Goals for the Week!

What I've Been Up To...

2012-05-17T14:23:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Okay, so I've been up to a couple of things these last few weeks/months. But what I've been up to this week is figuring out how to make a video. Yes, a video! I made this lil' blurb all by myself. Just learned how to insert the fancy header/footer as well.

And the video itself shares what I've been up to with my work these past few months. I'm excited how my work continues to unfold.

OH! - and I've been running too. Did my first speed/interval workout on Tuesday- and let's just say the legs are a bit rusty :)

What have you been up to?? Would love to know!

The Art of Practice

2012-04-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm basking in the high from presenting my workshop on Goal Setting this past week. The essence of the workshop focused on What and Why you want your Goals- and then anchoring with HOW you set your goals into motion.

And the overarching principle in HOW to set your goals in motion is applying the Art of PRACTICE. The concept is so simple. And the application of practice by design seems so elementary, I mean it's what we tell our own children every day. 'If you want to get better at X or Y, you need to....PRACTICE.'

Yet despite it's brilliant simplicity, it can be a bit hard to put the Art of Practice into motion. And I think I know why. Because we need practice in bringing in the Art of Practice in our life.

How Does the Art of Practice Look?

For me, it's getting the practice of X into my life on a daily basis. Yes, a daily basis. Because that's really where you will feel and live into your desired outcome- as if it's already happening.

So during my workshop- I shared with the group one of my Career Goals which is to create and present amazing presentations. So bringing the practice of practicing this goal into my life on a daily basis had me set a weekly goal to practice my upcoming workshop every day this week.

And what that looked like was carving time out each day to literally practice my entire workshop, as though I was presenting it to a real audience. And the picture below is my 'audience' in my office- Brown Bear and American Girl Doll were particularly enthralled with the experience.

And what I'm learning and feeling is the Art of Practice takes continual practice. It's a process, a way, a continual evolution on how it looks in my life. It's art that I'm willing to practice :) How about you? How do you bring the Art of Practice into an area of your life? Would love to know.

Running with Ben

2012-04-02T14:43:00.002-07:00

Ask and It is Given

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Dr. Wayne Dyer. Subsequently, I'll read any book with a forward written by the man. So when I serendipitously stumbled upon 'Ask and it is Given' with Wayne's Forward leading the way, I gave it a go.

And I'm glad I did.

Part of the book has a series of 'processes', or exercises, or games if you will, that help release all of the resistance we've built up around attracting that which we really want in our lives. There are 22 different processes and you choose one according to what just feels right for you at that moment. Well the Wallet Process #15 was right up my alley.

Because without realizing it most of the time, I'm focused more on the lack of money in my experience rather than the presence of money. So even when I'm sending out thoughts of wanting more money into my life, it's coming from a source of feeling my lack of money. So this process helps offer a vibration that is compatible with receiving money instead of pushing it away.

The Wallet Process #15

The process begins with you obtaining $100 bill and keeping it with you al all times. As you do so, you should feel pleased that it's there and remind yourself of the security it brings you. Then as you move through out your day, start to take note of all the things you could purchase with that $100 and mentally spend that $100 on all of those things: a cute dress, the pillow and sheets, the great smelling food, theatre tickets, fancy soaps, and remind yourself that, if you really wanted, you could purchase any because you have $100.

My Experience

For me, the act of holding the $100 in my hand and visualizing myself buying all of these things as I strolled though my day was pretty amazing. I could honestly feel a different hold and exchange of the way I perceived myself to receive money. By mentally spending the $100 multiple times in a day I really began to feel the advantage of having money flow more easily into my life.

Running with Ben

And part of my day included my long run. So I thought- let's play with this process further. Let's run with the $100 in my hand. I felt funny yet excited about the idea.

So I did.

I ran with Ben here for 50 minutes on my long country road run. Having the $100 in my hand the entire time was energetic experience. I realized the value of my runs is on a different energy continuum than money. Like you can't compare $100 to a run. Running outdoors is outside of the realm of money energy. It's deeper, broader, more expansive. So with this revelation, I wanted to bring more of my running energy into the way I receive and play with money.

Results

I began this Process and modified Running with Ben last Thursday and I believe I've felt pretty cool results. Like the following:

1. I came home from my run and my husband had cleaned the entire house, moved out our old dining room which was cluttering up our entire living room for weeks- it become the kid's new art table, and hung new mirrors.

2. Have had fabulous afternoon naps every day

3. Received a new client

4. Felt an added sense of security.

5. Went on a lunch date, party date and coffee date with my husband

6. My kids are being incredibly loving.

7. New living room book cases and entertainment system set up- which I wasn't expecting at all

8. New summer outfits for the entire family at prices almost like they were giving the clothes away

9. Found a whole bunch of my 'nicer' necklaces that I love and feel like I have a new wardrobe

Ultimately what I'm beginning to feel is that you do not have to actually be abundant in order to attract abundance, but you do have to feel abundant. So by spending this $100 again and again, I am practicing the vibration of abundance and the good ol' Universe responds to the vibration you have achieved by matching I with manifested abundance.

