Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Loving here+ now.

I'm writing today to address something that keeps me up at night.

I don't know about you and the way you think or were brought up, but in my family, A's in school, going to college, getting a well-paying job, success, and wealth were revered. My parents constantly lectured me to be the best I can be.

This is also prevalent in our society. Work hard, make money, buy expensive stuff, make money, buy a car, make more money, buy a house, show your stuff off to your friends, make more money, go go go until you physically or mentally cannot, so that someday, maybe you can retire.

We are programmed to want it all. Look at the messages the media sends us. All over TV and magazines, we see people who drive the nicest cars, wear the nicest clothes, have the biggest house...all these commercials in the midst of a time where people are struggling to afford gas for their car. Some sweat and bleed to make it happen for themselves while others always struggle just to get by, and still others just sit back and hope someday their fantasies will come true when they hit the lotto.

With all this confusion, turmoil, and mixed messaging, I sometimes wonder what true success means, what true happiness is.

I know people who are wealthy and extremely unhappy with their lives, or who spent their health to get their wealth only to spend their wealth to get back their health. I know people who are broke who radiate health, and absolutely love life. Is there a middle ground? Can we have it all and be healthy and happy?

I lay awake each night thinking about where other people are in life, what they have, how much money they make, and compare myself to them. Sometimes I wonder, when am I ever going to really make it? When am I ever going to get my parents' approval? When will I feel successful?

But then I remember: You'll never truly be successful or happy unless you APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE. Practicing gratitude for the things and people you do have in your life is SO important. The tragedy in Japan taught us that your life can change in an instant. Life is short. I don't lie awake at night worrying quite as long anymore, because each and every time a negative thought pops into my head, I think about all the amazing things that are happening in my life:

My family, boyfriend, friends, job, and health are all incredible. I LOVE living in Southern California. I LOVE music, singing, dancing, playing the piano, laughing, road trips, exercising, yoga, hugging, kissing, cuddling...these are all simple things that life has bestowed on me. So many people love and support me, I'm truly blessed. I've been so busy worrying about the future, I forgot about all the things sitting right in front of me.

Cherish every moment. Life is always changing, nothing is certain or permanent.

Just a thought I needed to get out there...

What are you grateful for that keeps you grounded when you start stressing about life?

Friday, April 1, 2011

Work? What work?

I am plumb exhausted and blissed out, all at the same time.

Working in sales at Equinox, I spend the last day of the month working 12+ hour days. Today we got in at 9 AM and I left at 10 PM. We work hard and long, but I'll tell you something: I don't care.

I absolutely love my job. Every single day, whether it's an interaction with a member, a long conversation with a guest who is unhappy with their body, or laughs with my coworkers, I walk in and out of those doors with a smile on my face. I act as a proponent of health. I inspire people to take better care of themselves and exercise.

This is much like my health counseling practice. I inspire people to take of themselves, only the emphasis is on nutrition. Both Equinox and my group detoxes nourish me on physical, mental, and emotional levels. I feel lighter, happier, and freer than I have in years.

And isn't that the goal in life? To find work that you love so much that it doesn't seem like work? I remember dreading to get out of bed for other jobs. But now, though sometimes I do hit the snooze button to sleep a little bit longer, I bounce out of bed and hurry out the door. My passion is for health and wellness, so it makes sense why I can't wait for work. Plus, when you have an incredible team of coworkers, it definitely helps.

What's your passion? Do you love what you do and where you work? It could be having a huge positive or negative impact on your life and health, depending on what's going on. Share.