Connecting

This year instead of making a long list of resolutions I won't keep, I created an intention for several different areas:

• Health
• Career
• Money
• Significant Other
• Family & Friends
• Fun & Recreation
• Environment
• Personal Growth

This idea came from a goal setting teleclass from the wonderful Lorin Beller (hopefuly you'll see Lorin here as a Guest Blogger soon!). Then I had a great half day Mastermind Session with my pals Barbara & Beth where we got out the colored markers and poster board to brainstorm and plan for the year. I thought sharing some of these intentions and the actions I plan to take around them might provide some food for thought. So let's take Family & Friends ('cause that's an easy one!). My intention in this area is Connection . To me that means actively connecting with family and friends, spending quality time together and nurturing the relationships in other ways as well. Seems simple. But do we REALLY take the time to nurture these essential relationships in our lives? Here's how the connections have evolved lately:

• Meeting my golf buddies Helen & Cathy for a great evening enjoying fondue
• Keeping up with my dear friend Melissa who lives in Raleigh on Facebook everyday
• Having a Sunday family dinner with my hubby's family
• Eating lunch with my mom before going to volunteer at the Soup Kitchen (a monthly ritual)
• Having an email exchange with an out-of-town friend to catch up
  
• Calling my grandfather to chat on Sunday
• A fantastic evening with my Jazzercise community for our annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser
  
• Writing a thank you note to a friend (see Pina & connecting at the Fundraiser above)
  
• Spending time with my family and going with my nephew to see Blues Clues
  
• TRYING to schedule lunch with another dear friend who I don't see too often (still working on that one!)
  

Some of these things are simple and require little time & effort. Social Media outlets like Facebook can make keeping up with folks very easy (almost too easy sometimes, right?).

What's your intention with the special people in your life? And if you're desiring more connection, how will you connect today?

Looking back at 2009

Photo: A special 2009 Memory

A lot people have been saying good riddance to '09, on to bigger and better things in 2010. It has been a tough time for many, but I began thinking about what some of the highlights of the year were.


In no particular order.......

• Being a part of the team for the Women's 64th Cursillo weekend this spring. Amazing.

• Hosting fave Tim Roberts for two awesome dance classes and getting to know him over lunch. (Stay tuned for a repeat this fall!)

• Meeting weekly with my inspiring Monday night prayer group. Can you believe we've been meeting for 10 yrs!
  

• Attending my 25th High School reunion and reconnecting with old friends, plus making some new connections too.

• Spending time with my adorable nephew, especially for four days at the beach and two CT sleepovers.

• Meeting some great new friends this year and looking forward to developing those friendship.
  

• Spending a relaxing week in Aruba and making one of my best drives ever on the 9th hole - over the water!
  

• Trying new things like boxing and making truffles and designing a website.
  

• Taking several fun trips to NYC with lots of cool women to see some great Broadway shows and even an adventure to the Martha Stewart show!

• Recognizing that tough times can also bring out the best in people and there's a lot of goodness out there!
  

Here's to living with BOLD INTENTION in 2010!

Here's to a fresh start.....

Since I am a HUGE list maker and goal setter, I love the promise of a New Year, a fresh start, and blank planner pages. Yes, I know this is the age of technology. I have an iPhone, I blog and regularly update my Facebook and Twitter accounts, but I NEED the blank pages too!

Anyway, this year, before I pencil anything into the crisp, blank pages of my new Franklin Planner pages, I want to make sure I schedule my time properly. I know that my happiness and health depend on keeping my priorities in order. God, my family (which extends to many special friendships), and time to care for myself all must have top billing in my calendar.

Today I'll kick off the New Year with family & friends filling our house to share a Mexican feast. My intention today - to enjoy family & friends.

After all, when you start with your priorities in order, anything can happen. I have a feeling it's going to be a VERY good year.

All the best in 2010!

Laughter is still the best medicine

Meg opening her Secret Santa gift at the Holiday Staff Brunch.....perfect message!

Did you know that even thinking about doing something that makes you laugh significantly boosts your body's "feel good" chemicals? These chemicals lower blood pressure and help you improve your immune system.

Plus laughter is FREE and doesn't take too much time!

So what are you doing running around like a chicken with your head cut off this week?

Take time to laugh.

Watch a funny Christmas movie, like Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story or Elf.

One of my favorite lines from Elf.....

"Smiling is my favorite!"

Make it your favorite this week too!

A laugh starts with a smile.......there's no time like the present.

