Tag: wellbeing talk

Life Shifts and a Little TLC

If I’m quiet on here and on social for a little while it’s because I’m on to something. Last week I was hit with a million things I wanted to start doing. In a good way. I just felt this “out of the blue” tug. At first I had to quiet the voice in my head and say “whoa whoa, this is too much.” But I couldn’t really get that voice to shut up, so instead, I just chose to listen. I went in my room, laid on my bed, closed the door and I just started to tune in.

“The talk” I had with myself was a bit all over the place. I should really hire more employees. Gosh I need to download more podcasts and start listening to those again. You know, I really should meditate more. OMG, I just had the best business idea. I should try and finish two books this month. Should I schedule a Barre3 class for tomorrow? I think I’m ready to move. Tea sounds kind of nice right now. Yeah, I should go make a cup of tea. No, ok, just stay in bed here a little longer and let’s think through some things. I need to do some more creative things more often. In two years from now I wonder what I’ll be doing?

Literally, this just went on and on and on.

I just let those thoughts ride out until I’m pretty sure I just got hungry and that took my mind off of it all. But it kind of made me realize… that’s the crap I’m trying to sort out right now in my life. And heck, this is just the classic case of a curious person. Or maybe a 30-year-old, I can’t quite tell. There are so many dang things I want to do that sometimes I just end up not doing any of them because it’s all just too much.

So that’s when I called it quits with my thoughts. Enough about ME and my thoughts. Enough trying to do it all at once. Enough shoulds. I knew in that moment that I just needed to let these things happen by creating more space to let it happen and by exploration with practice and learning. I’ve always lived by the idea of crowding out. If you want to create a new, long-term habit, rather than just drastically doing something new or cutting the old habit out, you just start adding in a lot of the good stuff and eventually the “bad” stuff isn’t what you want anymore. So that’s basically the plan.

It’s been a really productive and inspiring last 5 days. They’ve been filled with so many ah-ha moments, so much clarity already, but most importantly, just a whole lot of contentment. I’m not here to tell you that you need to do all of these things, but I couldn’t bear to not share this stuff because it’s been shifting my life at the moment in such a positive way and frankly… it just feels soooo good! My days have been full of doing, absorbing and letting. Just letting it allllll come together, whatever the heck it is you are trying to gain clarity on or learn more about.

Here have been the game-changers for me:

1. EFT (Tapping). Tap in the car, at your desk, on the couch, at the gym. Just start tapping! For anxiety, self-doubt, thought reframing, etc. This technique has been one of the best tools lately and I’ve honestly been amazed at the difference tapping has made in my life. This video is an easy guideline.

2. Signing off social media. Just take a dang break. Except of course to share this post : ) But really… free up your time, let your mind focus more on your own journey and not on 500 others, and just disconnect for a bit. It doesn’t need to be forever, just for a little bit. A few days, a week, a month…

3. You Are a Badass. This book is SUCH a good one. For anyone, really. I feel like it should be a pre-requisite in your 20’s. I’ve been reading it first thing in the morning while sipping my coffee rather than on my phone, tv or starting work. What a better way to start your day.

4. Podcast like crazy. My favorite shows right now are:

The Melissa Ambrosini Show
Meditation Minis
The Tony Robbins Podcast
The School of Greatness
The Life Coach School

5. Meditate. Get quiet. 5-20 minutes. Ideally in the AM. Just commit! It’s worth it.

These 5 simple-as-heck practices have been incredibly impactful. I feel like I’ve been at a self-help bootcamp in a sense and I just want MORE. And more and more and more. If I’m slightly obnoxious lately about deeper things, now you know my why. 

xx
Linds

The Happy Summer To-Do List


I love a good to-do list to help remind me about all of things that inspire me, make me happy and are good for you! Summer is always a great time to tackle these simple pleasures.

