Dirty Shoe

The idea is often perfect, however the plan is usually flawed. Think about that again: you set a goal for yourself and the idea is perfect, but the plan is unrealistic or flawed. Many of us develop a plan and fail to follow through. Others make no plan at all. When it comes to a fitness goal, having a personal trainer can help you develop a concrete plan, but you have to be willing to follow it.

I was on the greenbelt today, walking in one of my "hidden gem" areas of beautiful, sprawling flat rock and clear water ranging from small cascading waterfalls to 3 foot pools. I was hopping from rock to rock in the wet creek bed area and trying to move as quickly as I could while staying dry. Well, sometimes I only had a few inches to land and anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet lay between dry spots. I failed to plan and look ahead. I just started going and it wasn't long before my quickness of movement and lack of plan failed me and I went splat right into a pool of water. My result was a wet foot and dirty shoe, which is easy to overcome. But when we apply that result to bigger goals, we see how important it is to plan ahead and be able to realize the long term results of our original idea by making some shorter term goals and following through.

On the personal level:
I haven't blogged in a week and have missed it. I can only share a tidbit of life while keeping it short. I attended an 8 hr long TRX seminar today at Pinnacle. The intent was to get a basic understanding of suspension training (curious? lookup www.fitnessanywhere.com). Well, once again, the Crossfit training proved to be a big asset as I felt most of the programming was easy and I was able to drum up new ideas on progressing the exercises. It made for a fun, creative day and about 4 hours of workout time. Watch out clients, there's a new toy in store for you! Oh, and I am so ready for dinner at Uchi tonight after all that work!

Powerful Beyond Measure

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. It's that we're powerful beyond measure. It is your purpose to be brilliant, talented, beautiful. Playing small does not serve anyone. Don't be concerned about people feeling insecure around you, it's likely that the opposite will happen. As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give those around us permission to do the same. People respond to the positive environment and feel liberated themselves. This power is within all of us. This power is within you.

Every life has value. Every life has purpose. Live knowing that you are powerful, beautiful, intelligent, and worthy.

On the personal level:
I've fallen off the running wagon. What was supposed to be the weekend of running my first half marathon, has instead turned into 6 weeks since I've run consistently. Fear of a intimidating distance? Yes! Time to get back to it...committing to 3 days a week running 3-4 miles. Sprints one day a week. Football practice is due to start soon. I want to know that being good to my body helps me perform.

New Teachings

Religion has been the basis of wars, crimes, and can be considered much of why the world is not at peace. Isn't that an interesting phenomenon? When much of what religious beliefs are based on are entirely unproven and an entity we know little to nothing about. When I say this it's not to judge or condemn, but it is true that we really know very little about the mysteries of a higher power. They will remain long after our generation is gone. Possibly forever. And I see this as well, on an unhealthy level religious beliefs can be used as a crutch for a person's shortcomings and fears.
I grew up without any type of religious teachings and as an adult I'm curious to study and learn more about different religions. Will an understanding of religion help me understand my purpose? I can't be sure.
I've taken on the task of discovering Buddhism, so this week I attended a Buddhist temple; a makeshift temple located in a house on a quiet suburban street just east of I-35 on Rundberg. The house is lived in by the Buddhists that run the chapter, two married couples and a single girl. I had no idea what to expect upon knocking on that door and the experience was a welcome surprise. Everyone was young, super warm and friendly, gave lots of hugs, and seemed devoted to the teachings of the Karmapa they follow. They took the time to give me some insightful background into their group, the different Buddhism styles, and we did a short guided meditation. And then it was stated, "Afterwards we usually just hang out together, do you want a beer?" And there it is...my hopeful beginnings of a beautiful Buddhist relationship.

On the *more* personal level:
What a tough week of punishing workouts. My body is talkin' some trash! To tame the fire, we did a Crossfit Total workout on Thursday. It was my friend Jarrod and myself and we maxed out on squat, shoulder press and deadlift. The two of us hit personal records with every lift we did! What a great day! Thanks to Jarrod for pushing me to go for the 210 PR on deadlift!! Otherwise I wouldn't have tried it. My new numbers: squat 170, press 65, deadlift 210 for a total of 445. My goal is to increase the total by 20 lbs. or more in the next 4 weeks.