Changing Priorities

I picked up some great inspiration from Peg McQueen's blog, Myspace.Om that really got me thinking.

I love Peg's idea of the monday mantra.

don't let someone be a priority in your life -

when you are just an option in theirs

I had to ask myself in what ways do I sacrifice my needs or give fruitless time and effort to something (or someone). I'm not talking about things like volunteering or being available for family members when needed. You know exactly what I'm talking about! I think it's an especially great mantra for this season.

How often do we get caught up in activities and events that really aren't a priority and we end up not feeling so great in the end.

Peg's advice:

instead, generously offer yourself to those who know the true gift you are.

and for this, your returns will be infinite.

Well said Peg! Be sure to check out her blog, find out what this week's Monday Mantra is and catch some of her infectious energy!

Making Small Shifts

November has certainly flown by, and I was blessed to spend one week of it in beautiful Aruba with my hubby celebrating our six year anniversary.


It is a chance to do nothing and love it! I get to trade my usually very detailed schedule for a blank slate. Lots of walking on the beach, reading, and eating good food. In fact I intentionally try to stay away from scheduling anything aside from a massage and a tee time.


This year for the first time though I decided to take a yoga class. It was held on the beach (thankfully under a beautiful huge tree out of the sun).


I have been practicing yoga regularly for awhile, and while it may often be only once a week, I have a pretty good grasp of the basics and can even pull off the handstand, headstand and backbends when I end up in the more advanced class.


This yoga class was really just the basics, since most or all of the participants were tourists. However doing even the most simple, familiar poses on sand was a whole new ball game. And definitely a bit challenging at times.


Sometimes it only takes a small shift to experience a big change.


With the busy holiday season underway, be aware of the small shifts you can make (like taking your yoga practice onto the sand -- ok, maybe not happening here in Connecticut this month!) and notice and enjoy the rewards you'll reap.

The Time You Find

I just read something from the "Daily Om" (which I love since they always seem to have the message I need at the right time) which got me thinking. It's an area many of us love to "talk the talk" but have difficulting "walking the walk." When was the last time you thought you needed to simplify your schedule? For me, that was probably about an hour ago!

"For many, life is a hodgepodge of never-ending commitments. Yet few of us can be truly healthy or happy without regular periods of downtime. While there is nothing inherently wrong with busyness, those of us who over-commit or over-extend ourselves potentially face exhaustion and burnout. When you feel overwhelmed by your commitments, examining your motivation for taking on so many obligations can help you understand why you feel compelled to do so much. You may discover that you are being driven by fear that no one else will do the job or guilt that you aren't doing enough. To regain your equilibrium and clear the clutter from your calendar, simplify your life by establishing limits regarding what you will and will not do based on your personal priorities."

Mondays are almost always long days for me. I leave for work by 7:30 am or so and often don't return home till 10:30 pm. Yesterday I decided that a few things could wait to be done until tomorrow and made myself a cup of tea instead. The thirty minutes I took to slow down the pace of my day kept me balanced and sane. Taking downtime helped me to be more efficient the rest of the day, teach an energetic class (my 2nd of the day) and do some cooking in the evening.

Even small steps will empower you to retake active control of the life that defines you.

Go to www.dailyom.com for a daily dose of inspiration .

Jazzercise posts most successful year ever

It's always exciting to share good news........... World’s Leading Dance Fitness Program Adds 92 Employees

Jazzercise Inc. posted its most successful year ever with system wide sales topping $94 million for the past fiscal year. The increase marks the eighth consecutive year Jazzercise has posted system wide sales growth, including company divisions of Jazzertogs fitness apparel and award-winning JM DigitalWorks video production. Jazzercise has more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in all 50 states and 32 countries worldwide, including 1,300 Jazzercise classes held weekly in the North East area.

Additionally, Jazzercise added 92 new employees to its 228 person corporate staff, a 65% increase over the previous year’s corporate count.

“Jazzercise is committed to offering the highest quality workout program for our customers,” said Missett. “That commitment has prompted the hiring of 92 Quality Coordinators across the U.S. The combination of our strong customer connection with a focus on operational excellence will enable Jazzercise to continue to move forward with confidence in hand and opportunity in mind.”

Founded by President/CEO Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise ranked second on the San Diego Business Journal’s recent list of San Diego County women-owned businesses; 22nd on its list of top private companies in San Diego County; and 78th on its list of fastest growing private companies. Additionally, Jazzercise ranks 42nd overall on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2009; seventh on the publication’s list of fastest-growing franchises and eighth in both low cost and top home-based franchises.