1. Dig your toes in some sand
2. Take a good family hike and enjoy natures beauty
3. Wake up earlier
4. Unplug more often
5. Make a chopped salad. Ok, make a LOT of chopped salads
6. Plan a weekend getaway to a lake
7. Spend a whole day at the beach
8. Wear more color, it will make you smile : )
9. Practice more mindful time. Even if it’s just 5 minutes!
10. Feed your mind with inspiring books + podcasts rather than tv
11. Veggie. Fruit. More veggies. More fruit.
12. Enjoy more dinners outside with the fam
13. Take more photos (with your camera, not phone)
14. Go camping
15. Make a new summer music playlist
16. Try to do more yoga
17. Spend a lot of time with friends
18. Throw a party
19. Go natural with makeup
20. Play more tennis
21. Drink more water + infuse with basil, mint, cucumber, strawberries… you name it!
22. Get a new fresh summer haircut
23. Plan more date nights
24. Go to an outdoor concert
25. Face a few fears, do at least 2 things that scare you

Happy Summer, friends!! xx

May Wellness Challenge

I am dedicating the month of May to living and feeling WELL. Work has consumed me lately. Owning a business, being a mom, and trying to have a life at the same time is not easy, that’s for sure. It is so easy to let yourself run on autopilot, but we all know this isn’t sustainable. So, this month I’m putting the spotlight on myself to make some slight changes and tp also push myself.

Here is how I will be challenging myself this month. Come join me!

1. Do something creative 3x a week. For me, this will probably look a lot like blogging and photography. Blogging to me is like a personal journal. Rather than waiting for great content, I’m going to try and just let it FLOW and talk about whatever is on my mind.

2. Workout before 10am each day. I find this to be such an amazing way to start your day. Although I’m still not quite a “get out of bed and go to the gym person.” 10am seems reasonable ; )

3. Focus on running/walking outside and slower workouts. With the weather warming up, it’s time to get outside! Also, I’m ramped up all the time. My focus will be on yoga, barre3 and pilates.

4. Less snacking. I snack so much more now because I work from home. I’m going to focus more on 4 meals a day and filling up on my favorite “spa” water (basil, blackberries and lemon).

5. Eat out only twice a week. One lunch, one dinner – I make such better choices when I cook at home more often. Plus, my bank account appreciates it!

6. Do something each week that is outside of your normal routine. Whether it’s a new workout, a solo hike, going to a concert, attending an event, whatever! Do something different.

7. Listen to 3-5 motivational podcasts a week. It’s time to get inspired. First on my list is The Lively Show!

8. Limit time on Instagram (or other social channels) to 30 minutes a day. We all know how much time we put into browsing mindlessly. I’m going to try and free up my time by mindfully using these channels.

9. Sign off email and social media at 5pm to spend time more quality time with family. Let’s be honest, no device will ever be more important than this time well spent.

10. Do The Five Minute Journal everyday. This journal is so simple, yet makes such an impact! It’s repetitive as ever, but when I did this last month almost daily, I swear by it!

Ok, May! Let’s do this! xx

Quality Time

Good ol’ “quality time.” You know, those times when you are unplugged and present, soaking up whichever moment you find yourself in. Sometimes I feel like I’ve totally lost hold of that concept, and other times I ask myself, why don’t I do this more often?

It really struck a chord with me awhile ago when we were on vacation in San Diego. I had every intention to head to the pool and listen to some music while sipping my margarita. Tyson told me to go enjoy two hours solo while he napped with Parker back at the room, so I did just that. Two whole hours at the pool by myself seemed like a vacation all in itself! So, I got my towel, a front row chair by the water, and had my headphones and book by my side, ready to go. I ordered my drink, sat back, watched the beautiful setting and thought, heck, I need a picture of this. So, I strategically placed my beverage in my hand and positioned my legs perfectly for the picture. I took about… 20? Then, I sorted through those and realized my foot looked strange in each image, so of course, I took some more.

 I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about right now.

I ended up taking a ton of pictures and then rolled over onto my stomach to “quickly edit them.” I opened my VSCO app, started filtering the image and then I posted it. After I posted it, I found myself caught up in scrolling through Instagram mindlessly for about 30 minutes.

There I was, an hour into my “me time.” Worrying about capturing an image and then falling right into the Instagram rabbit hole. Getting sucked into what others were doing, when right in front of me was the best moment of all.