My Challenge to You

So that's where I am with this Process. Now how about you? Have you ever done this exercise? And if not- why not try this process for yourself! Go get a new crisp $100 bill, carry it around with you- heck do your workout with it and feel all of the energy that comes up with the experience.

And I would love to know how your experiment goes $

International Women's Day: Help Vittana!

2012-03-08T06:52:00.001-08:00

I wanted to help spread the word about Vittana, a non-profit with a website that helps its users make microloans to support the education of students in developing countries. Today they're doing a big push to help fund 100 women’s educations and have a lot of influential bloggers and twitterati on board to help spread the word.

If you’d like to help reach their goal, here are some things that you can do:

Go to our Vittana students page and make a loan to support the student of your choice!
Join the #Vittana4Women Twitter Chat Thursday, March 8th 10:00 AM PST 1:00 PM EST and learn how education empowers women and why this makes a significant impact on communities as a whole. More info about it here: http://www.hollywoodhotmoms.com/join-us-for-vittana4women-twitter-chat/
Follow @Vittana on twitter and “like” Vittana on facebook.

And you can make a $25 dollar loan or more- know it's going towards a women's education and be repaid when she graduates and starts her career.

What's Working Wednesday: The Power of Now

2012-03-07T12:02:00.002-08:00

The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

I just finished reading The Power of Now and I think I'm starting to get the essence of the BE-Ing ness of the book. But maybe not. Oh, I dunno. I think I am, but what he's suggesting to think or actually, to NOT think, and just BE...is hard.

Who out there has read this book?

It took me a bit to get into BE-ing with the book. Mainly because it's taking a very simple concept and explaining it in an analytic method that will allow our modern minds to understand. It's really asking us to apply this simple concept at a very deep level. And once you allow your mind and all of it's ego to move out of the way and let your true BE-ing-ness just be- it's a very transformative process. Yes, really I just used that word. Because it is.

Surrender to Resistence

One concept I'm attempting to bring (if just a bit) in my life is Surrendering to Resistence. Basically, we all live and react in a world of constant mind resistance to all sorts of things. We allow our resistance to define who we are and how we show up in the world- all at a very deep unconscious level. So the book's idea is to begin to be aware of resistance showing up in any/all areas of your life-and simply surrender to the resistance of ____________(fill in the blank). Once you surrender, then detach yourself from all the emotion around it. Don't judge or give any value to the resistance. Just surrender to the resistance, feel the emotional and detach from the emotion and resistance. From there you it's almost like it's not 'running' you anymore. You feel lighter and resolved.

In my Life

I've applied this several times to the most minute of things: The annoying dog barking outside while trying I'm to work, not getting the reaction or answer I want, etc. It's helped. And I know it's like anything though- Repetition is the Mother of Mastery, so I just keep reminding myself to let it become more of a daily practice for me and see what happens AM.

What's Working for YOU?

So, that's what's working for me over here. Now how about YOU? Have you read this book? Does is work for you? What else is working for you this week? I'd LOVE to know:)

ALSO- a reminder:

2012-03-05T12:29:00.002-08:00

Here's my lil' AB doing her thing. Going for it all...one bar at a time. And I gotta to remember, it's not like she waltzed up there the first time and swung away. No no no no no. It took her a few years just to be strong enough to hang on her own. Then it took another few years to venture out and swing over to the next bar. And now look at her...swinging away. Always with guts, strength and belief in herself. You can see it on her face. Going for it all one bar at a time.

AM- The bars are there, just trust the process.

Here are my bars that I'll be swinging from for my Goals for the Week:

Mom:

Continue planning Spring Break ideas...

Athlete:

4 runs, 2 bikes, 3 strength trains, 1 yoga, zumba or other different exercise

Health:

Cook dinner at home every night this week. I did the shopping, the menu set...now let's do it:)

Wife:

Plan an overnight

Personal Growth:

Develop a Plan for 1 or 2 of my Bigger yearly goals

Me:

I haven't given myself the time and space for an hour to just BE and do something for myself outside of my morning routine. So make a list of fun things to do and do one!

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And this is what I have lined up to swing from this week. Now...how about YOU? Would love to know what bars you've got lined up for the week! :)

Also....I am moving my blog over to my business website:

What's Working: 20 Acts of Synchronicity

2012-02-29T17:25:00.001-08:00

20 Acts of Synchronicity

I discovered the idea of catching daily acts that are aligned Big Picture Thinking on Life from the book The Artist's Way. I've evolved the practice into being a part of my morning routine, where at some point in my journaling I'll list 20 Acts of life Synchronicity onto the page. I began this exercise a few months ago and initially my list contained acts that were all positive, feel good and 'aw....shucks, that's so great!' type of things.

However, what I've come to realize through doing this practice daily is this: everything is an act of synchronicity towards my life purpose. The yucky, boring and not so good stuff is literally just as equal and important as all the feel good stuff. And so is all the non descriptive acts in between. They all have purpose and meaning and I don't know if I would've felt this on a gut level if I hadn't put writing this list into my daily practice.

