of comfort knowing that amazing things are on their way.
'Everything happens for a reason' and the cards you were dealt simply need to be accepted, as you take the reigns and drive your life to brilliance!

New years resolutions - be gone. Its time to reflect, appreciate and get excited about another year to come full of choices, happiness, new experiences and becoming a step closer to your dreams!

Xx

Take a risk...don't let fear hold you back :-)

How many times have you held yourself back from an opportunity, situation or idea just because you though you might fail?

I know that I've been a culprit of it before! But the interesting thing is - as much as we try to subconsciously tell ourselves that something bad will happen if we don't succeed in whatever endeavour we are trying to achieve, that 'bad thing' is never as bad as we thought it would be.

If we are always holding ourselves back from attempting new things, how will we ever grow? Achieve? Succeed? And continue to expand our goals or dreams?

These situations can range from asking you boss for a pay rise, changing careers or jobs, dropping everything to travel the world, asking that ridiculously good looking guy if he fancies a coffee or even giving a new skill or hobby a go. But each of these situations as just as important, and potentially life changing as the next.

Think about a moment in your life when you wanted to try something new. Do you also remember a time when you actually gave it a go and it turned out to be one of the best decisions you have ever made? Now think of that and remember that satisfied feeling when you start to feel the 'nerves of change' start to creep up through your veins!

Next time you find yourself looking at a situation that is making you anxious enough to feel as if you shouldn't be doing it, think about the following.
- Try to picture the worst possible outcomes that could occur if you go ahead with what you wanted to do.
- Now, picture the best possible outcomes that could occur.
- Now - look back at the worst possible outcomes thinking about the likelihood that they will occur. Even if they do occur, will it really be that bad? If your boss says 'no' to that pay rise, will that damage your future in your chosen profession? I think not.

The big thing is remembering that even if whatever it is you attempt doesn't quite work out perfectly, just take a second to have a look at what you learnt from it. You may have discovered more about yourself; likes, dislikes, strengths and weakness'. You may have found yourself in a position you never imagined, but a position which you are more satisfied with than you planned!

Life is full of risks. If we never take them, living in the fear that we will fail and 'life will fall in a heap' is no way to explore the magic and potential of the world.
Taking risks builds your confidence in yourself, and shows you that you actually are strong enough to achieve the things you set for yourself.

Why not? I dare you! Xxx

Fit, healthy & happy...not just weight loss!!

After recently reading through some very well known women's health and fitness magazines, I found myself reading a story on how great the magazine is; that it represents real, fit and healthy women...but then two pages later....and throughout the entire magazine, it doesn't really promote just being fit and healthy.
When every few pages, the headline article is about the fastest way to lose weight, or the best exercises to 'banish fat' from your problem areas.....girls - what does that make you think about? Of course - there is that pressure from society - subtle, but just enough to turn your subconscious thoughts and level of self esteem into over-drive!

The thing about being fit and healthy, is that you DO NOT have to look a certain way.
The negative effects of that 'extra pressure' to be thin are known now - and it has some devastating effects. Some, sadly even fatal.

Being fit and healthy means having an abundance of energy, to feel amazing and confident in who you are as a person, to have be able to complete the goals you set yourself; be it a fun run, a hike, or to be able to complete a whole boot camp session without feeling like you're going to die!!!! (Oh yes - I hear you!).

We all know that being active and eating a wide range of nutritious foods (well, at least most of the time!), reduces our risk of a long list of lifestyle related diseases. These include mental health illness', cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even arthritis to name a few.
But if we are within a healthy weight range, feel strong, fit and feminine.....why is that pressure to focus on 'fat loss' remaining with such vigour in our society?

I so often find myself talking to smart, caring and infectiously bubbly, when the topic of conversation moves from what happened on the weekend or at work, to how hard it is to lose the extra kilograms off their bottom!

It is fine to have a goal to lose some weight, if you are slightly over the 'healthy range', particularly if it is causing other health problems.
But lets just stop for a minute and think about how fantastic it feels to raise that heart rate, sweat enough to re-fill the Nation's dams (and yes - it looks really lovely to your personal Trainer - as I keep telling myself!!), to have shapely and strong looking bodies and more importantly to not have to race to the scales as soon as you finish a workout.

If you feel amazing - you are amazing! Just please - do not be swayed to think that one of life's greatest ambitions should be to be a super model. I will just throw it out there - but out of the billions of women in the world, only about 15 are supermodels!!

Why take the focus from the undiscovered world around you, miss the beauty in your days and be unhappy for one silly thing?
take some time to reflect on the things that really matter in life. The goals and dreams you have, the people around you, and the brilliant woman you have and will continue to be.

You are gorgeous. Never forget that! Xx

Just be.....without question xx

I often find myself being in an amazingly and giggly happy state, but then thinking too much about it to the point where I question why I am actually really happy. What is the thing that I thought I was happy about is not really there? Or maybe it is? Am I really happy with what I am doing and will this feeling last?

It's funny how we find it so difficult to 'just be'. I - like many of you I'm sure are a serial 'over-thinker'. I am fine if I am busy, but as soon as I start to reflect or look at what I am doing or the situation around me...my energetic and somewhat un-tamed mind starts to wander and imagine things that could potentially arise out of a great moment (good or bad).

However, I do give myself a pat on the back to say that this year in particular has been an amazing learning curve, where I can sit back and just take whatever is being thrown at me, and the feelings that pair it.

I have definitely learnt that life is full of ups and downs. Every year, every month and even every day you will find yourselves in moments of absolute elation; feeling as if you have just climbed mount Everest or have made one of the biggest achievement of your life. other times you will feel so flat that you find it hard to just get out of bed or jump in the shower.

Girls - this is life. Those moments of elation wouldn't be so intense if we didn't have those down moments to match it. Life is a rollercoaster, and one which we are constantly learning, growing and exploring every inch of life itself.

So next time you start to panic as you're mind decides there needs to be a reason for it to keep remaining happy, just accept the emotion. If you're feeling happy - be so bright and bubbly that people bounce and smile in your presence. If you're feeling sad or nostalgic, be sad and nostalgic. It isn't always a bad thing. If you're freaking out with anxiety and anticipation over that job interview - take it and use it to keep you 'on the ball', ready to respond with passion, emotion and enthusiasm. That first kiss with a new partner - just enjoy it without thought of whether things will work out in the future, whether you are completely compatible or not, or whether you are making the right decision; those butterflies make us feel alive!
If the feeling doesn't last, who cares. You know that - they make life interesting!

Even if you have a bad few days - remember that awesome, happy moment you had a few weeks ago? One of those is right around the corner.

Short and sweet, but my challenge for you is just to feel every inch of life. Enjoy it while it's awesome and learn from it when it's not so great. Be glad to be alive.

xxx