Change One Thing, Change Your Life: A Primer for Improving Your Mood - Healthy Living - Health.com

Change One Thing, Change Your Life: A Primer for Improving Your Mood - Healthy Living - Health.com

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Feeling Like Fall

Fall is in the air today! I'm thinking about all the 'fall-ish' stuff I want to do. How about you?

Almost every day lately I've heard people say 'life is short', yet I rarely witness people living as if it is. What works best for me is to write it down! This way I'm less likely to look back and say, gee time passed me by, I wish I had.....

Here are a few of my fall plans for the month of October.............

• Bake an apple pie
• Get some colorful mums for the front porch
• Go to the orchard and get a pumpkin, plus some hot apple cider and one of those apple cinnamon pretzels. Great place to go each year in Easton (can't remember the name right now). Every year we try to guess the weight of the pumpkins to get them for free -- so far no luck! Maybe this is our year.
  
• Enjoy a Thursday night date night with my hubby - taking a wine tasting course at the local community college
• Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen
• Start working on a project which will be a Christmas present (sssh - say no more about this one!)
• Try a new soup recipe
• Get to yoga class at least once a week
  

What's on tap for your fall?

Healthly Eating that's Tasty Too!

I am definitely a blog follower. I always pick up some new piece of information or maybe just a bit of inspiration. If you're interested in eating healthy, but still want to indulge in food that tastes good, then be sure to check out Bonnie's blog: Bake This. Eat That. Then Move!

According to Bonnie, her blog is "An adventure in (mostly) healthy baking and cooking, with an emphasis on wheat-free and low/no sugar and a side of moving to keep strong and fit".

Wheat Free Strawberry Muffins

A fellow Jazzercise instructor, here's what Bonnie has to say:

"I was addicted to wheat and sugar. Determined to stop the madness (thanks to a family history of heart disease, higher-than-it-should-be Cholesterol and the "baddest risk factor of all" high Lp(a) cholesterol) I kicked the habit (though it wasn't pretty). I now bake/cook with an emphasis on wheat-free and low/no sugar (although not entirely), not because I "can't" tolerate wheat or sugar, but because I think it is a healthier way to eat. Particularly if you have heart disease, or a family history of heart disease."

Like Bonnie, I come from a family history of heart disease, and love to focus on healthy cooking. However unlike Bonnie, I am a die hard recipe follower. I've collected thousands of recipes and love trying new ones all the time, but haven't reached the confidence level to create my own. With blogs like Bonnie's, I've got easy recipes at my fingertips.

Check out Bonnie's blog and make something tasty (and healthy) today!!

Bon appetite!

It's Never Too Late to Dance

I had the pleasure of hosting Rosann Levy at our Anniversary Celebration recently. We celebrated three years at our studio on Hope Street, and for me a milestone of a dream realized.

Accompanied by her husband Arty, Rosann gave a delightful and inspirational reading from her new book, "It's Never Too Late to Dance." Check her website for details.


As an avid reader, I dove right into the book the next day. Here are some of my favorite messages from Rosann and her book...


1. You never know what kind of curve ball life is going to throw you, so be ready to adapt. Flexibility is key to your health and survival.

2. Support is essential. Whether it be from family, friends or colleagues, it is the people who we surround ourselves with us who keep us going in rough times.

3. Life is more interesting and more fun when you continuously reinvent yourself.

4. You can make any change into a positive experience.

5. Confidence is yours for the taking. Explore things to develop your confidence.

6. Bold actions = bold results.

7. It's ok to be vulnerable.

8. Belief in yourself is a great gift.

9. Get excited about life.

10. It's Never Too Late to Dance.


If you're looking for an easy inspiration read, or a lively entertaining speaker, I highly recommend you get in touch with Rosann.

Vacation Moments.............

Burying my nephew Landon's feet in the sand and watching him play in the water

Sitting on the wall watching waves crashing in Naragansett

Watching my husband Rich read to Landon and listening to Landon call him "Reeech" over and over again.

Eating lobster with melted butter

Reading and more reading

Sipping frozen pomegranite margarita while looking out at an amazing view of NYC

Spending lots of time with family & friends

Trading in my usual workouts for loads of walking

Enjoying Parade Day at the Page's

"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak."

This Hopi saying gets to the heart (pun intended) of dance. It is a true expression of our hearts. Maybe it's why I've always been drawn to dance...the opportunity to express emotion through movement.

