Resolve this...

New Year's is often seen as a cultural milestone, as a way of starting fresh. With each new year, social media floods with the latest New Years Resolution; with resolutions to "lose this…" or "stop this…". A common denominator I always make note of when it comes to New Year's resolutions; often times people seek to add something to their life instead of improving what is always there.

Realistically speaking, as reported by Time Magazine, only 8% of people who make resolutions actually stick to them throughout the year.

The reasons include the obvious, unrealistic goals. My solution? Here are some ways to improve your resolution for 2014. 

LOOK AT THE POSITIVES

Looking back on the past year, what are something you've been great at? Instead of adding something that isn't already an active part of your life, why not continue to build on what you do have? If you're already great at CrossFit, why not resolve to compete this year? If you are great at making money, why not embark upon a small entrepreneurial endeavor?

Note that success is something that is built from your perception and response to failing.  John C. Maxwell, author of Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success adds that even the most successful entrepeneurs fail, on average 3.8 times before succeeding. 

TAKE YOUR HECTIC LIFE & REFOCUS

A friend of mine recently hit a heard spot in his life. I'd be lying to all my readers if I didn't say this is a common occurrence within my own life, and a great part of why I am so relatable. I use my experiences to relate to people, with hopes of adding some insight and value to what they are going through. While in the middle of a conversation, I suggested refocusing himself a little. Intrigued, he asked me "how does one go about refocusing?"

My reply? Actually, that's a really good question. Usually when I need to recenter or "refocus" myself, I start with what I know best; what makes me happy. For me the gym is not a New Year's resolution, but an outlet. It helps me to focus more on myself and to sort out the world around me. Usually when I'm out of sorts, it's because I've been to busy with life to take the time and listen to/pay attention to myself. When I begin to refocus myself, I prioritize me, and then work from there. Like a laundry stack. I put myself at the top and work my way through the pile (life). It's mental more than anything. But the gym is a great way for me to "see" the mental processing that it takes to work through challenges.

Not everyone loves the gym, but many people can remember, vividly or with encouragement, what it is that makes them most happy. Take a look at this, take the time for yourself, and refocus; consider what it is that makes you happy and build your New Year's goal off this.

WATCH ME

People often times wonder, where does motivation begin? For me, I can't say it's something that is always there, but I seek out things to keep me active and constantly motivated. A great tool I use, personally; the phrase "WATCH ME." I always challenge myself constantly. At the end of the day, anything you are looking to achieve, gain or improve is for no one's benefit but your own. So don't go marking your gains against anyone but your own. This was your goal, your resolution, and at the end of the day you're the only one who truly can answer whether you achieved the goal, or worse, cheated along the way. Be honest with yourself, but remember that the only person you are proving, is you.

So if at first you don't succeed…. TRY & TRY AGAIN

Wishing y'all a safe, healthy and HAPPY New Year!

New Year's Resolution Stats:

http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/30/new-years-resolutions-are-bad-for-you/

Transformation Tuesday

My carefree days; circa 2010.

One year ago, I looked at down at both my scale and my body, and realized that life, as it always does, had gotten in the way of me being my best self.

I weighed in at over 128lbs. A small-framed 5"1, this was nothing close to the lean, toned and fit me that you see before you today. I refused to step foot in front of a camera, explaining the lack of comparison photos for 2011, end of 2012 and today.

While fitness has always been a very important part of my life, there have been moments where life, itself, has got in the way. 2012 was a prime example of this. While I had still achieved my goal of running my first half marathon sub-2hrs, my body post-race season went into a downward spiral; craving the carbohydrates that it had come to rely on as fuel during the racing season. What my body couldn't process was that it no longer had a need for the excessive carbs. And so training continued….

When I jumped back into the swing of things 1 January, of this year, I told myself that regardless of how busy my life got, I would still take time out of my day for myself.

My racing days, 102lbs light speed racing
in honor of 1LT Del Castillo, KIA June 2011

The gym for me, is exactly that; time for myself. Each day I walk into the gym everyday, it is not just about losing fat, or gaining lean muscle, its a whole body experience from the inside, out. My experiences in the gym have transformed me, yes physically, but also mentally. I've deemed my time in the gym as a way of mastering my body and mind. It's a powerful experience; to learn how your body adapts not only from week to week, but from day to day when you alter your perspective of whats important, and really take the time to truly listen to what your body needs, instead of what it wants.

This year I learned a lot. I learned that clean eating isn't as hard as everyone makes it seem. In December of 2012, I was eating chili every sunday, pizza every wednesday and anything else that landed in front of my plate. While I never 'over indulged' with my portion sizes, the kinds of food I was eating were not only making me put on weight, but I soon started to experience a mess load of symptoms, like severe migraines, stomach issues and an overall feeling of lethargy.

In honor of "Transformation Tuesdays" here are my "then and now" photos from when the start of my fitfam obsession through to today.

Merry Christmas Eve Y'all!

xoxo,

-Katrina

Holiday Indulgences

With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I would be nice to pass along some advice for all those holiday parties you'll probably be attending.

