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Sunshine Makes Me Feel Alive!

June 8, 2010

As we transition here from the Spring into the Summer months, I love the energy I get from the sun. Now I’m not talking about sun bathing here. LOL—Quite the opposite actually, I’m talking about the vibrant energy that we get from the sun that moves us and motivates us.

Take some time to read through this affirmative self reflection exercise and let the energy of the sun motivate and inspire you.

Sunshine makes me feel alive.

Every time I step outside and feel the sunlight on my face, I feel alive. The sun serves as a reminder that there is a fresh new beginning to each day with opportunities waiting to be discovered.

In the brightness of every moment I find new direction. Each day is just as important and deserves to be lived with as much passion as the one before. I rise up to the challenge by allowing myself to get carried away doing an activity I love.

I desire to be like the sun, always bright. Even when there are clouds in the sky hiding the sunlight, it is still there, just out of view. My talents and gifts are always shinning even if they are hidden behind a cloud. Before long, the skies clear and I shine!

Sunlight symbolizes life. From the colorful bed of flowers growing in a garden to the birds singing their beautiful song, it is the sun that keeps all things beautiful.

On sunny days, I love going outside and basking in the warmth of the sun. Being outdoors is good for my body and mental health. The sun and its energy is like my fuel.

I find creative ways to spend time outdoors. Whether it is having a picnic, reading a book, holding a meeting, or working – there are plenty of activities that are enhanced when done outside.

Today, I choose to take every opportunity I get to be outside. I change my scenery to open myself up to new inspiration through a different perspective.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. How can I spend more time outdoors?
  2. What is one activity I can do outdoors rather than indoors?
  3. How does the sun inspire me?
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Take Advantage of Those Long Summer Days – Invest in You!

June 7, 2010

The summer time provides the perfect time to invest in your own personal growth and development. The longer days and greater sunlight provide a cheerful setting for allowing you to bloom!

Whether you enjoy the surf and sand of the beach, hiking in nature, or some other physical activity, remember to balance it with mental stimulation as well. If you do, you’ll experience the harmony and fulfillment that you crave.

Personal improvement means different things to different people. Everyone is in a particular physical and emotional place that is unlike the personal experience of anyone else. Search within yourself to find out what’s most important to you. Only you can determine what’s best for you as you pursue joy this summer.

For some, the most pressing issue is physical health and well-being. A healthy body fuels you with the energy and vitality necessary for improvement in other areas. For others, improving the mind or developing spiritually may be the focus of the summer season.

Warmth and Personal Improvement

Summer is the perfect time for renewal and development. Summer also presents the chance to connect with others. Swimming, beach volleyball, or a brisk jog in nature can expand your physical capability while sharpening your mind. The extra vitamin D from the sunlight may enhance your mood by making you feel more cheerful.

Make the most of summertime. Nourish your soul under the warm sun and draw close to those you love the most. Take the time to appreciate what others bring into your life. Create lasting memories with conversation around a campfire exploring the topics that are most important to you.

With longer days often comes more activity. Remember to take time to reflect on the direction of your life. Think about how to best use your time to accomplish the objectives that are close to your heart this summer. Take a step back from the excitement and activity around you for some soul-inspiring self-reflection.

More Light Offers More Choices

The summertime, with its brighter daylight and longer days, presents more opportunities for improving yourself. You feel like you have more time to get things accomplished. Often, you have more energy and motivation during this time. If you’ve been planning changes but haven’t gotten to the starting line, summer provides a sweet occasion for a fresh start.

If you’re unsure about where to begin, consider these ideas for summer self-improvement:

  • Begin or renew an outdoor exercise routine that you enjoy.
  • Walk in nature to stimulate your imagination and enhance your mood.
  • Be creative! Do something artistic alone or with your kids.
  • Start and maintain a garden.
  • Read a book in a comfortable lounge chair or hammock.

There are many ways you can feel better about yourself and improve your life.
Challenge yourself to learn something new.

Set your intentions now before you get into the throws of vacations, commitments, and activities with the kids. Set some small goals for your own self improvement now and commit to yourself with a plan of action and follow through. Make it a priority.

As the days get brighter, a few small, positive steps can make your outlook on life brighter, too. The benefits will abound!

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Get Fit – 5 Ways to Get in Shape During the Summer

June 4, 2010

Last week we talked about the benefits of running which is just one of many ways to get some great exercise this summer and reduce stress.

The warm, long days of summer are a source of encouragement to get outdoors and make changes that can lead to a healthier you!

If you’re excited about pushing your body to a new level of physical fitness, but you’re unsure where to begin, take advantage of the summertime to sculpt the body you’ve been wanting.

Here are five fun and exciting ways to get in shape this summer:

  1. Join a gym. Allow the beautiful weather to motivate you to change, but consider a gym membership as a tool to support you in that change. The sunshine may beckon you outdoors, but the heat may stop your momentum dead in its tracks. An air-conditioned gym with state-of-the-art exercise equipment may be just what you need. I love my gym and enjoy seeing and working out with my friends and gym buddies. It’s a great motivator.
  • Whether you want to build muscle or simply tone up and shed a few pounds, a gym membership allows you to design a workout program that works best for you.
  • If you go with friends, you can all provide moral support and keep each other on track. With others involved, you’re more likely to avoid procrastination and keep working out.
  • You can have a successful exercise program without a gym membership. But the gym is one tool in your arsenal. When the weather is too hot or it’s raining outside, you’ll still be able to get a quality workout and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with every step forward.
  1. Pick up an old sport. Did you play basketball or softball in high school? Summer recreational leagues offer opportunities for you to get in shape while rekindling that competitive fire you had in your youth.
  • Even if you didn’t play sports, you can begin this summer. You may find that you’re better at it than you thought you would be. Sports are a great way to get excited about getting in shape, and summer leagues may be the ticket to getting you off of the couch and into the game.
  1. Go for a bike ride. A bicycle ride through the scenic parts of your town is a fun way to get in shape. Enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings, the warm sunshine, and a terrific cardiovascular workout.
  • Riding a bike can be as strenuous or as leisurely as you like. Some days, you may want to push yourself with a fast pace. Other days, you may feel tired and in need of rejuvenation. With a bike ride, you can still get a good workout and recharge your batteries at the same time.
  1. Develop a morning or evening routine. If you’re just getting started with a personal fitness plan this summer, keep it simple. Go for a quick walk – keep it simple.
  • Begin with small steps that are easy to fit into your busy morning or evening. That way, you’re more likely to stick with the program until you see the results you deserve.
  • If the warm weather and beautiful sunshine are calling your name, start small and plan ahead. A short, slow jog first thing in the morning will begin your day with a sense of accomplishment.
  • As you become more comfortable and the workout becomes a habit, you can challenge yourself by adding repetitions, time, or distance to the simple plan you’ve created.
  1. Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy eating plan is essential to your success. The heat of summer and the additional stress on your body from your commitment to exercise requires the proper fuel. Most importantly, drink plenty of water.
  • If you begin to think of the food you’re putting into your mouth as fuel for the fit body you deserve, you’ll start making better choices that support your new lifestyle.

I love using a combination of things to keep my workouts from getting boring. I love Pilates, walking, biking, workouts at home, and hiking. Mix it up to keep it fun and fresh.

*BONUS TIP* Team up with an accountability buddy. Check in with each other daily. A quick text, e-mail, phone call or whatever works for you can keep you in check, on track, focused and motivated to get the results you desire!

By following these simple steps this summer, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more fit. You’ll create momentum and establish a lifestyle of active fitness that is sure to lead to the fit body you crave!

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Development Tagged With: , , , ,

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