In The Arms Of an Angel - Sarah McLaughlin

Yolanda Adams- Never give up (lyrics)

FACT-FINDING MISSION!!!!! LOSING YOURSELF TO FIND YOURSELF!!!

So today I want to talk about fact-finding!!!!! You see, just within the last 3 days I have had more than 10 people stop me asking me questions about my diet, my workouts, post-workout meals, suppliments(suppliments? Never have, never will...), recovery techniques, etc and the list goes on and on and on.......These people range from my fellow trainers who look up to me as an idol, my personal-training clients who have entrusted me with their well-being, fellow yogis whom I meet at the yoga-classes, gym members who look at me as their inspiration, friends who have been out for a meal with me, and even random people I meet at the local grocery store, or at the park when I go for a walk, or at the club when I go to hung out with my friends. These are people who are on a fact-finding mission. They want to understand me better, in order to understand themselves better. They compare themselves with me, and feel the need to ask questions. They give me an audience and pay attention to my explanations and examples. I do my best to be basic, simple and to make myself loud and clear, and use that opportunity to share ideas with others. But this is not the fact-finding mission I want to talk about today.

Today I want to talk about my own fact-finding. You see, I do a lot of research, I read lots of articles and make notes, I listen to different people and try my best to gather all information that I can, and I ask questions to get clarification. But none of these could offer me all the answers that I have been looking for in order to understand my own body, especially when it comes to healing and recovery. But then came Zoe.......she is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Zoe is Nationally Certified In Therapeutic Massage. She is a Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner. She is a Registered Massage Practitioner. She has lots of experience working with professional athletes, and I am a good example. She has made me understand my body better, the importance of deep-tissue massage and how fascia is a huge part of our well-being, a fact that had been under-estimated for many decades, until just recently. I couldn't go without mentioning how important her professionalism is to my general well-being, my mobility is better, my range of motion has improved, my recovery is outstanding, my sleep has majorly improved, and my own understanding of my body is amazing. These are the facts that I needed to spice up my lifestyle, and my mission was, and will always be, fruitful. I'm more flexible than I have been in years, and I can move better.

All of you who live in the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area, and are looking for Synergist Healing and massage for mind, body and spirit, see Zoe. She is amazing. Find out for yourself at www.synergisthealing.com or massage@synergisthealing.com. Maybe you will understand your body better, like me. Now my movements while teaching kick-boxing are better, my yoga poses are less stressful and way better, my sleep is good, my recovery is amazing, I stretch better and for longer.....simply put, I feel great. I treat my body the way it should be treated, and this has led to improved performance. And so now I want to use the same knowledge that I have gained, thanks to Zoe, to improve my body, mind and spirit, and I urge you to do the same. Remember, life is beautiful. Look around you, and see all the beauty that surrounds you. Smile. Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. After all....

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mohandas Ghandi

 

10 Spring Foods For Weight Loss

Trying to trim down? Stock your shopping cart with these fresh, fat-fighting picks.

Artichokes

“The beauty of an artichoke is that it takes a while to eat, so it’s almost impossible to overindulge,” explains Wendy Bazilian, registered dietitian and author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet. Bonus: One medium bulb contains a mere 64 calories and a whopping 10 grams of filling, appetite-reducing fiber. And half a cup of artichoke hearts (which are a great addition to salads and pasta) has 45 calories and seven grams of satiating fiber. Bonus: This spring pick is also packed with a compound called cynarin, a substance that naturally reduces cholesterol. Just don’t pair this veggie with a diet-sabotaging dip: “If you’re eating a whole artichoke, skip the melted butter and instead dip the leaves in a figure-friendly, yogurt-based dressing to make sure you don’t consume excess fat and calories,” advises Bazilian.

Sugar Snap Peas

These sweet, crunchy pods are only 26 calories per cup, so you can chomp on them until you’re green, says Amy Goodson, a registered dietitian at Ben Hogan Sports Medicine in Fort Worth, TX. “They’re great in a salad, or as a snack with low-fat dressing." Bonus: Like all peas, sugar snaps are rich in fiber, folate, and are especially potent in vitamin K, a bone and blood-building nutrient, she says.

