Connecting the Dots: Pilates to Life

Often times in life we are inspired by something but forget to find ways in which that idea can be applicable to our own lives. When we became aware of this lack of application and change our ways, we are fortunate enough to grow more than we never imagined.

Yesterday was the first day of my pilates class- and yes I get college credit for it! After we went over they syllabus and introductions we all stood before mirrors and were instructed to find our center. The instructor told us to show our natural tendencies and then explained how to correct those instincts and stand so that your body is stacked accordingly. She spoke of words like magnets, energies and such- of course these words I need to master for the final exam, but what got me thinking was the idea of having a "place" or zone that enables you to better your daily life.

Even though we only began to learn the idea of finding your center, our teacher explained that standing in the "right" manner can enable you to have more energy and be better to your body. I can't wait to see my posture improve, but also the way in which my life will too.

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Mallory on Pinterest

And as cute as this photo is... this is not the correct pilates stance :)

The thing I'm realizing is that you can have many "centers" or safe places with your own life that motivate you to act it certain ways. For example, you may focus your mind on God, positivity or peace... Whatever it may be, acts as the largest factor for your inspiration and determination to accomplish certain tasks. I've decided that we can have different centers for our mind, body and souls.

I can't wait to dive deeper into this unknown idea of changing my stance to create more energy! I know that there's so much more I'm going to find out about my self, body and mind.

Happy Friday!

Confession

Source: muddlingthruthegrays.tumblr.com via April on Pinterest

I am totally failing to be healthy right now. Okay, not completely failing, but definitely not succeeding. With my half marathon just a few days away I should be eating well and cross training to be better prepared. But I'm in a slump... I'm sure some of you can relate?

I'm hoping to find a quick solution before it carries on for to long. The problem is that if I fall into my typical cycle I'll end up being upset about it for far too long and then lose sight of what's important- a healthy & happy life.

The reason I love this picture so much is that it truly inspires me to think about how I'm fueling my body. With the little nutrition information I do know, I should be trying to put food into my body that will help energize me, not pointless calories that cause me to regret my decisions. All I want to find a balance between eating healthy & rewarding myself with my favorite foods (Mexican, fro yo, wine...) that will satisfy my mind, body & soul.

So I plan to use these words from the image above to motivate myself. Hopefully it will help me get back on track...

But I'm not going to throw in the towel or give up on myself if I hit a few more roadblocks. Thanks to my roommate who is a new blogger over at To Whom It May Concern, this Jason Mraz song helped remind me to keep the faith when times are difficult... Even though the song seems to be about relationships, I feel lyrics can always have multiple meanings if one finds them applicable. :)

Hopefully I'll be able to report some progress soon- I hope this picture and song motivate you in some way!

Happy Thursday- XO.

New Coffee, New Semester, New...

Alright, so not everything is "new" starting today, but I am very excited for the few things that are. First, allow me to say for the millionth time that I can't believe this is my last semester of undergrad- somebody pinch me!

But all shock aside, I'm staring my last, first day of school with a new type of coffee (Starbucks Natural Fusions Vanilla Ground Coffee- thanks to a coupon I found while grocery shopping) and a new mentality, in terms of blogging.

As much as I'd love to promise that I can wake up, type an amazing post, get dressed, pack a lunch and be ready for the day, all before 7 a.m., I simply can't. One thing I'm going to allow myself to do this semester is get some extra ZZZZs, since my hectic life has kept me from doing so in the past.

So here's how I'll make it all work:

-I'll create my post the night before

-Wake up in the morning

-Have my coffee and read/comment on all of your wonderful posts....

Because the reality is that even though I love coming up with something thought provoking to write about, I love reading what everyone else is up to just as much. I don't want to rush my words on my own blog, or even the comments to others- so I'm hoping this new process will make my mornings and writing/reading more enjoyable.

Happy Wednesday!

Oh & please don't forget to look a few posts back if you have any simple recipes to suggest for my new hope to cook more often, and also if you have any favorite novels I should read as I create my own class for an independent study with my favorite professor!

Thanks!