Some people feel uncomfortable dancing. Why? Maybe they feel like they don't have rhythm, or are worried they'll look foolish or fat or silly.

Well I say throw your inhibitions to the wind and get up and dance.

I challenge you to put on some music, whatever music moves you, and dance like a five year old for two minutes.

How did it feel? Is there any better way to create joy?

Enjoy,
Kristen

P.S. This post was inspired by Life is a Verb by Patti Digh. I'm only a couple of chapters in and am LOVING this book!

Post a comment to let me know how the dancing went (and what music you chose) and don't to subscribe to the Blog for future inspiration.

If you're not feeling good........change direction!

We can experience optimal health and well being when our own mind, body & spirit are in balance. I am always amazed how much we boss our bodies around. We skimp on sleep to get more done, we accept every invitation that comes our way to fill our time, or maybe to appear busy and important. We eat empty calories because we make mindless choices, and we skip exercise, well, just because sometimes that's the easiest choice.

When you REALLY think about it, there aren't a lot of "have to's" in our lives.

Fortunately there is a lot of choice.

What are you doing TODAY to nurture your body?

One of my absolute favorite rituals is the bathtub, hence the picture of the very cool bathtub above...no, unfortunately that's not my tub. This is a place I make a point of retreating to every week. It's a chance to slow down. I've found it's impossible to rush around or to multitask when you're in the tub (although soaking and going through a stack of magazines is approved multi-tasking!).

I try to make a visit to the bathtub at least once a week. Lots of bubbles, candles, a glass of ice water, or sometimes wine...and just the simple stillness of allowing myself to SLOW DOWN.

But as we all know, life gets in the way sometimes. I'll put it off until tomorrow, or decide I just can't spare even 30 minutes because there are so many other things I think I "have to do". But in it's infinite wisdom, your body will somehow give you the message that you need to slow down. Mine does. And I'm sure yours does too, but be sure to listen!

So if I find I'm bossing my body around, taking on too many commitments (even if some of them are 'for fun'), not sleeping enough or eating right, I know it's time for a good long soak.

If you're not feeling good........change direction!

Yo-yo Exercising

We've all heard about yo-yo dieting. Have you broken up with more diets then men? It happens with exercise too. You get tired of the DVD you're working out with, get bored with the gym, or can't get out for a run because of the rain.

Well yo-yo exercising can actually be as bad for you as yo-yo dieting. The resulting weight gain will be even harder to shake.

Recent research shows that people who are inconsistent with exercise gained more weight than people who just get started.

It you think you're too busy for exercise, then aim for even just a 15 minute workout. It's not always about quantity.

I read about this concept in Health magazine. I imagine in the time it took to read a few articles I could have done a few crunches and lunges. Guess it's time to get moving!

Enjoy!

Source : Health magazine.

"Surround Yourself With Good Energy"

I just read this article by Ali Brown and since it's a message I truly believe in and write about often, I thought I'd simply share her thoughts since she expresses it so well. During these uncertain times, surrounding yourself with positive people is essential.

Today I had two great chats with phenomenal women I work with - Tressa & Peggy. They have the energy and spirit I want more of in my life and I'm blessed to work with such cool gals. This weekend several friends will be coming over for dinner followed by an outing to see Harry Potter. I know for sure there will be lots of laughs. This group is talented, hilarious and likes to have a good time -- I can't think of a better way to keep the mood high.

Who will you surround yourself with this week to stay positive?

Remember you can 'catch a mood' so choose wisely. Whose mood do you want to catch today!

Smile,
K

***********************************************************

"Surround Yourself With Good Energy" by Ali Brown

Have you ever felt down after chatting with a friend or coworker? You may have felt fine before the conversation, but now, after hearing them complain about the weather, the economy, and a demanding neighbor or mother-in-law, you're starting to feel kind of cranky yourself, as if their negativity were somehow contagious.

Actually, you can catch a negative (or positive) attitude from the people around you. According to the well-known psychiatrist and energy guru Dr. Judith Orloff, who wrote the bestseller Positive Energy, our bodies are made of flesh and blood, but they're also composed of energy fields. Negative energy like fear, anger, and hopelessness drags us down and drain our energy, but positive energy, like compassion, courage, and forgiveness, improves our mood and our well-being.

The law of attraction states that people either sense our positive energy and gravitate towards us, or they feel our negative energy and shy away from us. Those around us influence how we feel and can even impact the direction our lives take. Positive people can improve your life, while negative people (also called "energy vampires") just drag you down.