Here's one of my 20 Daily Acts of Synchronicity:

1. Finding tea tree oil for the zits on my face!

2. Having dinner all together

3. Writing my morning pages

4. Going to Chinese New Year play in SF

5. Reading in bed last night

6. Wanting to stretch, feeling my body needing it

7. Not hearing back from a potential client

8. Good night's sleep

9. My outdoor trail run

10. Kissing A & N goodnight

11. Being with my mom and sis in the city

12. The sunset sky

13. Lil' A's outfit

14. curling my hair

15. Not getting what I want

16. being frustrated with nurse at doctor.

17. Sunrise sky-pinks and blue

18. Dogs nails needing to be trimmed

19. Sitting on this comfy couch

20. N's tricks in the living room

What I've found I like about doing a list of 20 vs. 5 or 10 is that it really lets you write the more menial things you might overlook if you were forced to have a shorter list.

Now...here's my invitation for you. Try it out. Write 5, 10, 15 or 20 Acts of life Synchronicity in your life. What can you catch that is in agreement with what you are wanting to live into?

I'd love to see your list here or let me know how it works for you :)

Also...to let you know...my website is moving to www.annemariesebastiani.com. I'm still posting here as well , but will most likely move over to my new business website;)

GFTW 9: Swinging Free!

2012-02-27T09:50:00.003-08:00

Goals for the Week: Swingin' Free

Hi All! Happy Week to you. For me, I just love this shot of my lil' AB. She's just swinging free on the monkey bars in Chinatown with really not a care in the world. Just the ease of the swing, the look of excitement for the next bar and the readiness to take it all on. All in her polka dot stripped tights, her yellow dress with orange and green flowers, her pink hair band and purple shoes.

nice.

So with this vision as my mantra going into my week, here's what I have lined up.

Goals for the Week:

Health:

Switch to water after 2 cups of coffee in the am. Water through out day. Water before dessert

Athlete:

3 days Strength train, 4 runs, 2 bikes.

Wife:

I was gone all last week and the DH had kid duty. Which meant no work outs for him really. So support him in getting his work outs in this week.

Mom:

Sign AB up for Gymnastics. Watch N's baseball practice. Start researching Spring break ideas/plans

Personal Growth:

Intuitive Development CD #5 of Mary Swanson

ME!:

Get my hair styled! ;)

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review it each day as part of my morning routine. And that's what I have tee'd up over here. Now...how about YOU??? Would love to know what you've got going on in your neck of the woods. Talk to me, talk to me! ;)

What's Working: Wayne Dyer's Twelve Steps to Being with Source

2012-02-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

What's Working this Week:

1. Wayne Dyer's 12 Steps to Being With Source

Hi All! This past weekend I rummaged through my organizer and came across this list above I typed up almost eight years ago. It's from Wayne Dyer's book The Power of Intention and was the first style of 'Law of Attraction' book I read that had a significant impact on my life. It was the first time I believed in my gut the idea of really living into what you dream your life to be.

So I've relied on this list through out the past eight years. Off and on. In and out. Through cycles of my life. It's always been with me.

Yet, I haven't actively read it now for a few years. A few years! Wow, so I revisited it again in my organizer at the right time. A perfect time. To reflect on each step and bring some of this into my daily life.

So I want to share the 12 Steps to Being with Source with you:

1. Want more for others than you want for yourself

2. Think from the end. Begin to see yourself around the people/events you want in your life. See yourself with what you want. Act as if it's already here. Awareness that I am thinking it's already here.

3. Be an appreciator in your life. Look for that which is valuable rather than worthless.

4. Stay in rapport with source energy. your job here is to be in a state of harmony with source

5. Understand this about resistance. Every thought that you have that is not from your eminent source i.e. 'it can't happen' is resistance. It's right because that's what you believe.

6.Contemplate yourself as surrounded by th conditions which you want to produce

7. Understand the art of allowing. take the path of least resistance. Here I am and here is source, what's the easiest way to get there

8.Practice radical humility. You are not this body. You are a divine source

9. Be in a constant state of gratitude

10. Keep in mind that you can never resolve a problem by condemning it. If you use shame, it's not going to help.

11. Play the match game. Always ask yourself if you're matched up with the field of intention.

12. Meditate

OH! And I'd like to note- Source can be whatever you make it for yourself. Some people choose the word God, universe, earth, world, energy- whatever word works for you is what Source is right?
So, this list is working' for me this week. Now, I'd love to ask you- What's working and maybe not so much for YOU this week? And do you have a list or mantra you're working with right now? Would LOVE to know! :)

ALSO- NOTE- my lil' blog here is being moved to my website: www.annemariesebastiani.com. Please check me out there!!

What's Working (and not so much): New Website, Wishes and Waistline!

2012-02-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

What's Working:

1. New Website!

I'm in the process of creating my new website and merging my lil' blog Goals for the Week, with my business website www.annemariesebastiani.com. It's been an overhaul, and I'm still in the process of creating the new site but I feel ready enough to have people come check it out! :) The gist of my work is that I offer workshops and programs that help people tap their limitless creative possibility and bring more of this into daily living.

