Family Time: Girls Day Out

We had family time for the girls on friday. Our Aunt Angele and cousin Anna were in town and we jumped at the chance to hang out with them. We all visited Joz's yoga studio for some body healing and relaxation. I'd never taken a Kundalini yoga class before and since my sister loves the practice so much she is training to become an instructor I thought it was time to give it a try.

It was very different than other yoga classes I've taken. From the opening chanting you feel like you are a connected part of the class. I also felt it gave me the opportunity to really check in with my body. Similar to the way I get to check in during my beloved poles classes. We take so much of our bodies motion for granted. Our class was all about releasing blocked energy and I have to say that afterwards my body did feel like tension had been released. Especially in my shoulders, abs and back. Also, the movements were simple but the class was hard. I'm in ok shape, but swing my arms in a circle over my head for over a minute is tough! I really enjoyed our chanting towards the end of class. The instructor played a chant track and had us listen to it for a minute or so and then asked the class to join in. Humee hum brahm hum was the actual chant. There was something about it that just resonated and made you feel happy inside.

Afterwards we convened at the apt my Aunt and Uncle were renting while they were staying in town and just enjoyed some good old girl chat. I love these women so much!

Lean For Life: Week 4 Ch-Ch-Changes

Left: 11.25.11/ Right: 03.19.12

Time may change me, but I can definitely have an effect on what those changes are! The photo on the left was taken by a friend of mine at her Thanksgiving party. This is what I looked like when I started the Lean for Life program the end of February. The self-portrait on the right was taken just 4 weeks later in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Days: 30
Weight: 176 lbs
Weight Difference: 19 lbs
Inches Lost: 15.5

Lean For Life: The Ten Reasons

So part of why I like the Lean for Life program is because they heavily address the mental side of weight loss in their book. Along with giving you tools to work with such as positive affirmations, which I will go into at a later date and your list of reasons.

So they suggest you make a list of five reasons that you want to lose weight. Once you've made that list, make copies of it and put them EVERYWHERE. In the car, in your purse, on your dresser, by the computer, in the kitchen, etc.

So because I am being an overachiever on this program here is my List of 10 Reasons:

1. I will be healthier for the baby. I'm not pregnant yet but I want to be.

2. I will live longer. Yes I know things can happen but when they do I want to look damn good.

3. I will feel sexier. It's hard to fully love your body when you don't feel like yourself.

4. I will be smaller than Mr Mine. Since we first met I have always been at least 10 lbs heavier than my husband if not 20 or 25.

5. I will spend less time worrying and more time enjoying

6. My ankles and shins won't hurt. I play a lot of sports and being lighter on my feet can only be a blessing.

7. I will stop being jealous of my friends. I have a lot of slender figured friends who I am continually envious of.

8. My dad will stop making weight comments and lectures. This is probably wishful thinking, but a reason nonetheless.

9. I'll be able to workout harder. Less weight = more pull-ups. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

10. I will be able to fit into "The Red Dress". Which is a dress I bought from Free People a year or so ago and have been unable to fit into as of yet!

And there you have it. I think they are a good start and definitely make me feel motivated everytime I look at them. Which of course, is the point.