* "Energy vampires" suck the life out of you. Spending time with people who constantly complain or make negative remarks only makes us feel listless and despondent. These "energy vampires" tell us we'll never get our business off the ground or that our dreams are unrealistic (possibly because they can't bear to see others succeed where they have failed). Spend too much time with a complainer and you'll start to believe what they tell you.


* Positive people energize you. The more time you spend surrounded by positive people, the more you'll internalize their cheerful, upbeat attitude and start spreading it around. Positive people make your goals seem attainable and give you a boost of energy when you need it. They don't dwell on small setbacks or waste time complaining about things that are within their power to change. With an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to try new things, they can handle virtually anything.

While we sometimes have to deal with negative coworkers or relatives, it's up to us to choose the other people in our lives. Ask yourself how you feel after spending time with someone. Do you feel energized and inspired? Or does lunch with a certain "friend" leave you feeling restless and unfulfilled?

If the latter, then it's time to develop friendships with people who support your goals and spread positive energy. These people will provide wisdom in times of trouble and inspire you to reach greater heights in moments on self-doubt. Seek our people and organizations that promote action and service to the community, because there is nothing more uplifting than helping others.

As you spend more time with positive people and distance yourself from negative ones, you'll feel your spirits lift and your goals coming into focus. You, in turn, will become a more positive person - someone others want to spend their time with.

© 2009 Ali International, LLC

Self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur Ali Brown is devoted to creating financial freedom for women globally through the power of entrepreneurship. To learn how to create wealth and live an extraordinary life now, register for her free weekly articles at www.AliBrown.com

How I'm Incorporating the Ten Things You Can Do Today

1. I couldn't agree more on this one and try to do it weekly! Usually after work on Saturdays....bubbles...a stack of magazines and pure bliss.

2. :( so sad...I don't have a pet - can I cuddle one of yours?

3. Ooh, this is one I'm looking forward to. Already planning a Harry Potter opening night outing with Mindy.

4. Easy, I definitely got this one covered and am meeting my pals Cindy & Cheryl for lunch tomorrow. It's so great to have friends who pick up right where you left off without missing a beat. Our last luncheon at the holidays turned into a four hour fest of laughter, great conversation and plenty of wine.

5. As an avid reader I am always looking for a good book recommendation. Today just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. . Highly recommend it for a good summer read -- Thanks to Beth for the suggestion.

6. Always! I love to put the Show Tunes channel on Cablevision and can often be found cooking & dancing.

7. Need I say more? This summer when the weather is nice I skip my usual Friday morning yoga class and opt for some outdoor activity instead - like rollerblading, biking or hitting the golf course.

8. Lately for me it's been cooking. I have been experimenting lately with vegan baking and other tasty healthy treats.

9. My favorite is from Wayne Dyer. "What I desire is on it's way. And it's coming to me in greater amounts than I could imagine. This is the vision I hold for myself in a state of love & gratitude. No matter what."

10. Always!


Now it's your....I invite you to add a post sharing your plans & successes.

It's a Match!

Today's blog is a quick personal entry to share some fun news.

My husband, Rich and I were recently featured by Julie Spira, the Cyber-Dating Expert™ on her site.

Julie is the best-selling author of, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online as well as the Radio Show Host of “Ask the Cyber-Dating Expert™”

Check out our album


Healthy relationships are vital to whole life fitness too, and of course just it's plain fun to be featured. :)

Go out and shower some love today.....whether it be giving your kids a big hug, bringing your neighbor's trash can in, or giving your spouse a compliment.

Bring on the love....you can never have too much of it!

Top 10 Reasons To Jazzercise this Summer

TOP REASONS TO JAZZERCISE THIS SUMMER

1.To release stress from having the kids home everyday.
2. It takes just 6 weeks to lose the fitness you build in 6 months.
3. The sun does not melt away body fat.
4. You just feel so much better after a good sweat.
5. You can take time to smell the flowers on your summer walks.
6. The adorable On the Go Tote bag
7. To get out of the house so you don’t have to do dinner dishes.
8. Jazzercise is not seasonal. We’re here all year and you should be too.
9. You don’t stop brushing your teeth in the summer, why stop Jazzercise?
10. The sun doesn't suck fat off your body folks so if you're 'outside' remember, you've got to get your heart rate up and do your strength training while you're out there to get all the benefits you get from only 1 hour here.