2. Lil' A's Fairy Wishing Garden

Lil' A created this Fairy Wishing Garden in our front yard this week. Do I need to say anything more? :)

3. Valentines, Flowers and Dinner- oh My!

Yesterday was sweetly filled with kids' valentines, roses from the honey and a valentine DATE night out to dinner. Yup, you read that right folks. Date night out on Valentine's Day! The dinner was delish and we sat for over 2 hours to eat (I'm shaking my head in disbelief as I type this...)

and now, not so much:

1. New waistline:

I am FEELIN' dinner/dessert this morning. Well, to be fair, I've been feeling my new waistline coming on for a while, but last night's dinner put it over the top. Here's to wearing black lycra stretch pants and a comfy t-shirt today!

So...that's what's working and maybe not so much for me over here.

Now...how about YOU? Would love to hear what's working and maybe not so much over in your neck of the fairy wishing garden. Talk to me, talk to me! And I'd LOVE for you to leave a comment on this post at my new website :) :) :)

GFTW 7: Strides

2012-02-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday All. I ran with my Sherry bib for SUARs's cousin on Saturday, and it felt good to sprinkle her courage, strength and love back into the world. There were a LOT of runners out there doing the same! Felt nice to be a part of the movement.
And so keeping up with movement, this week feels like I'm in full stride for things coming into fruition. It's like I have my race bib on and I'm walking to the starting line. I still need to warm up and start, but I'm walking to the start. That's what this week feels like for me.

My Goals for the Week:

Health: 1 Yoplait yogurt for dessert (instead of 2 servings of ice cream each night). WATER

Mom: Have kids help make dinner at least 2x's this week

Athlete: 3 ST's, 3 Runs, 2 bike spins- working on cadence for all

Wife: Learn 1 new thing about him each day :)

Personal Growth: Listen to Intuitive CD #4 by Mary Swanson

ME: Get that multi-vitamin already AM!

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. So, that's what I have going on for me over here. Oh! and I also have a new stride that's pretty big! My blog here is moving to annemariesebastiani.com:

I know, I know! It's all still a lil' crazy, but I decided to take the leap and combine my business site w/this lil' blog here because they are so interrelated and well....why not? It's still a work in progress- but I'm happy with the direction it's going so far. So would love, love, love, LOVE for you to check it out and find me there. I plan to start actively posting there next Sunday.

That's what's going on for me over here in my neck of the woods. Now...how about you? What do YOU have going on in your world? Would LOVE to know!

GFTW 6: Births

2012-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi All! So, this is what I've been up to the last + four days: being there for the birth of my best friends' first child. I drove down to LA Thurs evening and was in the delivery room helping coach my best friend's baby into the world. Now, I've been a coach in the personal training and creative workshop and living world, but this here was definitely a new realm. I am still in complete awe and wonder over the experience and feel beyond blessed that I was with mama, papa and grammy when baby Max came into the world. Unbelievable.

So I've got births on my mind for obvious reasons. I also went through a rebirthing of many sorts. My paradigm on how all of the mysteries of the world work, my unique place in this big giant world, yah know, that type of stuff. So with births as my focus, here's what I have tee'd up for my Goals for the Week:

Athlete: Bike on trainer for 30 1x this week. 3 days of ST, 3 runs (my bf told me after the birth that she believed my words because I physically have challenged my body to new heights & feats through my training & races. Talk about a great motivator to keep strong!)

Wife: The goal is to not be right. Or win. The goal is to show up for who I am and let him do the same. Allow him to show up for who he is and be.

Auntie: Check in w/the BF every day

Health: Get a multi-vitamin (I listened to the complete set of Dr. Wield's Optimum health on the drive down:)

Personal Growth: Carve out the space so I can write about my experience as a coach and witnessing the birth of baby Max.

Me!: Facial, teeth cleaned AND getting my hair done. All this week! Woo-hoo!

As always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. So this is what I have going on over here.

AND actually I also have another 'Birthing' announcement!

I am moving my blog over to my business website! More info to come, but the site is: www.annemariesebastiani.com. I believe my goalsfortheweek link will be redirected there. I will (obviously!) keep you updated.

So a lot of births around here. Now...How about YOU? What do you have lined up for this week? Would love, love, love to know!

Sh*t Triathletes Say: What's Working Wednesday!

2012-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

What's Working Wednesday:

1. This Sh*t Triathletes Say YouTube video. I swear it's so spot on I'm embarrassed to admit it. I'm still chuckling from watching it. So if you're a triathlete or have a friend who's one...you'll love this.

2. My first piece of legit business mail to my new office. I've been here for six months and am finally using the mailing address.

3. Reading a new book, Aleph, on my Kindle. They're both awesome and it's making me look forward to getting to bed earlier to imbibe on my reading. Who out there is a Paolo C fan?

And now, not so much:

1. This awful zit on my chin! Really? At this age I'm contending with these? And the worst part is I fell for it and made it MUCH worse by horsen' around with it. Ehhhh!

So, that's what's working and not so much for me over there. Now...how about YOU? What's working in your neck of the woods? And who's seen this tri video, or read anything by Paolo C? Or who else out there is contending with adult acne?! Aghhhhh!

GFTW 5: Closet Overhaul Brings in Life!

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Is it me- or does it feel more like it's Week 10 of 2012 vs. only Week 5. I feel like I've gone through winter hibernation already these past ~4 weeks and now I'm ready to roll. Maybe it's from spending the entire weekend gutting out the kids room/closet, installing a new closet system and dumping ~ a ton of toys out to our local thrift store. Here's all the loot that came out of the kid's room:

You like how the dog had to get into the thick of it? Yah, and here's the kids new elfa closet system:

And I'll tell you what, with all the +beep+ out and a more solid closet system in place, I think we can all breathe a little better for the moment. And that includes the dog.