You Awake?

Austin is lucky to have a great system of trails and greenbelts and the close proximity these gems are to the downtown area is amazing. I live on the Bouldin Creek greenbelt and truly appreciate the beauty of living downtown and seeing the skyline and being involved in the city's energy and yet still being surrounded by the quiet of nature.
Yesterday was a chance for Emma and I to explore some new trails on Barton Creek greenbelt that we'd never been on before. The trail was easy to access and there were a few people exiting at the base. As soon as we entered onto the new area, it became steep and rugged and I got very excited that we were going to get a good workout and perhaps some even better views. We climbed the steep hill, the trail really mellowed out and another thing happened--all the people disappeared. Among those treetops we found ourselves isolated in a very quiet part of the world and it was pleasant. Always up for adventure, I stepped off the beaten path and off the trails completely to explore my surroundings in a whole new way. Once I was climbing rocks, working my way through brush, under and over trees, and through creeks it became immediately apparent. My senses heightened. My awareness of danger increased. It was an amazing feeling. Simple really, but you become much more aware that there could be a snake underfoot or a tree branch ahead aimed right at your eye. Or those evil little thorns ready to scratch at your skin. Stepping off the path made me awake and alive and one other very important thing: in the moment.
What is something you can choose to do this week to take your own life off the beaten path? Step into the unknown--the exciting--into a world that makes sure you're completely awake and focused and in the now.

On the personal level:
I've decided to attend a Buddhist Temple in Austin. I've never been and I'd like to learn more about the religion and know what it's like to practice it. I agree with some of the Buddhist teachings. It's important for me to remember to slow down and listen, I think this learning opportunity can reinforce this for me. I wonder if the chants and alternative methods of practice will be something I embrace or am turned off by. I have so many questions and this is definitely a new realm.

Up to YOU

Every bit of who you are or ever will be is up to you. It's a matter of free will. Think about every choice and decision you've made, action you've taken, and word you've expressed has gotten you to where you are today and will continue to shape your future. Being accountable for the choices you've made in your life is how you make changes to better yourself in the present and future. It also represents maturity. Instead of beginning a blaming process for failure, we accept full responsibility for that failure and are then able to move forward. Look inward to accept and change the parts of your life that you don't like.

Accepting that you are completely responsible for yourself and that no one is going to "save" you sets you up to make the best decisions for yourself and to be the most successful person that you can be!

On the personal level:
Because of the time I spend being intensely active, I need regular therapy and massage. I know this and yet I've neglected it lately. In the recent past I've been able to do massage exchange with some friends, but that hasn't happened lately, so I've been experiencing some painful kinks in the last couple of weeks. Well, luckily I was recently introduced to a physical therapist, Chris, that just moved back here from New Zealand and is looking to do some bodywork. I lent myself up for experiment (I am the poster child for why massage is necessary!) and have been feeling MUCH better since. So, thanks to Chris for manhandling my muscles! If you are in need of some corrective work, I'd highly recommend him. Wellll, I might need a few more sessions to really be sure. ; )

Sight to See!

Tonight, Saturday, January 10th, it's expected that we'll have the biggest and brightest full moon of 2009. This occurs because the moon's orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle and at one point in its orbit it's 31,000 miles closer to Earth than at its farthest point. That perigee happens tonight. A full moon rises right at sunset and will appear much larger at moonrise than it does later in the night when it is higher in the sky. This illusion is not fully explained, but some theorize that it has to do with our perception of things on the horizon vs. overhead. You can read more about this phenomenon on msn.com today.

The moon tonight is a perfect example of why there is something to enjoy and take advantage of everyday. Appreciate the truly amazing in the simple, natural occurrences on our planet. Hope today has you taking advantage of life and making the most of your day!

