Mind Over Matter

Let's be honest, I have never considered myself an athlete...until now. Over the past serveral weeks, I have been slowly gaining momentum in training for the Door County Half Ironman.  I have been dedicating several hours each week to becoming a better version of me, physically and mentally. 

Each week, I am noticing positive changes in my body.  I am using muscles swimming that I never use in other workouts, I am getting faster on the bike, and my endurance is increasing for longer runs.  I feel that while my progress is small, these small improvements are starting to build on one another, creating a ripple effect, snowballing my achievements.   

When I hear the term, "Mind Over Matter", I always thought it was partly true, but that physical limitations may not be overcome.  Each day of completing another workout, I am realizing I am not only gaining physical strength, but also mental strength.  I am feeling more confident, prepared, and worthy of my accomplishments. 

Therefore, as I continue through the "Year of Me", I am finding more reasons to celebrate small successes in my physical capabilities, but also my happiness.  I encourage each of you to find a challenge in 2013.  By setting a goal, sticking to it, and applauding oneself along the way, we will transform ourselves. 

Push yourself to change. 

Cheers,

Samantha

Florida Fun!

This past week I went to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to visit my dear friend Lindsay.  After a two hour flight to Atlanta, and a one hour flight to Ft. Lauderdale, I had arrived. 

For those of you who have not been to the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area, this is a place to add to your list.  Downtown Ft. Lauderdale boats a variety of small restaurants, boutiques, and shops.  If you are a beer lover, I would recommend trying American Social Bar, where restaurant-goers can try over fourty tap beers, including "pour it yourself" taps. 

The Ft. Lauderdale public beach is not too crazy, lined with bars, shops, and restuarants, and is great for a low key and fun vacation. 

Lindsay and I also spent a few afternoons venturing to Miami, FL, about 30 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale.  We spent one afternoon exploring Collins Avenue, the main strip of South Beach.  Here we found high end retailers, restuarants, and people from all walks of life. 

As we made our way to Ocean Drive, we found that it was Art Deco Weekend, this is where vendors from the area display and sell jewelry, art, clothing, etc.  Ocean Drive was lined with street performers, shop keepers, and locals and tourists exploring each booth. 

If you get a chance, make your way down to South Florida.  The art, people, and culture is worth the trip.  Thanks to Lindsay for a great vacation!

Cheers,

Samantha

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

 

 

 



 

In the mood for something sweet and savory?  This weekend, we attended a sushi making party, and decided to bring cupcakes to share.  Many of you know that over the past several months, I have been baking and decorating sweet creations.  Last week, I came across a receipe for Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Pecans.
For those of you looking for a crowd pleaser, this is the cupcake for you!  While it does take a while to prepare, the homemade cream cheese icing and from scratch pecan brittle will leave everyone talking. 

Enjoy!

Trying Something New..

In June, my partner and I took the 9 hour journey north to move to Madison, Wisconsin. The day after we arrived, I decided I would spend some time searching for a yoga studio to begin my practice.  I was driving through town, when I saw Dragonfly Hot Yoga.  Dragonfly is a studio that offers traditional yoga classes and also fitness based courses for members to build a strong fitness base.  For me, this is what I needed. 

After going inside, and getting a tour from the owner, I decided to sign up for a trial month with the studio.  Little did I know that joining this studio would open me up to a network of people within Madison that would begin to make it feel like home. 

After the first month of learning the "yoga lingo", and feeling comfortable in 95 degree heat, I decided to become a member of the studio.  My body was slowly beginning to change.  I had a greater endurance, felt stronger, clearer, and healthier. 

Dragonfly was encouraging members to join them for a "30 Day Challenge".  In this challenge you are tasked with completing 30 classes in 30 days.  The month came and went, and I had completed 30 classes!  My confidence level was increasing, I was making friends, and getting in shape while doing it! 

So, what does all this mean for you? 

I found that by trying something new and completely outside my comfort zone, I was put in a situation that encouraged vulnerability.  When I walked into Dragonfly for the first time, I didn't know a single person, or any pose besides downward dog.  Now, I show off to my friends that I can land crow.

I'm encouraging each of you to find something that makes you vulnerable and give it a try.  This could be a yoga class, running club, or even a lunch time walking group.  I found that through my vulnerability, I was open to new people, ideas, and lifestyle changes that I had not embraced before. 

Cheers to Change!

Samantha

Here's to 2013!

Happy New Year! 

As we begin the new year, there is always buzz around new year's resolutions.  I was recently encouraged by another yogi not to refer to these changes as resoutions, rather as intentions. 

Then, I started to jog my brain...what is the difference?  I came to a few conclusions about the hustle and bustle of new year's "changes"...

Resolutions: I feel that this implies to us that there is something in our life that we must resolve.  Too often, when I find an issue that needs resolution, it involves conflict.  This attaches a negative emotion to something that should be a positive experience. 

Intentions: When a person "intends" to do something, he or she makes an internal decision to accomplish a goal.  Rather than attaching the idea of "resolve", one can set an intention.  By setting intentions, one can then focus on the things he or she intends to do, rather than the conflict involved in the things they cannot do. 

This year I intend to:

Take a holistic approach to my health, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Explore.

Find valuable time to spend with my partner, family, and friends.

Breathe more, worry less.

Feel free to share your intentions for 2013!

Cheers to turning "can't's" into "cans" in 2013!

Samantha