So with everyone breathing in some new life over here, here's what I've got tee'd up for my Goals for the Week:

Mom: New Chapter Book at Library- And...help kids put dirty clothes in laundry (i know, i know may sound like a tedious goal, but i'll tell ya- if they can own this, it'll be awesome)

Athlete: Put bike on trainer 1x this week. 3 Days of ST, 3 or more runs, 2 bike. I'm contemplating swimming....

Personal Growth: Listen to Mary Swanson's Intuitive CD #3

ME!: Brow appointment and buy 2 audio books on my kindle for my road trip (any suggestions?)

Friend: Be ready to roll down to LA when my BF has her baby hopefully this week!

As always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review it each day as part of my morning routine. And that's what I've got in the books so far this week. Now...how about YOU? Would LOVE to know what you've got planned in your neck of the woods. Talk to me, talk to me!;)

From Blogger to Wordpress: What's Working (and not so much) Wednesday

2012-01-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

What's Working:
1. Blogger to Wordpress Website Makeover:
Back in November I decided I was ready to take the leap and invest more time, effort and money into my business website and my baby blog. So...I reached out to an old friend who is a BIG Wordpress Guru to help me makeover my site. So I'm in that process and it's pretty fun. Here's an idea of what my new header will look like:

Also, my blog will be under my new business website most likely in the next ~2 weeks. I'll DEFINITELY keep you posted!

2. Feeling my purpose:
This is the first week of 2012 where I've been able to actually DO my work. I led a workshop, met with a client, created art with my kids, cooked taco tuesday for dinner...ya know, it's all been flowing this week and it gives me the anchor of feeling needed and purposeful. Which may sound hokey but when you are creating your own business which is a nebulous feat- it feels good when your feet feel grounded.

3. Moving from Blogger to Wordpress:

With the website makeover, I'm moving over to Wordpress and I know it'll be great. I know I will have more options and ways to make my website work for me and my business and blog. Change is good...

and now, not so much:

1 Moving from Blogger to Wordpress:

AGHH! I'm still a bit freaked that I'm makin' the move! It's just, well....I know Blogger so well, that's where my roots are- where I'm grounded- and this whole move has made me feel uprooted! Now... I'm learning all the ways and words of Wordpress. And with that figuring out how I want my site to look- what the heck do I want on each page, blah blah blah. Can you feel the upheaval in my voice?

So that's what's working and not so much for me over here. Now, how about all of YOU? What's working and not so much in your neck of the woods. Talk to me, talk to me! Also- two questions- If you are on wordpress how do you like it? And if you're on blogger- I need to make sure I don't loose you when I switch! AGHHH! :)

GFTW 4: A 5k Date and More!

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday All! Here's me and the DH in the San Francisco Bay this morning for a small 5k, put on by the fabulous DSE Runners Club. Yah... we're cute like that. Truth is though- we haven't raced together since early June at Dipsea. So last night when I realized I had the kid coverage already set in place- I thought 'Heck! I wanna go too- and have a 5k date!' Me and him; mano a mano, pie a pie :)

And this race was my first 5k I did two years ago. So it was rewarding to come back with more wisdom, ~~wrinkles~~ and age under my skin. I didn't deal with the big nerves like the first time and I wasn't shooting for a PR in mid January. The sweetest thing was just running with my hubby. Each of us as equals, supporting each other, racing our race and having an adventure together. It was pretty sweet.

And speaking of sweet, look at the loot we scored! I love it when a $5 race hands out blue finisher ribbons and age group medals.

And I swear, it's moments like this I need to tap my own shoulder and say 'Girl, you know, this is pretty sweet'. Five years ago I would have laughed in utter disbelief if you told me I'd be running races with the hubs and placing for fun. Really.

But yup. It's true. That's me. That's us. That's where we are in our life right now. And I don't give myself or us as a couple enough credit.

So here's to embracing and taking in credit where it's due. Here's what I have lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Athlete: 4 Runs, 3 ST's. extra bike, spin or fun something

Mom: Volunteer for Art in Kid's class this week. Finish and mail b-day thank you's

Wife: Choose His Own Adventure: coffee, breakfast, lunch or movie date. He chooses:)

Personal Growth: Listen to Intuitive CD #2.

ME!: WATER

Friend: Be ready for the call: my BFF is due to have her baby this week in LA. When she does...I'm driving down to see her!;)

As always, I write these weekly goals down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. This is what I have lined up for me this week. Now...how about you? What's on YOUR docket for the week? Any 5k's or races around the corner? Any loot won in your camp? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working (and not so much...) Wednesday: NYM Baby!

2012-01-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

What's Working:

1. I shared with you all my 2012 Passions Vision board (above) I created at the end of November. I was intrigued that NY showed up like it did. So I sat with it. Played around with it. And then when my friend asked me to sign up for the NYMarathon, it hit me: that's it. That's one way I'll get to NY. So.....