On the personal level:
I'm thankful for one of my friends in Austin: Tobias. Tobias is the owner of Sugar, a pitbull who is Emma's BFF. These two pitbulls play beautifully together--racing and chasing each other through the greenbelt. I met Tobias at Emma's school and would have never thought that we'd become such good friends; we're very different people. We take our furkids out together several times a week and have some of the most honest conversations about life. It's great to have a friend that helps you reflect on some of life's questions. And today he brought me friendship bread. Awww...thanks to Tobias and Sugar! Emma and I appreciate you both!

Think You Can?

Think about the amount of control you have over different things in your life. How much control do you have over the success of your career, relationships, and family/friends? How about your car or house operating perfectly without fault? We have control over ourselves, but we can't control what other people do, when things break, what the weather brings us, etc. There is one thing in life that you do have a significant amount of control over. Your health. Your health is mostly dependent upon you and you alone. Yes, sometimes we "break" without warning, too, but most often our health is a direct byproduct of how we treat our body and mind. And your health is a byproduct of the attitude you have toward being fit. There is not only the commitment of time and discipline that goes into being healthy, but the attitude is paramount, as well.
So, remember, everyday is a new opportunity to live the healthiest life you possibly can. It all starts with your attitude. Whether you think you can or can't succeed in your goal of eating well, exercising consistently, and developing a healthy mind, you're right.

No excuses! Believe you're going to succeed, because you will!

On the personal level:
I work very hard to help my clients get into a healthy mindset because I believe it's the very core of whether they succeed or not. It's something that I work on everday, too. Having a healthy attitude and being positive is what paves my road to success. I'm thankful for this warm weather, hope to get out and play a 'lil volleyball on Friday...however I am in bad need of a massage for the 'ol shoulder. Volunteers can sign up anytime! : )

Be a Teacher

It feels good to be in the position to add value to the lives of others. I say that in the sense of educating. In order to teach something valuable to someone, we have to learn something valuable ourselves. Put yourself in the position to teach someone you value something today.

Change yourself. Change another. Empower yourself. Empower those around you. Have a blessed day!

On the personal level:
Anytime I'm fighting through an injury, I envy my clients who are able to do what I am not. I'm lucky that the injury I'm experiencing is very temporary and should be fine by tomorrow, but I still think about how we take for granted our ability to do something we often don't want to do. I reflected today when I was out for a walk with Emma. She values her exercise intensely...looks forward to it everyday. She begs for a run! Don't take your ability to be active and healthy for granted. Just another something we can learn from our furry friends!

Bowl of Potential

Being positive. Welcoming change. Progressing and Innovating. Being compassionate. I write about these things because I understand that they remain a constant truth. These teachings don't change, they are always true. I think these teachings can help us through some difficult situations. I find that if I keep learning, stay positive, remain aware of my faults/keep the ego in check, workout or play sports daily, get good sleep, help others in need, and have healthy social interaction; that these things help me be a much more grounded individual. In my mind, it's not the material possessions that offer these benefits. What constants do you need in your life to make you a grounded individual?

I appreciate these excerpts pertaining to happiness from the book, "A Life in Balance":
"The fruits of a life committed to happiness are: enthusiasm, inspiration, passion, compassion, courage, honesty, and authenticity."
"Happiness is attained by choosing a path of certainty. There will be suffering, accidents, grief, and losses along with laughter, pleasure, and joy. Life stops being a roller coaster of ups and downs. Instead of going through each day with a certain tentative sense, you live with self-confidence, courage, and optimism. Happiness is confidence that no matter what happens, your life's potential is constantly unfolding."
So, to make your life a bowl of potential that is constantly unfolding, put into action what you can do today...and put your goals to work!

On the personal level:
New Year's Eve was the celebration of my 1 year in Austin anniversary. I volunteered at First Night Austin--the art exhibits and fireworks show were great. I'm happy. I've got my share of challenges behind me and yet to come, but the move was a great decision. It also makes me yearn for more of a traveling lifestyle; I'm asking myself quite often, what else is out there? So, I have some long-term goals to accomplish for myself, won't be easy, but we'll work on getting there.