Strawberries

“Of all fruit, berries, including strawberries, are the richest in health-enhancing antioxidants, yet ounce for ounce, they’re the lowest in calories, making them a waist-watcher’s best friend,” says Goodson. One cup of strawberries contains just 49 calories and zero grams of fat, but three grams of hunger-fighting fiber. What’s more, studies show that a diet rich in berries helps fight free-radical damage that can contribute to skin woes like wrinkles and cancer.

Asparagus

One large asparagus spear contains just four calories. Even better? “Asparagus is a water-rich vegetable, and research shows that maintaining proper hydration can improve metabolism, helping your body burn even more calories all day long,” explains Bazilian. Bonus: “This spring veggie is also high in immune-boosting vitamins A and C, and contains potent cancer-fighting phytochemicals, too,” she says. To make asparagus extra tasty, Bazilian recommends roasting it in the oven (drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then cook for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees).

Cilantro

This spring herb, which can be added to everything from salsa to salads, is a dieter’s secret weapon, says Bazilian. Why? “Half a cup of fresh cilantro contains just one calorie, so you can add lots of satisfying flavor with zero guilt.” In fact, a study from Virginia State University showed that subbing slimming herbs and spices such as cilantro for fattier flavorings helped people lose ten pounds over the course of a year.

Cucumbers

With a cup of slices at 16 calories, what’s not to love about cucumbers? “Because cukes are high in fiber and contain lots of water, they also fill you up, so you’ll be less likely to spoon up high-fat fare later,” says Goodson. This also explains why one recent study from Penn State University found that having a salad filled with water-rich vegetables such as cucumbers helped people reduce their overall calorie consumption by a whopping 12 percent.

Pineapples

Skip the canned stuff (which is usually soaked in waist-widening syrup) and opt for fresh pineapple, which is at its peak in spring. “Although pineapple is slightly higher in fructose (natural fruit sugar) than most produce, it’s still light. One cup of cubed chunks contains just 82 calories, making it a much better sweet treat than, say, ice cream,” says Goodson. Bonus: Pineapple is also an excellent source of bromelain, an enzyme that’s been shown to reduce the inflammation that can contribute to diseases like arthritis and cancer, and to aid digestion, too -- which is why it's been used for centuries to soothe stomach woes.

Avocados

Avocados are higher in fat and calories than your average veggie. They possess about 120 calories and 11 grams of fat per half cup cubed -- but the fat they do contain is the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind, explains Bazilian. Another fat fact: “It not only helps your body fully absorb crucial vitamins like A, E, D and K, it also takes a long time to digest, which helps you feel fuller longer,” she explains. In fact, numerous studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet that contains fat from vegetables like avocados is extremely effective for keeping weight off long-term. To tap into this veggie’s waist-whittling powers, Bazilian recommends using avocado in place of cheese and mayo on sandwiches and salads.

Bananas

Need a fast, healthy snack? Nibble on a banana, advises Goodson. “They’re easy to transport, contain around 100 calories each, and are very versatile. For example, bananas can be chopped into oatmeal or cereal, put on a peanut butter sandwich or added to a smoothie to enhance thickness and flavor.” What’s more, bananas are naturally rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps regulate blood sugar, as well as energy-boosting B vitamins, says Goodson, making this fruit a perfect pre- or post-workout food.

Nectarines

Peaches get good press, but nectarines, which are in season starting in April, deserve equal attention. “They’re super sweet, but at only 60 calories each, you can indulge with zero guilt. Plus, their skin is chocked with satiating soluble fiber, which in addition to being filling, can also lower cholesterol,” explains Bazilian. What’s more, research shows that nectarines are filled with lycopene and lutein, two powerful, natural compounds that have been shown to slash a person’s risk of cancer and heart disease.

Women, Kick Your Fear of Lifting

Just because you're not vying for 20-inch biceps or thunderously strong thighs like the muscle heads in the gym doesn't mean you should shun the weight room. Lifting weights gives you an edge over belly fat, stress, heart disease, and cancer—and it's also the single most effective way to look hot in a bikini. Yet somehow women are still hesitant: Only about a fifth of females strength train two or more times a week.

While on a weight lifting program, the right hormones (testosterone) are necessary in order to bulk up. Women’s testosterone levels are much lower than men’s, so in most cases, they are not capable of building large muscles. In fact, since muscle takes up less room than fat, women tend to lose inches when they strength train. So in addition to the physical benefits (increased metabolism, decreased risk of osteoporosis, increased strength), strength training will help you slim down too! Women, in fact, are more likely to tone up from strength training rather than bulk up. Research shows that women can add up to 30% lean muscle and end up looking thinner, feeling stronger and being firmer.