2. Just got email confirmation: I'm IN for the ING NYM! Oy dios! I felt simultaneously excited and nauseous when I read those words. This'll be my first marathon- so what better way to run 26.2 miles than through the five boroughs of NYC.

3. The marathon isn't til' Nov 4th- a perfect time of year if you ask me. The Summer Olympics will be the perfect motivation during my ~3 month serious training leading up to the race. Then I'll race and have the rest of Nov and Dec to imbibe in Turkey and holiday melee.

and now...not so much:

1. The weather over here in California is LIKE I'm living in New York City! It's really, really cold!(okay, yes I am a wimp- It's still ~29 degrees, which is almost balmy winter weather to you mid west folk. But still...lemme pout;). I still managed to get my outdoor run in and I'll tell ya...there's nothing like a great race to dangle in front of me for inspiration. Thanks NYM :)

So....that's what's working and maybe not so much for me over here. Now, how about YOU? Would love to know what's getting two thumbs up and maybe a thumb up the (bleep!) in your life. Talk to me, talk to me!

GFTW 3: Quick and Speedy!

2012-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Quick and Speedy...just like my 'besties' above. :) Watching the Olympic Marathon trials on Saturday got me PUMPED. So I had to show off my shot w/ Shalane and Kara (we're on a first name basis...like the entire rest of the world).

So with the speediness of these gals in my head and the Olympics on the horizon, my list is short, speedy and quick so I can get on with the next set of intervals of my week (work, picking up kids, cooking, etc, etc, etc)

My Speedy Goals for the Week:

Athlete: 4 runs (1 includes a 60 minute run), 3 ST, 1 bike or yoga.

Mom: Xmas thank you's are done. Now, round two: Birthday thank you's!

Wife: Date night!

Personal Growth: Posture, posture, posture be mindful of this through out my day

Me: Intuitive Session with Mary Swanson:)

Daughter: Create an activity to do w/my mom this week to commemorate 1 yr ago her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from C.

Now, as always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. That's what I've got in my record books for this week. Now...how about YOU?? Would LOVE to know what you have cooking' in your kitchen? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working Weds: Medicine (Outside in) & Meditation (Inside out)

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Hope your week is going well. For me...I am loving the normalcy that comes with the New Year. So let's get to what's working ( and maybe not so much) this week.
What's Working:
1. Medicine: Part of my wish list for myself this year and beyond is to continue taking care of my skin. I hit the big 4-0 last year and I gotta face the fact that aging is a part of life. And I want to take the best possible care of my skin now so that it lasts me a good 5 decades more. I began using the Rodan and Field's skin care last year (it was my 2011 goal to have an actual skin care regimen). And I'm finally getting around to reading the book they shipped me a few mo's ago. I gotta say...It's a good read. It's nice to read I'm doing a lot of things right, and I'm learning new info and tools that'll help me keep my skin lookin' good (fingers crossed). Here's a tip: After your run when you're face is really red, cool it off with a cool wash cloth. I did that for the first time (ever) this week...and it felt great! I think my skin was really happy. I know it sounds so simple, but doing this actually helps keep your skin happy and not getting the tiny red vessels popping up and staying around.

2. Meditation: I just got my hands on a six week CD series that teaches the basic principles of Intuitive Development. I am so happy to have these in my possession. I'm really excited to listen and practice the meditations in my life.

3. Sweating Again: It felt soooo freakin' good to sweat on the treadmill this morning (and use my cool washcloth;), and continue to sweat during weights! Ahhhhh....my body was shiny happy afterwards. Anybody feelin' me with this one?

And now, maybe Not So Much...:

1. Needing Cold Medication: The DH was sick and I thought I dodged the sick bullet. But last night I felt the definite sick throat tickle in my throat. Errrrrr....

And I love the poetic visualization that Medicine is healing from the outside in and to Meditate is from the inside out.

:)

So this is what's generally working and maybe not so much for me over here. Now...how about YOU? Would love to know what's working and maybe not so much in your neck of the woods! Talk to moi, talk to moi:).

P.S. ( FYI- I was not paid to write about the skin care line, book or intuitive CD's. I didn't even tell them I was giving them a shout-out;)

GFTW 2: Ready to Begin Anew...

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Whew! And we're back! Actually we left 5am Friday from D-land to bolt back home to have a lil' down time before yet ANOTHER mini tiny kid b-day party for em' Sat (two thumbs up for a Round Table Pizza back room for 1.5 hr kid party!) and ANOTHER friend's kid b-day party Sun- I'm finally ready for 2012.

And not just because of desperately needing to detox from the December debauchery. But because 2011 was a harder year in general for me. Granted- with all hardships come equal amounts of growth and untapped strength discovered, but still, it was hard. From my mom's diagnosis and yearlong treatment of cancer (she's completely recovered and doing fine now), to personal axioms tested- I was tapped in deep areas of my life.

So I see 2011 as the groundwork laid for great things to flourish in 2012. I just know it. I feel it. It's like my sixth sense telling me to keep looking up at the horizon. Like I've built the tracks, the road, the way...for things to come, so just keep looking up and out as the road will guide me...

