2 tips i'll use to help achieve my first goal of 2013

nicaragua surf

nicaragua surf

There is an undeniably cyclical nature to our lives. The rhythms of 'on' and 'off' cycles show up in our work, creativity, productivity, and certainly our health and fitness.

Of course, I do advocate having overall healthy habits. Anything we do consistently will yield results! With regard to physical fitness, if you regularly eat junk and don't exercise, your body will reflect this. Consistently do a decent job in these areas and your body will reflect this too.

But we humans also thrive on periods of intensity and challenge, followed by periods of rest.  Both are incredibly valid and rewarding.

Throughout the holidays, I fully embraced the joy of the 'off' cycle. I was skipping workouts, indulging in lots of sweets and drinks, and having a pretty freaking fabulous time resting my body and mind, while enjoying the traditions of the season and the company of friends and family! (Oh yeah, and going to bed with a stomachache pretty regularly.)

With the holidays past, I'm back 'on' in the area of healthy eating and exercise... Oh and the next big thing 6 weeks away on the horizon?? A VACATION!!!! Woooo!!

One of the goals I did not achieve last year was standing up on my surfboard by myself. I am not giving up! I've decided to immerse myself in a week of surf lessons while getting a sunny, exotic, adults-only break from the every day with my love.  We're headed to Nicaragua for a surf retreat and an adventure unlike anything we've ever done.

In order to bounce back from my indulgent holiday lifestyle (Yup, I gained 6 pounds in about 2 weeks!) I'm getting back on the wagon and committing to getting into my best shape by the time I leave for Nicaragua on February 15th.

For this challenge, that means getting to the weight that I know feels best for my body. I still feel strong and 'in shape' but I'm 8 lbs away now from the weight that makes me feel fittest.  (I want to be clear that I know I'm not overweight, or 'unfit.'  As a feminist, I believe in loving and living in one's body without shame.  As a fitness professional, I believe a super healthy and fit body makes for a more enjoyable life.)

How do I plan to reach my goal?  I'll use these two tips:

  1. Have a short-term by-when date (a.k.a. deadline). If it's a big goal, break it down into smaller ones.Think how effective runners can be when they're training for a big race.  I'm looking at this as an event, just as an athlete trains for a competition.  Our trip on February 15th is my by-when date.
  2. Have someone to hold you accountable.I'll be relying on my trusty holistic nutritionist Julie Starr-Wood to hold me accountable through daily emails of my food and exercise records.  I know exactly how I need to eat to feel my best, but time and again, I have found that I tend to 'cheat' when I feel like no one's looking.  She helps me keep my integrity until the results start to speak for themselves.

Do you have fitness goals for the new year?  Have you thought about breaking them down so that you've got something you can achieve sooner than later?  Feeling successful will definitely help keep you motivated to go further.

Peer pressure can be a good thing!  Who do you have who can hold you accountable for reaching that first milestone?

I'd love to hear about your goals! Just like Buddy the Elf with smiling, "Goals are my favorite!"

I'll keep sharing my progress regarding this goal, as well as what other things I'm looking forward to creating in this new year!

Till soon,

Andrea

{beach photo by Alex Barth}

2013: Onward and Upward

sunrise

sunrise

A while back, a friend of mine accidentally coined the term "sombering" when she mixed up the words "somber" and "sobering," mashing them together. I've loved this made-up word ever since and have had more than a few experiences where it seemed to fit.

One of the most "sombering" moments of my life was when I learned of the horrific violence visited upon the people of Newtown, Connecticut on December 14th. When faced with the spirit-crushing knowledge that we live in a world where such cruelty and violence exist, it is hard to know how we can go on. I grieve for those directly impacted by the tragedy and for the millions of people who, like me, were left with a feeling that a piece of their own hope and innocence is forever gone.

I have been quiet about this because I feel I have nothing to say that can ease our collective sadness. To avoid tormenting myself, I retreated from news stories and friends' status updates that only seemed to make me feel worse. I have allowed myself to feel the grief. There are no words that will speed us through it. No easy fix.

How long is it appropriate to mourn for people you never knew? For me, it feels like it will linger a long time, maybe forever. And in that grief it can seem trivial to go on with everyday things. To write blog posts about fitness, or food, or of all things, fun.

But I do know that even in the presence of grief, we will move on. We will each continue to shine our light into the world -- a world that I have to believe is filled with more light than darkness. I'm committed to offering up my light, and to leaving this place better than I found it. For me, I'll be doing so with a renewed commitment to seeing things in the scope of the larger community. We are all one.

So on this sombering note, I am back. Back to my blog, back to my calling, as a writer, as a teacher, as an entertainer, as a mother, as someone who cares deeply about humanity and is committed to contributing love, health, happiness and yes, even fun to this world.

New day. New year. New opportunities for love, healing, kindness, compassion, and creating a peaceful world. We move on, step by step, though we are still grieving, in the hope that we can only move up from here.

May the new year bring you peace.

Silent Night, Holy Night

silent night

silent night

There is within each one of us a potential for goodness beyond our imagining; for giving which seeks no reward; for listening without judgment; for loving unconditionally. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

As Christmas and New Years approach, I plan to spend the rest of this year quietly.  I will reflect on how I can bring more of my best self to this world, and how I can encourage the same  in those around me.  I will unplug.  I will connect in person.  And I will hold my dear ones tight.

I wish you peace and love this holiday season, from the bottom of my heart, Andrea

[photo by mandajuice]

Vamps' Night Out Recap

vampcamp

vampcamp

A quick (belated) post to say that Vamps' Night Out was a blast and a huge thanks to everyone who made it possible!  We had a great turnout and all of the lovely vamps who participated couldn't have looked more radiant, happy and confident!  Success!!  And just as important, this event helped to raise $1,700 for yogaHOPE's Project Haiti.

This was the first installment of Vamp Camp, my most recent creative endeavor.  My vision is for Vamp Camp events to encompass different aspects of body empowerment and self-expression.  Going forward, I see Vamp Camp continuing to be a vehicle to empower not only the participants but to help raise funds for women's charities.

I've been thinking about returning to Haiti with yogaHOPE to complete my trauma-informed yoga training next April -- the fundraising requirement for this trip is $10,000, but thanks to you I'm already on my way toward reaching it!

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Andrea 4

Andrea 4

Julie Sterling of Oh Lah Lah Boudoir photography and Lucie Wicker captured the amazing images to make this event unforgettable!

A giant thanks to SHAG salon for providing the hip and inviting venue for our amazing night!  THANKS!

And THANK YOU to all who donated their time and funds to this fabulous event and incredibly worthy cause!