Blessed and Inspired: August 2010

I traveled to Virginia and back last week to give a client presentation....Getting to Virginia from West Texas is not easy folks, and on top of that, my nerves were high. Although I worked in the air, thanks to gogo in-flight on American, I disconnected for a few hours to read magazines, my favorite being Whole Living (previously Body + Soul). I adore this magazine because it inspires me to live a healthy life (more on that inspiration in another post).

Anyway, I came across an interview that posed some really great questions. I started pondering over the answers I would give, and am just coming back to the article on this Sunday night.

So, here's the Q&A from my point of view (to give Whole Living credit here, check out the September 2010 issue - love!!).

Q: If I could say one thing to myself 20 years go...
A: Without revealing my age, I was pretty little 20 years ago and may have looked something like this:

Only with longer hair and even more spunk! I would tell myself to take those naps!

Q: My favorite place in the world...
A: Everything feels right in the world when I'm at home with John, cuddling on the couch, sipping on red wine and watching a movie. Nothing beats that..

Q: The lesson I keep learning over and over...
A: Things always work out just as they should... don't fret!

Q: The movie I watch when I want to laugh...
A: Dumb and Dumber

Q: Unhealthiest thing I've ever passed off as dinner...
A: Cheese and wine

Q: Personal philosophy...
A: Give people the benefit of the doubt, have sympathy and remember that you are never alone.

Q: What keeps me up at night...
A: Life's endless possibilities. My dad told me once with utmost sincerity that I could do anything I wanted... no dream is out of reach. I believe him 100% - no matter what, you make the decisions that shape your life.

Q: Book that changed my life...
A: I think there are some books, including the Bible, that are in the process of changing my life. The philosophy in Eat, Pray, Love also helped me think outside the box a few years ago.

Q: I unwind by...
A: Practicing yoga. Although it has fallen off my schedule the past few months, there is no better way for me to really release the stress than by letting it go on the mat. Even when I can't make a class, I'll shift into downward dog for a few minutes and just shake it out!

Q: I feel healthy when I...
A: Make my own juice at home - carrot, apple and beet is my favorite combination.

Q: I define "downtime" as...
A: Having a glass of wine without my phone or laptop in sight.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Decaf coffee after a big dinner, hot tea in the morning and before bed.

Q: Guiltiest pleasure...
A: Cheese! I also happen to love reality tv, which I understand to be a complete waste of time!

Q: The last time I lost my temper was...
Yesterday :(. Scout had an accident on the couch and I lost it.

Q: I'm currently reading...
A: Eat, Pray, Love for the second time

Q: Whole living means...
A: Feeling complete in the moment. Going to bed at night feeling good about your day's efforts, feeling loved and letting others know how much you care.

Q: Home means...
A: Love. Where my favorite people, where I'm surrounded by my comforts, where we spend late nights talking over wine with our friends.

Q: Prized possession...
A: Love letters from John over the years. Although we faced many ups and downs over 10 years of dating, those letters remind me just how far we've come.

Q: Exercise routine...
A: A combination of running, yoga, walking/running Scout and the 30 Day Shred (Thanks Jillian Michaels!)

Q: Proudest moment in my career...
A: In retrospect, the entire year I spent working in Chicago. It was challenging in so many different ways, and I'm proud of myself for pulling through those days successfully.

Q: My mom was right about...
A: Cleaning the house before leaving for vacation. Who wants to be welcomed home by dirty clothes, dusty furniture and unmade beds? Not me!

Q: My mom was wrong about...
A: Not giving people a second chance. There are so many instances where I'm glad I gave people the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Q: My dad always told me...
A: People brag because they're insecure.

What is your favorite place in the world? What keeps you up at night? I want to hear from you!

xoxo

NYC... so inspired by...

The bird's eye view... looking down on the bustling city from far above and feeling like anything is possible...

Friends who call this city home and navigate the busy sidewalks to and from work everyday...

Grand Central Station, where paths cross...

Lady Lib, who is a glimmer of hope and reminds us to be proud that we're American...

Ellis Island... the first ceilings my great grandfather saw as he docked on the island after a long trip from Denmark at the age of 20, anxious to navigate his new life in America all on his own...