Mission Possible: Cooking with YOUR Help

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things. I've (halfway) unpacked all of my bags... MANY bags... and my apartment is starting to feel like home again. Because classes don't start until tomorrow, I made it my goal to completely clean my room & grocery shop. I want this semester to be different- I'm ready to start with a fresh & clean slate. As you may know from one of my previous posts, recently I've passed a few torches and responsibilities onto other college leaders, which will enable me to enjoy the last semester of my undergraduate career. Finally, some extra time to relax and spend time with those that I love before we graduate.

One of the many promises I've made to myself and to others is to successfully navigate my way around the kitchen. This is going to be the first time I'll be able to cook dinner for myself almost every night of the week, or so I hope! I'm crossing my fingers...

I've done some Googling but I'm still a little stumped. I'm looking for healthy recipes that are feasible for a college student. Let me remind you that I share a refrigerator with three other girls and am on a small college budget. Just as I asked you all for novel suggestions, I'm at it again, hoping that you'll have some delicious & healthy recipes I can try during this next week. I'm going to make this cooking mission possible!

So please post any suggestions you may have for me, as a rookie chef! Maybe something like this...

Source: fitnessmagazine.com via Christina on Pinterest

YUM! But really it can be anything you enjoy eating on a regular basis that doesn't drain your bank account. THANK YOU!

And not to worry, I'll be back to my usual (and more thought provoking) posts shortly! :)

Happy Tuesday! XO

Fearing the Unknown

There's a bittersweet reality to the phrase "the rest is still unwritten." As much as I love the "Unwritten" lyrics by Natasha Bedingfield, tonight I'm over-thinking it all. I'm inspired by the fact that nothing is set in stone, but yet challenged by my inability to pre-plan each detail. I'm a living, breathing contradiction.

My boyfriend is currently applying to medical school. He's already had one interview and two more to follow in the next two months. Although I'm trying to stay calm and be the supportive girlfriend, it's hard to keep from wondering where destiny is leading us.

Because he only wants to stay in Phoenix, I will only be applying to one master's programs at Arizona State. But what if he gets in elsewhere, or not at all?

It's far too late to try and sort this out online, so I'm just going to refer to a calming Bible verse so I don't go crazy...

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

To be frank, I'm not so sure how great of a job I've been doing, in terms of submission, but this verse does help to ease the worry.

I think I'll try this in the morning...

Source: Uploaded by user via Nadia on Pinterest

Book List

The semester starts in just a few days, and although many students are dreading it, I'm very excited! Not only will I graduate in May, but I'll also be doing an independent study with one of my favorite professors. My task is to read 12 fiction novels and create my own "mini class", full of essay topics, discussion questions and more. This is where you all come in...

My teacher is very flexible about the books I can read, but in case she turns any down, I want to have a lengthy list. Please help me out and suggest your favorite fiction novels so I can make this semester the best one of my undergraduate career.

Thank you- Happy Saturday!

Source: google.com via Deniz on Pinterest

Ready to Rest

After about 8 days of non-stop Fiesta Bowl Game week activities, my duties have come to an end (sort of). This past week was so incredible but I'm ready to rest. After running from event to event, and even waking up at 3:30 a.m. for a TV interview, I'm SO ready to sit back and finish The Help- which I started a month ago!

And as much as I'm ready to start blogging again, it's hard for me to want to get back into a routine because I have a few more days off of work and school. I'm sorry if I don't post everyday, but I'm going to take advantage of the next couple days... I going to be selfish with my time for once!

Here's a few (of hundreds) photos from game week! Have a wonderful day!

Team arrivals- we welcomed each team for the Insight & Fiesta Bowls at the airport!

The Fiesta Bowl Trophy! So cool!

Attending the Insight Bowl!

Our amazing float for the Fiesta Bowl Parade!

Fiesta Bowl New Year's Eve Invitational- our date was our driver/security guard! :)

On the sideline before kick off!

On the field during half time- view of the scoreboard/screen!

My wonderful family!

Such a wonderful game- congratulations to the OSU Cowboys!