And with the vision of my lil' A embracing her inner Snow Princess New Year Spirit at Disneyland as my Guide...here's what I have lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Mom: Thank you notes from kids for xmas and b-day! oy. Sign up for art lessons and gymnastics

Athlete: 5 days of 60 min of run/wts, bike/wts or stretch. I day of 30 min wts

Health: WATER, normal dessert no mas dulces! ~1450 cal a day

Wife: Mix up our regular nightly routine of dessert and t.v. at least 2 days with maybe hanging out in different parts of the house, talking, reading...gettin' busy...who knows!

Personal Growth: Artist Date with my new intuitive guidance tapes:)

As always, I write these goals down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And this is what I have going on for me over here in my neck of the woods. Now...I'd love to know...what do YOU have going on over in your hood? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working Wednesday: Sunny skies and Roller coaster Rides!

2012-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Yup...we're here. The Big D-Land. And I'll admit it right now...I'm a Believer. This park and vacation is all it's cracked up to be. I'm honestly inspired by the Magic. Yup...I just wrote that. I'm a sucker for this Magic.

1. Sunny Skies: Wearing shorts, a tank top and a spaghetti strap Ariel princess dress in January. Can't beat that....

.
2. Roller Coaster Rides: This is the first family adventure where the kids can ride all of the rides. All of em'! Here we're taking in Space Mountain. Uh, yah...I swear the kids loved it despite the looks on their face of absolute boredom...

And now maybe not so much...:

1. The Plantar Fasciitis: OY! Standing in lines all day is not the best for a foot that has re- occurring PF problems. I'm being pro-active though and wearing my orthotics, run shoes, AND compression socks (I frankly look like I'm gearing up for a race or something). I know it's helping but my foot is achy as I'm typing this.

So...that's what's working and a lil' not so much for me over here. Now...how about YOU? What's working and maybe not so much for YOU on this first week of the New Year? Are you sticking to your new found intentions for the year? Or maybe not so much? Would love to know!

GFTW 1: And We're Off...Round 3!

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 Everyone! These past two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for us over here. Christmas was last week which was simply sweet.

But I also had a lil' of this as well:

My twin's SIX year old birthdays...five days after Christmas. So their morning looked like this. And those blue/pink post-its all over the house were a bunch of these:

And having a birthday so close to Christmas is pretty cool b/c you can use the tree as sort of a Birthday Tree. It's like round two:

And what are those two sweet SIX year old Mickey Mouse wrapped birthday gifts under the birthday tree? Well..it's a new rolling backpack with a note saying in they're off to visit the Happiest Place on Earth for the first time, the first week of 2012:

I'm chuckling at myself as I'm writing- it's been a whoooozy! My current status:

I am tapped out! AND...we've got Round 3 of the Big D-land! Good grief.

NO but really, it's all good. promise.

It's just my normal Goals for the Week-especially numero UNO- will take a back seat (next to the rolling luggage) so I can soak up one more week of vacation gluttony. I still have my goals...but they're not the big, awesome over the top, let's get this party started!- sort of goals. They're more about managing in a sense.

vmvmvmvmvmmvmvmvm (that's the car starting)......My Goals for the Week:

Athlete: Get at least 2 days of ~30 minutes of exercise in while at D-Land. I can do it, I can do it

Mom: SOAK this trip UP!!! Just B.E. Bring my good camera for pictures

Wife: Scratch his back and tell him how awesome it is he made the trip happen

Health: W.A.T.E.R and bags and bags and bags of carrots!!!

ME!: Stick to my morning pages even while all in the same room on vaca. Write in bed, try to go in the lobby- just give myself ~15-20 min to write each morning at least 2x.

Personal Growth: Attempt to sign up for New York Marathon (yeah...you read that right. Wish me luck!)

This is what I have written down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review each day as part of my morning routine. I'd love to know what you've got going on in your neck of the woods for 2012! Talk to me, talk to me!

Discover YOUR Inner Passions for 2012 through Vision Board!

2011-12-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hi All! I've shared my Vision Board making process a few times here, and thought it timely to bring it up for the New Year. Here's my Inner 2012 Passions Board just created this week. I've created Vision Boards on several different themes in my life so far: Inner Athlete, Relationships, Career, and Family.

I'd like to invite you to choose an area in your life you'd like to bring more energy and awareness to and create a Vision Board. Grant yourself ~50-60 minutes for the exercise.

1. Before you get started you’ll need the following:

1. One large piece of paper for the exercise such as the inside of a brown paper bag, but you could also use poster paper, newspaper or tape a few standard pieces of 8 x 11 together.

2. A pile of magazines and catalogs (choose a mag that you've always spied but never buy...;)

3. Pair of Scissors and glue stick.

2. Now, with the idea of your Inner Passions for 2012 as your intention (or choose another area you desire), start to pour through your magazines. Don't think too much, just move fast and tear the images out. Let the mystery guide your hands and try not to judge the images you feel attracted to pulling, just because some may feel different. Trust the process, and simply stay curious. Spend 5-10 minutes on this.

3. When you are ready, start to sort through your images and glue them down. AGAIN, DON'T PLAN. Glue and move. Let your instinct guide you. What wants to go where? Glue them down. While you are doing this, notice your thoughts, your body, and your energy. You will know when you are done. If you are unsure, ask yourself, ‘Am I done?’ and you will most likely know the answer. Again, trust the process all the way through to the end.