Women with an intense fear of becoming large (likely due to negative images and myths) as a result of weight training are at a disadvantage when it comes to their health. The problem most women run into isn’t building too much muscle, but not building enough. This sets them up for increased risk of osteoporosis later in life, as well as a reduction in muscle mass of about 2-5% per year, which has an adverse affect on metabolism (and can result in weight gain). 

Here are 12 key reasons you shouldn't live another day without hitting the weights:

1. You'll lose 40 percent more fat.



If you think cardio is the key to blasting belly fat, keep reading: When Penn State researchers put dieters into three groups—no exercise, aerobic exercise only, or aerobic exercise and weight training—they all lost around 21 pounds, but the lifters shed six more pounds of fat than those who didn't pump iron. Why? The lifters' loss was almost pure fat; the others lost fat and muscle.
Other research on dieters who don't lift shows that, on average, 75 percent of their weight loss is from fat, while 25 percent is from muscle. Muscle loss may drop your scale weight, but it doesn't improve your reflection in the mirror and it makes you more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you'll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat.

2. Your clothes will fit better.


Research shows that between the ages of 30 and 50, you'll likely lose 10 percent of your body's total muscle. Worse yet, it's likely to be replaced by fat over time, says a study. And that increases your waist size, because one pound of fat takes up 18 percent more space than one pound of muscle.

3. You'll burn more calories.



Lifting increases the number of calories you burn while your butt is parked on the couch. That's because after each strength workout, your muscles need energy to repair their fibers. In fact, researchers found that when people did a total-body workout with just three big-muscle moves, their metabolisms were raised for 39 hours afterward. They also burned a greater percentage of calories from fat compared with those who didn't lift.
Lifting gives you a better burn during exercise too: Doing a circuit of eight moves (which takes about eight minutes) can expend 159 to 231 calories. That's about what you'd burn if you ran at a 10-mile-per-hour pace for the same duration.

4. Your diet will improve.



Exercise helps your brain stick to a diet plan. University of Pittsburgh researchers studied 169 overweight adults and found that those who didn't follow a three-hours-a-week training regimen ate more than their allotted 1,500 calories a day. The reverse was also true— sneaking snacks sabotaged their workouts. The study authors say both diet and exercise likely remind you to stay on track, aiding your weight-loss goals.

5. You'll handle stress better.



Break a sweat in the weight room and you'll stay cool under pressure. Scientists determined that the fittest people exhibited lower levels of stress hormones than those who were the least fit. Another study found that after a stressful situation, the blood pressure levels of people with the most muscle returned to normal faster than the levels of those with the least muscle.

6. You'll be happier.



Yoga isn't the only Zen-inducing kind of exercise. Researchers found that people who performed three weight workouts a week for six months significantly improved their scores on measures of anger and overall mood.

7. You'll build stronger bones.

 

As you age, bone mass goes to pot, which increases your likelihood of one day suffering a debilitating fracture. The good news: A study found that 16 weeks of resistance training increased hip bone density and elevated blood levels of osteocalcin—a marker of bone growth—by 19 percent.

8. You'll get into shape faster.



The term cardio shouldn't describe only aerobic exercise: A study found that circuit training with weights raises your heart rate 15 beats per minute higher than if you ran at 60 to 70 percent of your max heart rate. This approach strengthens muscles and provides cardiovascular benefits similar to those of aerobic exercise— so you save time without sacrificing results.

9. Your heart will be healthier.



Researchers at the University of Michigan found that people who did three total-body weight workouts a week for two months decreased their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by an average of eight points. That's enough to reduce the risk of a stroke by 40 percent and the chance of a heart attack by 15 percent.


10. You'll be way more productive.

Lifting could result in a raise (or at least a pat on the back from your boss). Researchers found that workers were 15 percent more productive on days they exercised compared with days they didn't. So on days you work out, you can (theoretically) finish in eight hours what would normally take nine hours and 12 minutes. Or you'd still work for nine hours but get more done, leaving you feeling less stressed and happier with your job—another perk reported on days workers exercised.

