health

When the majority of the Western world is wrapped in a blanket of cold and most of us want to disappear into the depths of our beds and hibernate until the warm rays of sunshine return….well, this is exactly when you need to put a little extra pep in your step, plaster a smile on your face, and just plow right on through.

I came across Laurie’s post yesterday about fighting (and possibly losing to) the Winter Blues and it made me realize that we’re all probably going through a similar stretch of despair – I know I am! And like Laurie, I’ve had the urge to infuse a little color into my life to remind me that Spring is on its way:

Note the book on the left – an excellent read!

And to further give me encouragement to get out of bed every frigid morning (in a house that is still 60 degrees after blasting the heat for the last 4 hours!), I meditate a bit about warm weather and all the things I hope to accomplish over the next few months. A happy little pep talk, if you will.

So to help you add a little Spring to your step (pun intended!), I dug up a few inspiring or downright funny articles for your viewing pleasure:

READ AN INSPIRING BOOK (OR 31 in 4 MINUTES!): http://nymag.com/health/self-help/2013/how-to-books/ – I’m not quite sure how humorous this article was meant to be, but I found it downright hilarious. Some of these tips are absurd! But there are actually a few insightful ones in the mix.

EXERCISE (& DON’T SLEEP IN!): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/15/how-to-fight-winter-blues_n_809372.html#s223865&title=DO_Exercise_

Here are two great ways to get your morning started…

http://www.fitsugar.com/Victorias-Secret-Models-Full-Body-Workout-21416942

http://www.thoughtsbynatalie.com/2012/08/good-morning-yoga.html

EAT COOKIES (perhaps after exercising…): http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookie-swap_25.html

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET (minus the cookies…): http://youqueen.com/life/foods-to-help-fight-seasonal-depression/

SEQUINS! (Need I say more?!): http://www.divinesecretsofadomesticdiva.com/2012/01/12/reddress/

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

For me, December is a time not only for good cheer, but also a time to reflect on the year behind you and look forward to the year ahead…

I am incredibly grateful for all the amazing opportunities in my life, for a husband that has allowed me to freely pursue my passions, and for friends and family that have offered shoulders and ears and helping hands. In a single year, I have learned such a tremendous amount about myself, about business, about sacrifice and heartache, about joy and wonder, about friendship, about failure, and about all the wonderful and terrible things that come with life and living.

I readily admit, however, that this was not an easy year for me. My marriage hit a few bumps in the road, my pregnancy didn’t quite come to fruition, my business venture was failing me, and depression was consistently on the periphery of my vision. I had fallen into a rut and my demons were getting the better of me.

I had fallen apart indeed, and now have the labor of picking up the good pieces, tossing out the bad, and rebuilding a better version of myself. And you know what? I’m already feeling happier and healthier and ooh-so hopeful…

That’s one of the of the many wonders of December and the ensuing New Year: the strength it provides and the multitude of possibilities it brings.

I do feel as though I’m on a better path and while I’m sure there will be more bumps in the road ahead, I am without a doubt that 2013 is going to be a great year!