4. Next, communicate with your new Inner Passions collage through writing. You can do this on a piece of paper or in a journal. Without judging. Be curious... almost as if you are looking at the collage of someone else. Start each sentence with "It appears that …”Again, allow yourself to simply write. Don’t judge. Just keep writing non stop for ~5 min.

5. Next, Identify any NEXT STEPS that came forward from your collage and write them down.

6. Hang your vision board in a place where you can gain daily inspiration. Use your collage as a pillar of strength, inquiry and guidance.

I create an Vision Boards every few months to rejuvenate and refocus my energy. I also use Vision Boards as a spring board when doing my own goal setting sessions (which I still promise to share). So...here's my latest and greatest. The bottom line on why Vision Boards are so great- visuals tap our intuitive self much stronger than words. They hit a chord in us that words often can't describe. That is why I love doing these boards. I learned this technique through my friend Heather Bleasdell :)

Now...I would love to hear if you've ever done a board! Or do you plan to do one in the New Year? Talk to me, talk to me;)

GFTW 52: There is a Blog in You!

2011-12-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. Can you believe it's here; the l.a.s.t week of the year. And I've been accounting for my weekly goals here now for three years. Three full years. I know. Can't believe it myself. And I'm smiling as I type- because my blog is a daily reminder of what can happen when you take a leap.

You know, that leap. The one you often wanna take, but then allow Mr. Fear or Doubt to get in the way- so you never find out what would happen if you put yourself out there.

Well, three years ago- I was pretty freaked out to take the tiny leap and start this blog. My ego and mind was consumed with self doubt- What if no one read the dang thing (and no one did for a l.o.n.g time), or I didn't know what to write about. Or did I even know HOW to write? But I was inspired by the blogs I read and knew I too had a voice I wanted to cultivate and share as well. So I sucked up my pride, wrote my first post on Jan 1, 2009 and hit the Post button.

And I didn't tell a soul.

And I posted for a few weeks and kept it to myself. I finally told my husband and a few close friends and kept in to about ~10 people that first year.

Then, 2010 was my 'breakout' year for my blog. I put in more time and energy by posting more, commenting more on other blogs and really began to feel a part of the blogging community.

Then in 2011- I decided to put more of my energy into my Personal Training business and Try-on modeling for an women's athletic clothing company. I feel very happy I took the leap and invested my energy into these areas, but my blog took a back seat so I could cultivate my external businesses.

And now as I reflect on 2011- and look to the horizon of 2012 I know I'm ready to bring more energy back into my blogging. I miss posting more than 1x a week. I miss the blogging community.

I know I want more of it in my life next year.

So...this is a really long GFTW post. And I haven't even written my weekly goals, but I wanted to share my blog journey because I know this is the week where many people reflect and think about what leaps to take for 2012.

So take the leap and start a blog:) You know you have it in you. And if not a blog- dabble in some form of creative expression you've always maybe sorta thought about trying but that dang inner critic has gotten in the way.

OH! And for my Goals for the Week, I'll make em' short and sweet:

Athlete: 3 days ST, 3 days run, 1 bike- this week for SURE

Mom: 2 adventures, order 2 birthday cakes (their b-day is this week), and firm up b-day plans for them

Health: Operation Back to Basics. More water, less sugar. Write my intakes this week. My body is yearning for healthy food!

Personal Growth: Catch myself literally looking up and out onto the horizon. So often we only look down immediately in front of us- so our field of possibility is only that big. Broaden my field of possibility by literally looking up and out more

Wife: Share my Goals for 2012 again with him.

Now...as always...I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. Here's what I have on my radar this week. Now...I'd love to hear a few things from YOU! What are your GFTW? Or what type of blog do you wanna do? Talk to me, talk to me! OH! And pinky promise I'll post my GFTW and GFTYEar process by this weekend.

Peace out!~

GFTW 51: Oh! What Fun!

2011-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hi All! It's all about Christmas over here this week. We're not an organized religion based family, but I definitely have belief in Faith. And this time of year shows that a good part of mankind does too. What God, religion, belief we follow isn't what matters- What does is having the capacity to display Goodwill and Faith. It's what makes the world go round for me.

What also makes my world go round is sending out the holiday cards. Yeah...I'm one of those types- The kind that eats that stuff up! And I just had to show off this year's card. I'm pretty proud of it. Usually someone has to take one for the team but not this year:)

So here's my holiday card to all YOU! :) Have fun this week. May you revel in the wonder and joy of the season. Here's what I have lined up this week so I can do the same:

Goals for the Week 51

Mom: Take my lil' A caroling (she's been asking all month), wrap gifts together and read a holiday storybook each night

Wife: Share my 2012 Goals and process. Coffee or lunch date

Athlete: 3 runs, 3 strength training sessions

Health: WATER, no Luna protein bars- have carrots/hummus instead

Personal Growth: Find ~+ 20 Acts of Synchronicity

ME!: Find some cute hair clips to spruce me up

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each morning as part of my morning routine. This is what I have lined up for my week- more or less. Now...how about YOU? Would love to hear what you've got lined up in your neighborhood. Talk to me, talk to me!