Another time, I remember we were up in Seattle and I wanted a picture of Parker with the water and boats behind him. We had perfect weather, the perfect lighting, and his outfit was extra cute that day. He was a little sleepy and hungry, as we were on our way to dinner. I had to get the picture though… I didn’t want to pass it up. I had Parker stand there to take some pictures and the kiddo was not having it. But this momma wasn’t giving up. I literally bribed him with dessert, which I felt was a bit of a low point for me. Tyson (who is not into social media or excessive photo taking anyway), looked at me and was like… “Babe, please can we just enjoy this right now without having to take a picture? Parker clearly doesn’t want to do this.”

And that brings me to the dilemma. The choice between documenting the moment vs. the mental memory and just enjoying it. 

 So here is my rant: Those two moments really impacted me. Specifically with the use of time. Not just on social media, but the time I put into taking pictures and documenting everything in general. As a very visual person, pictures mean the world to me. I love taking them, I love editing (the before and after) and I love reminiscing. But the real question is, can we just dial it back a bit?

I am the first person to be guilty of all of this. But can I challenge you? The next time you have really awesome plans or an event, try to NOT document any of it. In fact, try unplugging from social media and the news for a whole weekend and see how you feel. Anytime I have done this, I feel more content and present than ever.

I just got done unplugging for 3 days from emails and social media and I honestly haven’t felt that content with life in a long time. I was present with my family; we decorated the house for Christmas without having to document it to the world; I felt like I had more time in general; I made more time for things I don’t have time to do as much like taking a walk with the family, cooking, and crafts; AND, I felt less anxious, I slept great, and I didn’t complain once about what I want or don’t have.

I think this is the most troubling part about social media. We are being bombarded with all of the coolest things people are doing and subliminally we are saying, “I want to go there,” “I want a house like that,” “Gosh she has the perfect body,” “That family does so many cool things together, we need to do more of that” etc. etc. etc.

This can’t be good for us.

So (end rant), here is the point: Social media definitely has it’s perks. The connection, the inspiration, the creativity. Heck, I run two businesses based off of social media and I truly do love sharing images that I take and like with so many people. The point is to give yourself a break. Focus in on that quality time. You, your family, your friends, your life… they all want it. They all need it. And they all deserve it.

I strongly encourage you to try unplugging for a few days. Not just one day, try and at least go two. And pay close attention to how you feel. I’m telling you, it’s one of the healthiest things we can do and you just need to experience it for yourself.

xx
Lindsay

Officially "in my 30’s"

I felt like 30 was my denial stage. Not because I didn’t want to be 30, I literally just kept forgetting. I was forever 29 in my eyes. So, now that I’m 31, I’m feeling official!

For my birthday, my mom, sister and a dearest friend of mine headed out to Stoller winery and gosh, that place is stunning. We drank some rose, snacked on a charcuterie plate, laughed, talked about life and took in all beauty of Oregon wine country.

 This is 31. 


 I don’t know about you, but life for me just seems a bit crazy lately. Not only am I at my max capacity for what I can take in news wise (fires, hurricanes, politics, etc. etc. etc), but I’m also trying to find a life balance while running my own company.

When I get a bit burnt out on life, I’m reminded of all the important things. The things that truly matter in life like family, friends, laughter, the simple things…

I just want, so badly, to defy the odds. To work hard and run a successful business, but not be that stressed out person that lives for work and no play. So, I’ve dedicated 31 to figure this out, because the stress I’ve been feeling is on another level. I was starting to have aches, pains, fatigue, and sensations that I had never even felt before. And my shoulders were (and still are) so tight that I literally feel like I have a bag of bricks on them. I’m also extremely forgetful and I’m honestly just, tired.

Stress is such a bitch like that (pardon my language).

But you know what? I’ve always noticed that when it pushes you this far, you are forced to reevaluate everything. What can I do to help myself? How can I help balance out the stress?

For that, I welcome you, stress.

Here is what I wrote in my notebook (I carry this everywhere with me so I can jot down thoughts and notes). I jotted down just a few attainable actions that I wanted to make sure I was doing.

