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?

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.

I'm back!!

Hey ya'll!!!

Ahhh I'm so glad to be back. It's been an interesting last few months...okay maybe 9 months...something like that. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with taking time for yourself to decompress, reassess, work on your own life. As long as you regroup, recharge, and press on!!

So where have I been? After working for and by myself for some time, I grew quite lonely and in need of a team environment. Plus I wanted more sales experience, a competitive atmosphere, and to learn more about exercise and fitness. Thus, I delved into a position with Equinox Fitness Clubs with zest and fever. It's been a BLAST! Everyone knows we're the best health club in America. Check out http://www.equinox.com for more info, I sell it day and night already :-)

ALSO, new and wonderful addition to my life. I met an amazing man last year, and we've been officially together for over 6 months! He is an absolutely incredible person, and I feel so lucky, grateful, HAPPY, and blessed.

And now I'm itching to ease my way back into my blog, my business, and helping you and everyone else out there to live a healthy, happy, and energized life. I'm kicking it off with my first cleanse of the year. Check out http://www.yogimichelle.com under Detox and get ready to change your body, and perhaps even your life! You will feel amazing, so read through the testimonials to feel even better and excited!

Please keep me posted on what's new and good in your life, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Check your skin out.

Hello all.

Now that we're offically into summer, I'm sure you're wondering about how to take proper care of your skin. To suncreen, or not to sunscreen? To moisturize, or not to moisturize?

No one can say it better than Dr. Mercola. Reason 1000 why I love him: Check out his new site for facial products. http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/ There is some marketing at the bottom for his products, but the exciting stuff takes up the majority of the page. He'll tell you what's good for your skin, chemicals that you need to avoid, etc. A definite must-read.

Thanks for the inspiration, MJ...

Last night my roommate and I shared a delicious Thai dinner and stumbled upon Michael Jackson's This Is It on television. I've seen it about three times, but it was my roomie's first time, and he could not believe it. MJ, even middle-aged, was totally kicking ass on stage. The dude still sang and danced perfectly, and it was hot.

With anniversary of his death coming up this Friday, I am again reminded of just how tragic the whole thing is. His show was poised to blow the world away. And if you watch that movie, his passion, talent, and enthusiasm will blow YOU away. Goes to show that if you have a talent or a passion, never never never give it up. Rather, work that sucker and show it off. Otherwise you're denying the world your gifts.

I guess that's my message for today. Tapping into your talent and passion is your God-given birthright, and not only will others think you are amazing, you will FEEL amazing. You'll soon wonder how you could ever breath or exist before when you weren't doing what you love. Cheesy, but true.

More about dairy...

It's hard to read, and even I go through periods of hoarding cheese, but this is a comprehensive overview of the dangers of dairy. Just some things for you to keep in mind when standing in that dairy aisle at the grocery store...

http://knol.google.com/k/dangers-of-milk-dairy-products-the-facts

Man boobs, oh my!

Check out this article about the rise of surgerical procedures done to remove "man boobs."

http://www.naturalnews.com/028884_man_boobs_operations.html

What they don't talk about is how those man boobs are forming in the first place.

Lack of exercise and/or sleep, excess stress, and excess dairy and/or soy consumption all raise hormones such as estrogen and cortisol in the body that are dangerous at high levels. Keeping an active lifestyle, getting adequate sleep, and eating a diet high in whole foods and low in dairy/soy are all excellent ways of reducing fatty deposits such as man boobs.

Check out http://www.yogimichelle.com under Detox for more information about how you can gently cleanse your body with delicious foods beginning THIS TUESDAY JUNE 1ST!