Is It Me or the Birth Control!?

I just switched birth controls and I'm wondering why on earth would someone create something that makes me/women so CRAZY!?

I feel like I'm 18 again.  I have a name for this crazy wench who took over my emotions and blames my boyfriend for not asking in-depth questions (insert him looking at me with fumes flying out of his ears). I call her Pauleen.  Usually she only debuts when it's that time of the month, but the switch from low hormones to a full set....let me tell you!!  Pauleen is here.  She unpacked her bags.  Put away all her clothes and has her feet propped up on the table.

Every time I open my mouth, ridiculous things come out.  I'm giving glares I didn't even know existed and am crying at every opportunity.  Whatever you do, stay away from Pauleen.  In the meantime, I'm trying to keep my calm and carry on.  Trying to contain the nutcase.

I'm writing this because it's a chance for you to observe your behavior.  Are you taking new medication and feel side effects/just feel "off"?  If so, PLEASE remember that you have the power to change your mind.  Call your doctor.  Don't go through the motions, fix what is wrong and fix it fast.  FEEL GOOD.  You hold the baton to your LIFE!  DON'T WASTE IT!

Put Pauleen to the wayside and save your boyfriend from wanting to rip his hair out.

Foods for Fighting Stress!

Let these foods lighten the elephant on your chest,

so you can sleep like a baby.

1. Black and green teas can help you relax.  Green tea contains an amino acid called theanine, which has been linked to reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.  Sensitive to caffeine?  Check out Chamomile and Peppermint tea, they are both calming, relaxing alternatives.
2. Dark Chocolate.  It contains antioxidants called flavonoids, known for their relaxing effects.
3. Fish.  Rich in omega 3's which help ease a stressed mind.
4. Oatmeal.  Low glycemic carbs (LGC) naturally boost your mood by starting the production of serotonin in the brain.  LGC take longer to digest, so they release serotonin at a slower and steadier pace.
5. Greens.  Make 'em leafy.  Magnesium is found in green veggies, especially Swiss chard and spinach, which help muscles relax and also calms the nerves.
6. Papaya, Red Bell Peppers, Oranges, Broccoli, Kale, Strawberries.  Studies show that Vitamin C help people bounce back from stressful situations.  

Your Mission Tonight

If....

You want a new career...
Write down all the job titles that you wish you had.  After 5-10, look at how they connect.  There's usually a theme between them all.  That will help guide you to a career that exists or you'll have to invent your own.  That's a whollllleeeee other story.

You want a new body...
Write down 10 things you LOVE about your body.  Don't just think about it.  Get out the paper and write!  If that's too much, write on your computer/on your iphone/whatever you have!  Just get it out of your head and on something tangible.  Read this every day.

You want a new relationship...
Love yourself.  Until you have a healthy, loving relationship with yourself, you will attract your mirror. If you are in a relationship that is going nowhere, find a way to get out.  Little by little, you will realize your worth.  You will realize that the person will come when you are really ready.

How Your Plate SHOULD Look!

So this is an example of how your plate should look if you'd like to

BUILD a HEALTHY immune system.

The starch portion refers to:

sweet potatos

yams

quinoa

100% WHOLE Wheat (if you don't have any sensitivities/allergies)

brown rice

**you could include carrots in this section because they are high in carbohydrates

This book is awesome for people experiencing the following:

-anxiety/stress

-arthritis

-fibromyalgia

-hashimoto's

-celiac disease

-graves

-MS

-cancer

-unknown (different symptoms, but no answer & all blood tests negative)

Suggestions from book:

1. Eliminate gluten.

2. Get rid of GMO products

3. Eliminate processed sugar (white flour)

4. Try an elimination diet for 3 weeks.

5. Sleep, eat right and exercise.

Motivation Monday!

Do something great with your time today.

With someone you love.

My sister & me at Yoga for Hope.

The gift of quality time.

The bell ceremony...

"ring your bell if you have personally been affected by cancer..."

"ring your bell if someone you know has been affected by cancer..."

All the bells.  Ringing.  In harmony.

"now dedicate the next 2 hours to that affected person..."

Pure bliss.

EASY Dinner Idea!

I whipped this up so quick today after work because 1. I was starved and 2. I knew it'd take virtually no time to make.

• 5 egg whites with different spices (in a pan)
• broccoli (in microwave for 1 minute)
• yams (already cooked, just heated up)
• green salsa from Trader Joe's.

It was delicious, quick and cheap!  Satisfied my protein, veggie and low glycemic carb quota!

HIP HIP HOORAY!

Who Are YOU Living For?

Friends & family tell me time to time that I've always been a big dreamer.  I'm like a bird that refuses to sit quietly on the perch.  I refuse to sit at a job ALL. DAY. LONG.  My mind switches from ideas swiftly throughout the day and I'm always thinking about my next big move.

I've been reading a lot of articles on twenty-somethings, stating that if you change jobs, travel the world and don't have $$ in your retirement, you're screwed.  Well, I beg to differ.  I know PLENTY of twenty-somethings who have traveled, figured out what they were actually interested in, refused to settle and took the time needed to find a career that fulfills every part of their being.

Yes, changing jobs can be scary.  You don't and won't know the outcome.  Don't let being scared/fearful, stop you from doing what you at least THINK you're meant to do.

WHO are you living YOUR life FOR?  IF IT'S NOT for you, then you've got some serious reflection. There was a time in college when I thought I wanted to be a broadcast major.  I never understood why my classmates were in all these communication clubs and what not.  It's because they were PASSIONATE.  They CRAVED the news.  I, on the other hand, did not.  I'd rather spend my days at the gym, on long walks or trying out new dance and pilates classes.

I didn't even know fitness was considered a career!  "If I would've known then, what I know now..."

Listen. to. your. heart. It will point you in the right direction.

Top 5 Best Choices I've Ever Made!

1.  Following my heart and my head at the same time.

If you listen to the voice that you keep trying to press down, it gets louder.

It's called your intuition.  Follow it.

2.  Moving every day.

If that means, short, brisk walks.

Or going through a couple Sun Sal A's and calling it a day.

As long as I've moved, I'm a happy camper.

3.  Reading.

For fun.  For education.  For success.

4.  Speaking more than thinking.

In this case, instead of thinking how great someone is, I try to tell them.

Life is short.  Make it meaningful.

5. Doing things that scare me.

Every time I do something that I'm scared of, I walk away a more confident person.

Every little thing you conquer, you go one step further.