11. You'll live longer.



University of South Carolina researchers determined that total-body strength is linked to lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Similarly, other scientists found that being strong during middle age is associated with "exceptional survival," defined as living to the age of 85 without developing a major disease.

12. You'll be even smarter and will make better choices and decisions.


Muscles strengthen your body and mind: Brazilian researchers found that six months of resistance training enhanced lifters' cognitive function. In fact, the sweat sessions resulted in better short- and long-term memory, improved verbal reasoning, and a longer attention span.

PASSION

LET'S TALK PASSION....SHALL WE?
So, I'm on week 3 of my YOGA expedition....and the future is slowly starting to look bright. But I don't wanna get ahead of myself here. You see, everyday since I started Yoga, I have been taking a serious beating....very serious sometimes that I question my own ability to keep doing this.....but then...I am the kind of guy that does well when am beat up....I just keep going back for more beating.....and I will keep doing this till maybe one day....just one day...the beating will stop...then, only then...I will be able to beat Yoga....and make it my best friend...maybe even get married to Yoga and live Happily Ever After....



Ok, maybe I am asking too much....I know this sounds like a long shot.....beat Yoga? Is that even possible? I don't know the answer to this, but I know one thing...nothing is impossible!!!!
You see, I look at it like the art of seduction. When a hunter chases his prey, does he give up? No, those who quit never succeed, they fail miserably and withdraw to the sidelines, and watch winners take it all. Hunting is like going to war...you must know your strength, your passion and your intention from deep within, after searching deep within your self. Only then will you know if you are up for the task. Then you must know your opponents strength and weaknesses, sometimes you must learn their tricks in order to beat them in their own game. And as the African proverb says, "The slow footed always lose in battle". So you must be skilled, smart and aggressive. You must portray intention and courage. You must stay focused and be willing to fight through pain, adversity and even rebellion. You must be willing to win.......
Just like seducing a woman....you must be confident, and be ready to work your way through the initial rejection...because as we all know, it starts with a bad look and being ignored as she walks away, then comes the "NO"....then the NO turns to "what do you want"....then it turns to "Let me think about it'....then it turns to "Maybe"...then eventually..."YES".....
Its a long process, but if you stay the course, you will end up a happy man...that's what skillful hunters are all about...
I wanna be that winner...I wanna beat Yoga one day, marry her and live happily ever after.....that's my goal, and I am not giving up...not with all the beauty that Yoga offers....all the passion...all the relaxation...all the sensual breaths, like the sound of the ocean...I wanna hold Yoga close in my heart for many years to come...and when I grow old and my hair turns gray, I will still be in love with Yoga.....what a life.....



That is what passion is all about....that is what love is all about.....
When you fall in love...you try your best to keep it.....and true love never dies, no matter how long it lasts. And when you are passionate about something, you do whatever it takes to keep the fire burning, even if it means going out of your way.

You see, things like these just bring my motivation back. By posting this video that I have never seen in my life, it just made my day. This video just woke up an awareness that I had lost....and I say to myself "Thank you God...Thank you God...Thank you God..."
It reminds me of a guy I saw yesterday....I was driving back to Equinox after teaching a kickboxing class, and I saw it....they were 3 guys running, coming from Cedar Lane turning south towards N.I.H. on Wisconsin Ave/Rockville Pike...one of these guys had only one leg and was on crutches, no prosthesis...keeping up with the other 2 guys...I watched this incredible scene unfold in-front of my eyes, I couldn't believe it. And I said to myself, "That man has a Lion Heart". I thought I was tired since I had just done my 3rd workout of the day(still had another yoga class to take), but as soon as I saw the man on crutches, my eyes were opened and my energy started coming back....I tried to think how strong he was, how hard it was on his shoulders and forearms, how tough it was on his left leg and knee, how extra his lungs had to pump Oxygen.....I've always thought that I am strong, that I have a strong will-power, that I can take it like a man, maybe I have been wrong all these years. That scene was so humbling, it gave me food for thought....and I thought hard.
Then this video....it just reminds me how grateful I am to have all it takes to stay fit....I just need to have the guts to do it...no more slacking on my part...it is time to get started...and as the saying goes, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. And remember, Life is what you make it. Always has been. Always will be....SO MAKE IT FUN"
 

Finally, let me finish with this quote: "The fruit of love is service. Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service."
–Mother Teresa

Get More From Your Meals -By Camille Noe Pagán

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs

Smart swap: Exchange regular eggs for the omega 3-fortified kind, suggests Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and author of the book, Eat Your Way to Happiness. “Most women fall short of the 900 mg of omega 3 fatty acids they need daily for optimal brain health,” says Somer. “But fortified eggs contain several hundred mg each, and numerous studies show that these essential fatty acids are crucial for heart health and reducing the risk of depression.”

