Do you ever feel like a complete failure because you know what to do...you just don't do it? Well before you go judging and criticizing yourself I want you to know you are not alone. In fact, it makes complete sense. Making new habits or reinstating previous good habits takes time, repetition, dedication, trial and error. We need  to strengthen that good old "habit muscle". 
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A couple of years ago it dawned on me, I had everything I wanted and needed but it didn't matter because I wasn't enjoying it. I was running from one thing to another just counting down the hours until the day was done. Somewhere in my busy schedule I had lost my joy and my happiness. I began to realized this was not a sustainable way to live. I wasn't present, my memory was horrible and I was completely uninspired. I wanted to run away, but I couldn't (I was too busy to run away). I had to STOP.

Looking back now I do have regrets about this time in my life, mainly because there are so many moments I can't remember because I was so busy and stressed. Moments with my small children that I wish I could have appreciated. Of course hindsight is 20/20 and being a sleep deprived mother is a form of torture that I have now escaped (for the moment at least). But, I truly believe stress is the killer of joy and thankfully my misery was a wake up call. It was a call from the universe giving me the opportunity to slow down and be present.

The thing is, I love to achieve (something else to work on perhaps), but I needed to find a way to be busy and be in the moment at the same time. I realized it is not entirely about my schedule, often it is about my state of mind and ability to be in the moment, let go of distractions and live. Truly live. 

How can you do this? For me, I knew I needed to slow down in my head. I can still achieve what I need to, I do not need to panic. I do not need to think of what is next. I can move through each hour with ease, flow and appreciation. Accepting my day and schedule as it is and attempt to move through each task with ease. Any challenge is an opportunity to grow, take a deep breath and take on challenges with ease, grace and compassion for myself and others. I totally understand to many this may seem impossible and it might even make you feel defensive (ie: "You don't know what I have to deal with!"). Let me tell you I know that each day in not roses and some days are dark or a complete mess, but  my perception of how stressful my day is completely dictates how stressful it actually is. Make sense?

 I don't mean to brag but I am still moving full force towards my New Year's Resolution. 2018 is all about minding my mind and manifesting the best most loving, energetic life possible.
Last year I totally dropped the ball on this goal. I set the same goal/intention as this year, but I did not have the will, the plan or the systems in place to follow through, not surprisingly I did not succeed. Classic "fail to plan, plan to fail" scenario. Maybe it wasn't the right time and although 2017 did bring some amazing things, I could have enjoyed and accomplished more with  a rock solid mindfulness practice. I know 2018 needs to be about riding the waves with a strong and unshakable mindset. 

2018 VIBE: Why how do you see yourself? 

"Health, wealth, beauty, and not created; they are only manifested by the arrangement of your mind--that is, by your concept of yourself, and your concept of yourself is all that you accept and consent to as true."-Neville

Today is Halloween and I see those little mini candy bars everywhere. As a personal trainer and nutrition coach I have heard lots of  Halloween confessionals and regrets over the years (some of those regrets have been my own). I don't want you to have to white knuckle it, suffer and feel guilty about it. I have listed my top 3 tips to do yourself a favour and not get caught in the cycle of sugar addiction and cravings. Plus I added an amazing sweet treat below!

I was listening to the late Dr. Wayne Dyer's Podcast the other day (he passed away in 2015, if you don't know who he is, please look him up, he shares many powerful messages). When describing his current wellness routine at then 70+ years old, he referred to the routine as a "Radical Wellness" plan. I really connected with this statement, this bold commitment. I admired his willingness to go to extremes and jump in with both feet. Sometimes we need to get real and honest with ourselves. Change is challenging and sometimes means pushing outside of your comfort zone.