Begin your day well with a smile and affirmation. Smiling is scientifically proven to improve our chemistry bringing about a feeling of well-being by increasing the release of endorphins and dopamine. I like to think of this as my daily pep rally. I check in with my body and address any discomfort. Often, a cool glass of water and a good stretch really help me feel my best.

Everything I do during this phase of my day is completely mindful and in a savior the moment and inspired state of mind. I make a most delicious cup of Joe, adding made by me coconut milk creamer of my current flavor. Today, homemade pumpkin spice – Yum. I then sit in a favorite spot near a bright window with a view of my pretty yard. If, it is still dark I go into my cozy den or in front of the fireplace. I will listen to music or the quiet and write in my journal/daily planner, I read for a while, then off to my mat for a morning practice of yoga. About forty-five minutes later I shower or use the hot tub then get myself ready for the day. Doing this early keeps me from staying in relaxation mode too long.

Usually, the time spent in journaling and planning will setup the rest of my day. I make sure to plan in breaks and nourishment so I won’t be working on burnout. As I always say, plan to succeed with meal prep and a plan. To help me succeed I am using a nutrition plan where I do to smoothies/protein shakes breakfast and lunch. I can treat myself to a sensible evening meal. I am allowed three smart snacks too! (Trying to lose some weight gained in the past few months).

Defining today by yesterday is not living in the moment. The best way to be in the moment is to concentrate on our breath and unlock our door to freedom. Freedom from stress, freedom from past mistakes and adversities and freedom from pressure of future events. Sometimes we find that we are our own worst enemy when it comes to our personal health and wellness. We are not doing the work and we are letting ourselves thrive on stress rather than living a life we love. We must learn the importance of this moment.

Our Shaklee Scientists have done it again. Yum.

B-R-E-A-T-H-E

Recognize your own habits of holding on to stress. You are holding your jaw tight. You are crossing your limbs and holding tension in your shoulders and neck… You are holding an unhappy grimace on your face. You are breathing like crap….shallow and quick. I hope I am wrong, but, modern-day people breathe like crap. Breathing well will bring nourishing oxygen to your organs, muscles, tissues and brain. Yoga breathing is also a great way to get rid of toxicity. (Toxins and Toxic Energy)

Inhale a happy thought – Exhale release a stressor.

Inhale peace – Exhale anxiety / Inhale good energy – Exhale bad energy / Breathe

For now just take one really good slow, kind of lazy breath through our nose. Then take another really deep breath and stretch our our arms and legs. Stretch big like a little baby. Take BIG DEEP NOURISHING breaths until you feel relaxed and fresh.

The rest of the day,….your life really, notice stress response habits and pull out of them. Uncross, relax and breathe better. Breathe out the doubt and negativity and breathe in love, peace and contentment. Also,notice your negitive self talk and tendancy to call yourself unkind names. When you see it stop it.

You are part of nature, you must live like you are. Get into the rhythm of nature, breath consciously like an ocean wave and get yourself outside into the fresh air. Take time to check in body, mind and spirit. Happiness comes from within.

We must incorporate practices that improve our well-being in each aspect of our lives to include regular check-ins with our body, mind and spirit. Living A Life We Love starts with a decision and commitment to creating the experience you want – purposefully. This is living mindfully. However, on those days when we can’t seem to get into our groove, we just have to wear our gold sparkle shoes.

To Your Health Body, Mind & Spirit.

Namaste – Michelle