Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Optimist Creed

This is a really special piece from Christian D. Larson that my favorite yoga teacher often reads during class.  Thought I'd share it with you, enjoy :-)

Promise Yourself…

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Coo-coo for Chocolate!

Halloween's coming up real fast, and you probably have had all kinds of candy thrown at you already whether at the office, grocery store, home, sneaky places like the nail salon...and it's always the milk chocolates, lollipops, Starbursts.  

If you're going to eat any candy this Halloween, make sure it's DARK CHOCOLATE!  Yes, it's good for you!  Read this article by Dr. Mercola.  Of course he's pitching his own brand of chocolate, but he makes an excellent point.  His videos aren't nearly exciting as the article, so skip down and read through the terrific benefits of dark chocolate!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Appreciate your friends!

Yesterday was my 25th birthday.  I started the day with a delicious and healthy veggie omelet at Marmalade Cafe, then took my time poking around Whole Foods and Trader Joes for groceries.  I spent a couple hours on the phone with my family and friends from the East Coast, and gleefully read all the birthday messages on my Facebook wall.  And then came the birthday party.

I arrived at the restaurant at 7:25 PM, and from there all the way until 1:00 AM, people began to filter in.  Friends from old jobs, my yoga community, education courses, college, my regular karaoke joint...they were all there and mingling with each other! And those who couldn't show up in person texted and emailed me amazing heartfelt wishes.  It was incredible.

And because my friend Joanne knows I'm sensitive to gluten, she baked a flourless chocolate cake that was so delicious! How thoughtful was that?!  

Even friends who I haven't seen in years showed up, which caused me to realize, that even in your darkest moments, when you think you're alone and feel as though you have to go through life by yourself, you always have your people who truly, deeply care about you.  Who will step off their flight from Hawaii and come right to your party.  Who will show up even if they don't know anyone or are exhausted from work.  Who will listen when something didn't go well or you need to vent.  Who will always tell you that you look beautiful.  

You just have to always look at the sunny side of things, cherish your loved ones, and treat others how you would want to be treated.  And be grateful for every single person in your life, for they are all your teachers and a reflection of your own self.  I feel so grateful and humbled, thanks to all my amazing, talented, intelligent, kind, and endearing friends for kicking off my 25th year on this planet in the most powerful way.

And yes, last night I drank wine, I sang karaoke, and yes, I danced my face off.  

Monday, October 19, 2009

Are we near the end?

Have you seen the billboards for the 2012 movie?  The one about how we're all gonna die on December 21, 2012?  This doesn't help the fact that the number of websites on the topic have exploded, and people are preparing for the worst, even though it's 3 years away.

If you're totally confused and don't know what the heck I'm talking about, basically the theory is that our time is up on December 21, 2012.  That is when the Mayan calendar ends, and people are also saying that there is some meteor heading our way that will demolish us.  

Before you start freaking out, just read this article.  It's logical, practical, and will ease your mind.  2012

A couple girlfriends and I were discussing it over dinner tonight, and I said that I'd rather die that way then decay in a wheelchair.  Sure there are things I'd still like to do, but I've had a pretty sweet life, and I do a decent job of staying present and appreciating the little things in life.  So if it's my time in 2012, so be it.  In the meantime, I'll be doing my thing, going to yoga class, and singing at karaoke.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

HCFS stands for what?

High fructose corn syrup. A sugary nastie that is used to sweeten canned and bottled sodas, teas, juices, power drinks, and tons of processed foods. This is one of the WORST substances in your body, as it has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and the list goes on.

Beware of commericals and media that state HFCS is a natural sweetener just because it's made from corn. That is their marketing gimmick! The reason they use corn, AND the reason every processed food and drink now uses HFCS, is because it is so cheap to make and buy!

Check out this article from Dr. Mercola about HFCS and how it's raising your blood pressure!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Uh-oh, chemical nasties!

If you're not eating organic fruits and vegetables, PLEASE read this article.


Yes it might add more dollars to your grocery bills, but eating organic produce will take off dollars from your future medical bills. I guarantee it!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Before you diss karaoke...


So many of you who know me are aware that I've kinda got this thing for karaoke.  Almost every Sunday, even if it's just for one song, I drive over to Pancho's in Manhattan Beach to get my sing on. And often I can get good friends like my buddy Hilary to break out their dance moves with me :-)

There are many reasons why I can't stop going.  I mean, I LOVE to sing, and when you LOVE to do something, it's very difficult to stop.  And there are some regulars who I see every week, thus familiar faces and laughs shared every week.  Plus years of performing in high school and college helped me learn to enjoy being on stage immensely.

For those of you who don't get it, think it's dumb or cheesy, or maybe you just have stage fright, I decided to do a little bit of research into the benefits of karaoke.  Check this out:

-universities are currently studying the positive effects of karaoke, such as "increased respiratory strength, endurance, control, and capacity, as well as emotional and physical release," and therefore how karaoke could help people with disabilities.

-singing releases endorphins, the happy hormones our bodies produce to make us feel good.

-being on stage increases confidence, and especially when supported by the crowd, participants feel socially accepted and a sense of belonging.

-plus when you get to laugh and have fun with your friends!

So practice some songs at home, grab a bunch of friends, and head over to karaoke!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Feeling stressed?


Whenever I'm stuck in my own head or thinking too much, I go for a walk or a drive to clear my head (when I'm not at yoga or the gym of course!).  It REALLY helps!  I spent Tuesday in the car and walking with my friend Dana.  We hit up Abbot Kenney in Venice, CA and drove up through Malibu, stopping to eat at a great oceanside restaurant called Paradise Cove.  And now I feel so refreshed and much more productive with all my work.

Meet up with a friend or take yourself for a scenic viewing! No matter where you live, there is beauty in every landscape.  Go for a walk in the park or woods, or if you live in a city, maybe go to a gorgeous museum, or take a drive to the suburbs.  Why take an expensive vacation when there's so much to see and places to relax around you?

If you're really in a hole, you could always stare at my pictures!  I'm kind of obsessed with taking photos of nature.  The one above is from Malibu.  There are some other nice scenic ones at my fun website http://www.yogimichelle.com. Or check out my photos on facebook!