-More time in the present. On the coast the other day, Tyson asked me to not be on my phone. Not because he was telling me what to do, but because he wanted to challenge me to just be in the moment. And even after putting down my phone, I started talking about how much being at the beach in Oregon made me miss California. Once again, I derailed from being present. I’m really good at that. So, I was forced to get back to the moment and appreciating THAT moment, not the past or present ones.

 -Meditate or breathing exercises for 5 minutes (only 5- I’ve got this!) first thing in the morning. 

-No work emails until 9am. I have been rolling out of bed and starting work from my phone first thing in the morning. Just, no…

-More Barre3. I haven’t been in so long and it truly is my happy place. Although I’m not looking forward to my first class back (ouch!)…

-More time with friends. It feels like I’ve neglected my friends all summer.  Between moving and working, it’s just been so hard, but it’s still a terrible excuse.

-More one on one time with Parker. I’ve decided that every Wednesday I’m going to start work at 11am and take the morning to do something fun with Parker. He’s just growing up so fast and I don’t want to pass this time up.

-Take a news break. I’m at a point where I just… can’t. It’s too much. I don’t want to be naive, but you also need to listen in and realize when it’s healthier for you to just take a news break.

 -Bed before 10pm. I used to be asleep by 9:30pm almost every night and it felt amazing! So, I feel like 10pm is a good place to meet in the middle. Also, falling asleep reading or writing (not on my phone) is a big goal of mine.

-More quality time with Tyson. I miss cuddling on the couch, rambling about life and dreams with him. Now it’s work, schedules and Parker stuff. I’m trying to get back to those conversations we had when we first started dating. And those moments where just laying on the couch talking was everything.

How do you de-stress? I’m also curious if you are a business owner, how do you balance work and life?

xx

Meditation: A Simple Way I’ve Learned to Be More Present

Although it’s been around for thousands of years, meditation is definitely more embraced and understood now than ever. Which is pretty exciting.

I was first introduced to meditation back when I was studying at IIN. I remember learning about it and thinking what a great addition it would be into my daily routine. For me however, it was just an appreciation, never something I actually found time to practice. Then, it was last year that I was watching a television program where Dan Harris from ABC news was talking about his new book, “10% Happier” which was inspired by his journey into meditating. You can learn more about his story here.
After listening to his experience I was quickly motivated to read Eckhart Tolle’s, “Power of Now,” which I had surprisingly never read. As I began the book, I started to pay attention to two things: living in the moment (in the now) and understanding that little voice in my head. And this is where my exploration really started.
As a mother, a wife and a business woman, my life is a bit hectic. I barely remember what I did two hours ago, I juggle way too many things at once and I pride myself on being a remarkable multi-tasker. I’d come home from work, cook dinner, and respond to work emails all while I have a face mask on, the laundry going and my son on my hip. (“I kick serious A%$” -says the voice in my head).
What didn’t occur to me at that time was that I really didn’t have all that going on. Instead, I was stretched so thin that anything pertaining to “living in the now” was actually non-existent. Even when I’d be giving my son a bath I’d still be planning the next day in my head or thinking about how badly I need to clean the bath tub. Bringing myself back to the present felt weird (and still does), but the stranger it felt, the more determinded I was to help myself learn how to get there.
Welcome, meditation. 
Meditation is obviously a bit different for each person. To me, meditation is being mindful. It is being aware of how I’m doing, the thoughts in my head and learning how to just be. I personally needed someone to hold my hand when I first started, so I liked listening to podcasts or using apps on my phone. However, even a 5 minute break each day works wonders. 
Here is the simplest way I’ve enjoyed meditating:
Set your timer for 5 minutes.

Sit down in a quiet area.

I like having water sounds or something simple in the background.

Close your eyes.

Start breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and evenly.

Let your mind wader for just a second, and bring your thought to either not thinking about anything except your breath, repeating your own mantra, or a happy picture in your head.

If you start thinking about groceries, what that tingle in your foot is, or where to eat dinner later, don’t worry – this is totally normally. The trick is to notice those thoughts, but come back to your meditation. 
Voila! Simple and effective.
Another suggestion is a 21-Day Meditation Guide by Deepak Chopra and Oprah OR a meditation app; whatever you decide works best for you!
I’m still not great at this. I’ve gotten better, but I am still terrible at 1) sitting still and 2) getting OUT of my head. One thing I will say though is that I’m much better at being present. I’m constantly having to “turn my brain off” and allow myself to just be. 