Living a healthy lifestyle, I am commonly sought out for advice about how/what to eat. Here are some of my tips for you guys. While I don't eat junk food, I do like to indulge, so here are the guidelines I live by.

1. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you have to eat it.

2. Choose your foods wisely. 

• If you wind up at an unexpected event keep in mind what you've eaten for the day, and eat accordingly. If you you've already eaten a lot for before getting to the party, scale back and be conservative about what you eat.
• If you have an event planned ahead of time and you know there will be some great eats and perhaps a few adult beverages, plan your daily meals accordingly so you can indulge a little bit. 

3. Criteria for indulging: Measurements on the fly

• A full meal by definition should consist of three portions, no larger than your fist (when closed). This meal should include one of each of the following: protein (usually double fist-size), vegetables, complex carbohydrates/starches.
• Side note: Protein will keep you satisfied for longer, and you won't need to seek out as many unhealthy options.
• If you are going for the sweets eat in moderation. You don't need a full "serving" of Grandma's trifle. A simple bite or two (thumb if using chart below)  of 2-3 items served will do just fine.
• Don't forget your liquid calories: beer, wine, spiked eggnog and other mixed beverages can really add up quickly. So don't forget to take these into consideration when you are thinking about "budgeting" for your "indulgences."

Below is a great little reference sheet to keep in mind this holiday season. 

Master your mind

I had a great day today. One worth blogging about. Not because anything extraordinary occurred, but more so because of the overall revelations I've made over the course of the weekend and in through today.

As of lately, I've been challenged with a lot of 'uphill battles.' Some, just simple misfortunes of everyday life, piled on to an already hectic life. While other challenges faced have been personal demons in my life's journey towards 'mastering my own mind.'
Whether we stop to realize it or not, life can be a really scary thing.

         Mastering your own mind is one of the most instrumental       
         tools you can develop over the course of your life time. 

Throughout my life I've always been extremely athletic. As a young girl, I was revered as the "little girl with a deceiving strength" and "ability well beyond my size." As the only girl, growing up in a house of three boys I saw nothing unusual about this. Growing up in a large, non-nuclear family, competition was a basic life skill; survival of the fittest. Maybe not always in the literal sense, but certainly in the sense that  
       if you wanted to accomplish anything, you have to do it yourself.
This belief is something I've carried with me throughout my life. It's 98% of the reason I'm as motivated and independent as I am today. I'm a do-er and a go-getter. But like any other person, I have my moments of self-doubt. Self-doubt is not something I routinely take the time to notice; so as of lately the overwhelming thoughts of second guessing myself on anything and everything I do has really forced me into a place I'd rather not be. It can be scary. It is much like a journey of mastering your own thoughts.

Throughout these past few weekends, I've made it a point to fill my days with entertainment and activities that are elementary: going to museums, playing on tire swings, driving places with absolutely no destination in mind. Throughout a number of my endeavors, I've been lucky to have a side kick with me. I enjoy the company of others, even if it's just in quiet. Living on your own forces you alone time that can be too much for anyone.
What occurred to me today, is that I have found myself back in my happy place. As a lifetime athlete, I've always held myself to the standard of having an 'annual' fitness goal. Something simple that I set out to achieve with two aims in mine:

1. A fitness goal that will provide me the necessary motivation needed to actually train in or out of the gym with a purpose.
2. To learn something new about myself in the process.

Today, I pushed through my less-than-fun workout, but in the end I felt incredible. This past summer was a huge milestone for me. My goal this year was to get myself in better shape than I've ever been in. For me, my "best shape ever" was when I was 22. I was a baby, fresh out of college, on the worst diet of Bojangles and Beer, but still in incredible shape.
I knew this goal would not be easy. For one, I'm not 22 anymore; my genetics are not as favorable as they were when carbohydrates and partially hydrogenated oils were an acceptable part of my diet. By March of this year, I met my goal. A long time fitness mentor of mine, Scott noted I was "competition ready." While I could talk forever about my love and life for fitness, the reason why I it's personally important to me is because fitness in general has been such an instrumental tool in understanding myself; not only physically--but mentally. Smile, today is as great a day is every other. Find your happiness.


I've yet to come up with my 2014 goal, but I still have a few weeks left, and I'll be excited to announce to you all when I have made my decision on a fitness goal for the year.

Elf on the shelf

In the spirit of the holiday season I thought I would share some
of the laughs I've gotten from "Inappropriate Elf" sightings lately. A heads up that these are far from appropriate for kids, but absolutely worth a good laugh for an adult with a good sense of humor.

Enjoy!

-Katrina





True Story



Elf is and evil little shit. (Photo Credit: Bobby Perry)





Elf knows how to party...

Photo Credit: Maddock Goes

Photo Credit: Bobby Perry

Nightmare on Elf Street?

Don't be the first one to pass out at a party with Elf

SnapElf anyone?

The Difference an Hour Can Make

Not a bad way to start the morning

Updates to come later.

