The Sweet Escape

Most of you know that I’m a gym rat, so this post is dedicated to my love of fitness  ;)

Its Tuesday morning, I’ve just returned from a 45 min run, and it was awesome. As most of you can probably relate, life can get pretty crazy – work, family, friends, bills, it can all wear you down and stress you out.

Back in high school I started running track, and I’ve tried to carry on that fitness lifestyle with me. However, school and work put that on hold for a while. When I moved to Los Angeles some 7 years ago (has it really been that long), I noticed that fitness was definitely the craze.  Everywhere I went people looked so fit and healthy. I’m sure it was mostly the ‘Hollywood’ image that people were trying to maintain, but it actually inspired me to workout again with the dedication I used to have. And as work got hectic I realized I needed some balance, something to get my mind off of the everyday grind.

It’s interesting because our health and well-being are the foundation to everything we do. If you don’t have your health, well you know the rest. But for me, fitness has been my escape when I need one. Regardless of what’s going on in my life I know I can always put on my tennis shoes and go for a run or head to the gym for an hour. And while there are days when I’d rather lay in bed and watch Grease, Lifetime movies, and re-runs of Law & Order SVU, my workouts will always give me a break from reality (and allows me to maintain my figure ha-ha). 

So shout out to my Runyan Canyon accomplices, who journey with me up that hike and sweat it out (Shawn, Dee, Teri, Aunt J, MJ) my spinning classes that burn my buns, yoga poses that stretch me out, and the weight room where guys always give me the side eye like I don’t belong there. Thank you fitness for being there for me when I need you; I’ll see you tomorrow. Smooches ;)

New ‘Life’ Resolution…

What would you differently if you had no fear of failing?

My Auntie Della asked me that question years ago; she always had a way of challenging me to think outside of the norm.

It’s interesting how life experiences can alter the way you perceive yourself and your future. As a child I remember being so full of life and ambitious, excited to try new things without hesitation, I was fearless. However, over the years that ambition has subsided and surfaced from time to time. Various things have become more important - school, work, bills. Unfortunately for most of us these things take precedence over ambitions and our desire to take risks.  Life becomes a routine of balancing responsibilities and making sure you’re able to take care of yourself – food, clothes, shelter, etc. Ultimately we end up complacent and content with where we are, but not exactly where we’d like to be.

I’m currently reading a book called ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway,’ by Susan Jeffers. It’s giving me great insight about how I perceive myself, and the way that I live my life.  I see how easy it is to move through life living in fear of the unknown; not wanting to step outside of your comfort zone because wherever you are at the moment feels safe. In the midst of reading this book I couldn’t help but remember the question my Auntie Della asked me. It made me think - What am I afraid of, and why? Is it fear of failure, of success, or ultimately not being able to handle whatever comes my way? But if I knew that I could handle anything, what would I possibly have to fear? The answer is nothing.  

We each have our own ambitions and fears in life - careers, relationships, whatever. Today I challenge you to ask yourself ‘what would I do differently if I had no fear of failing?’ But really think about the answer. And whatever it is that you would do differently, why not go for it? In the past few years I’ve realized more than anything, that life is to be lived, so live today. Enjoy every day, every moment, and every thing.

What are you going to do differently?