We live in a society today that requires us to be “on” 24/7. We are overstimulated on a daily basis by work, emails, the news, social media and the terrible idea that we have to “do it all.” Not all of us are taking care of our minds and bodies like we should. But… there is good news. It all comes down to a choice. We can decide to stay off of our phones while we are eating dinner. We can decide that we are going to be completely present with our family and friends. We can decide to take 5 minutes out of the day to meditate. It is the practice of even trying that our mind and body loves us for.
So here’s to at least doing our best!

Until next time,
Linds xx

Advice to my 25-Year-Old Self

When I say this is advice to myself, I mean this quite literally. These were the things I wrote down as reminders to myself as not only encouragement, but also documentation of what I had come to realize as a single, 25-year-old. Now that I’m almost 30, I can honestly say that this advice still has the same relevance, as I think it would for anyone. Let’s take a look:

1. Chase your dreams (seriously): All those things you’ve always wanted to do, do them! I asked myself awhile back, “If nothing mattered- finances, education, etc.- what would you want to do in life?” This isn’t to say we shouldn’t be practical, but too many of us have a job or do things in life based on worldly suggestion. You were created for a reason, and most likely those things you’ve always wanted to do are things you would be great at and things that would bring you a lot of joy. Don’t be lazy- go for it.
2. Get outside: I truly believe that we don’t spend nearly enough time outdoors as we should. There is something transformative about being in nature. I didn’t completely understand this until I moved to Oregon from California. Scientists call the reason nature makes us feel so good, biophilia, or the innate affinity humans have for other living things. A few times per week strive for more walking, more exploring, more scenery, more water… I promise you will feel a huge difference.
3. Be you: We have all been uniquely designed. We don’t look, act, or sound like another person for a reason, so we must stop trying to. Too many days and hours are wasted comparing ourselves to other people. The moment you let go of everything you aren’t and accept everything you are (authentically to you), life will get that much better. Don’t give one damn about what people think, just be you!
4. Take care of yourself physically: Eat well and get moving. Remember that there is no “one size fits all” diet solution. The more you fill your body with the right things, the less you will crave the bad. You’ve got to get moving too- nothing feels better than living an active life. Your mind and body will thank you and you’ve only got one body, so be good to it!
5. Take care of yourself emotionally: Cultivate good relationships, build community, exercise your mind, meditate, think positively, get enough sleep and talk about your feelings. If something is bothering you or not going well, don’t gloss it over. Get to the bottom of it before it gets to be a larger issue.
6. Let go of the past: All of the crap, all the things people told you that you were and were not (negatively), all the pain… you must let it go to move forward. There have been multiple times in my adulthood that I have referred back to a name someone called me or a phrase someone had once spoken to me. I’m in awe that I have still, after all these years, held onto it. L E T I T G O. It does not and will not ever define you, you must not let it.

7. Be honest: Yep, honesty still is the best policy and frankly, it feels good. To me, being honest is telling the truth, having integrity, being sincere, and being reliable. Doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching.
8. Live simply: Remember the things that matter in life. Spend time with family and friends, unplug from social media (not allowing myself to go on first thing in the morning and last thing at night has been the best decision I’ve made), spend time outside,slow down, breathe, and find joy in the little things life has to offer… Oh, and wherever you are, be present.
9. Let go of fear: So many of us are crippled by fear of the unknown. We can’t get too far if we don’t take a chance. So many people like to stick in relationships, jobs, friendships, etc. because its comfortable. I sure know I have done all the above and I can tell you that the most growth I have ever seen in my life has come from the things that made me uncomfortable.

10. Have a blast:  Possibly my favorite point is to enjoy life. Get out there, meet people, do things, try things, travel, have fun, laugh more and live it up. I love my Mom for many reasons, but one thing I love so much about her is that she has always worked hard, yet never passes up a chance to have a good time. The best thing she has said to me was to always live life and enjoy it, even when times are hard. She said, “Linds, I look at my life and know that I have LIVED.”