Winter in New England

I woke up this morning unsurprised by the snow blanketing my car. The meteorologist last night, had predicted a light dusting to a few inches. While winter isn't exactly my thing, neither is cold weather without explanation. Snow to me, at the very least, verifies a reason for the bone chilling arctic tundra that pays New England a visit one season of the year.

So I took the time this morning while on my way to job one to appreciate the beauty that snow does have, and how nice it is, at times to live in the Northeast.

On my route to job three (yes, I actually work three jobs!), I found myself with a small amount of down time. I decided to make a stop at  Coffee Break Cafe to kill a little time.  

 it dawned on me; winter, as much as it forces many of us to hibernate, it also allows for the much needed "self" time I refer to in my last post. Self time doesn't necessarily mean meditating, it just means the time you take for yourself Everything takes a little longer when the weather is less than perfect--by perfect I mean 75 degrees and sunny. But as I sat there sipping my coffee, I realized that it sort of nice to be forced to take your time. It doesn't matter how much you rush at brushing the snow off your car, at the end of the day it's extra time that

'Tis The Season To Be… A Little Egocentric

Holidays are a solid reminder to why it is so incredibly important not to lose ourselves in anyone or anything we do. They're also a persistent annual reminder of memories past, the loss of loved ones; or simply getting stuck into the everyday frustrations that tend to overwhelm us throughout this time of year.

I speak from experience when I say the most important thing you can do this holiday season is to set aside time for yourself.

Be a little egocentric. 

While it is indeed "the season to give", don't forget to give back to yourself. Set aside time for yourself each and everyday. Take the time to remember who you are and what's important in your life.

Here are three tricks that help me make it through stressful times, especially during the holiday season.

1. Write Things Down

Write things down. I tend to be a person who always has a lot going on. Living on my own, I don't always have the necessary reminders from other people reminding me: I for got to do 'this' or 'that'. As a result, I tend to forget a lot of things. So, what do I do? I write things down! Everything for that matter.

This busted little notebook has a million and one things that I've jotted down.

Most people opening it wouldn't be able to make much sense of it, but all that really matters at the end of the day is that I know what they mean. Having one place to just get me thoughts out of my head also really helps me to 'mentally de-clutter.'

   2. Try Yoga

This may not apply to everyone; try yoga. I know that there is a big stigma against this to a lot of the macho men out there, but I know plenty of male friends that gain a lot of the benefits yoga has to offer.

This is one of my favorite little yoga studios on the south shore-- Healing Tree Yoga. I also really love Open Doors Yoga Studios which offers and incredible hot power yoga class.

  
    3. Be spontaneous

If all else fails, scroll through your phone book and find the one friend who is funnest and most spontaneous to be around. You're bound to find at least two or three people who immediately come to mind. Being spontaneous allows for a lot of unexpected little pleasures. This weekend, my friend Broc and I went on an adventure of our own. Broc (who I refer strictly as Broccoli) is by far one of best friends I have for moments when I need something spontaneous and fun to do; times with him are usually nothing shy of adventurous, and are certainly memory worthy.



Here are a few shots from our endeavors this weekend.

Broc insisted on pulling over to play on the tire swings as we were driving past.

If I've learned anything from my weekend adventures with Broc, I learned this:

It is important to set aside time to focus solely on yourself. Many might consider this to be 'self-centered' but the reality is, as stated by Scottish moral philosopher Adam smith

 "human nature, even our most altruistic deeds is motivated in part by some concern for our selves."

While I'm not big into philosophy, I feel like a number of personal challenges I face, I face because I have been formally unable to apply this concept within my own life. I, by nature, have a very difficult time doing things because I want to do them (when it involves another person). So I've decided, after spending some time being a little ego-centric, that it's time for me to apply this concept a bit more readily. For this reason I say, be a little selfish this week.

HO HO HO. Life's Little Joys Around The House

This holiday season I get to indulge a little bit more than I did last year. Last year, I had finished moving into my new house just in time for Christmas. Leaving zero time for Fristmas (Friends Christmas), decorating or to just simply enjoy the joys that holidays bring with just being at home.

This year I was determined to add simple yet unique touches of holiday cheer around my house. As a true country-bumpkin at heart, the thought of red and green plastered around my house mortifies me. I prefer to use more home-inspired decor in celebration of the Christmas season. Pinterest has always been a huge inspiration for me, along with Apartment Therapy. My home is small but indeed very cozy, these two sites have been a great resource for me to not only get creative, but also to maximize the living space.

Here are a few ways that I spruced up the house for the holiday season.

When I looked for pinecones to decorate with, I realized after getting home there were more than enough, so I decided to use them around the house as accents.

I love the idea of having holiday phrases. I used old photo frames and spray painted them alternating colors, gold and silver. I then used old wallpaper I had lying around to write the letters on. Most all the frames except one had holes I could use to fasten the ribbon to use for hanging. For the one that didn't I simply used a hot glue gun to fasten it.

This is by far one of my favorite decorations. It's simple but elegant. I used an old mason jar that was lying around the house filled it with water, packed in some cranberries and then floated a tea light on top.

My tree, simple, but cozy for me.