Make it even better: Scramble your eggs with half a cup of frozen spinach and you’ll get more than a milligram of iron, a nutrient that’s crucial for energy but that many women don’t get nearly enough of, says Somer.

Breakfast: Pancakes

Smart swap: Replace half of the white flour you’d normally use with whole wheat flour; it has three grams more fiber (which not only fills you up, but also prevents constipation by moving food through your gut) per half cup. "Plus, it's a rich source of hunger-thwarting protein," explains Chrissy Wellington, CNS, a nutritionist at Canyon Ranch Resort in Lenox, MA. 

Make it even better: “Add half a cup of puréed apples or bananas to the batter,” suggests Wellington. “Both add potent antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce the odds of numerous diseases, including cancer and heart disease.” Bonus: Scientists say bananas are also a great source of potassium, a mineral that regulates blood pressure and helps muscles and nerves stay healthy. 

Breakfast: Instant Oatmeal

Smart swap: Trade instant oats for the old fashioned kind. “Because they’re less processed, old fashioned oats are digested more slowly, which means you’ll be even less likely to get blood sugar spikes that make you cranky and hungry,” explains Somer.

Make it even better: Top your oatmeal with two tablespoons of dried cherries, suggests Somer. Not only will you get a flavor punch, recent studies have shown that eating cherries may reduce inflammation that contributes to arthritis, and may ease post-workout pain, too.

Lunch: Burrito

Smart swap: “Burritos can contain more than 1,000 calories and 30 grams of fat,” says Wellington. Her advice: Swap higher fat beef for black beans. Like red meat, they’re rich in filling protein,  but beans are free of saturated fat; high in fiber (five grams per half cup); and chock full of magnesium (the fourth-most abundant mineral in the body, which protects against stroke, diabetes and other health problems). Really want meat in your wrap? Slimming slices of grilled chicken are always a smart choice.

Make it even better: Consider more figure-friendly fillings: Use avocado instead of cheddar or Colby cheese and sour cream; you’ll get the same creamy taste, but the fat you consume will be the heart-healthy monounsaturated type, rather than the saturated fat found in cheese, explains Wellington.

Lunch: Caesar Salad

Smart swap: If you’re making your own, skip romaine lettuce and use calcium-rich baby spinach instead; you’ll also double your intake of B vitamins, which has been shown to ward off depression, says Somer. She also advises skipping regular Caesar dressing and instead opting for a low-fat version or plain vinegar—for every two tablespoons you trade, you’ll save yourself more than 100 calories and 11 grams of fat.

Make it even better: Reconsider your regular chicken, “and top your Caesar with grilled salmon instead,” advises Somer. “Just three to four ounces supply nearly a day’s worth of omega-3 fatty acids”— which research shows are crucial for preventing dementia and preventing heart disease “and fish is a rich source of filling protein, too.”

Lunch: Turkey Sandwich

Smart swap: “Turkey breast is fairly lean. It’s the rest of the sandwich that gets you in trouble,” says Somer. “So, rather than white bread, opt for a chewy whole grain brand with at least five grams of fiber per serving. Fiber is filling, reduces bloat, and lowers cholesterol.” Somer also suggests skipping waist-widening mayo, which is loaded with fat and calories, and opting for mustard instead; not only does it contain less than five calories per tablespoon, it’s also rich in turmeric, a spice that’s been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.

Make it even better: Instead of regular tomatoes, Somer recommends opting for the sun dried variety: They’re super flavorful and ounce for ounce, they’re higher in lycopene (a type of antioxidant that may reduce the risk of skin cancers) than any other tomato product.

Dinner: Meatloaf

Smart swap: “Meatloaf gets a bad rap, but it’s one of the meals I recommend most often to clients, because it’s such an easy way to get more extra nutrients,” says Wellington. She recommends replacing half the breadcrumbs you’d normally use with fiber-filled, vitamin-rich additions such as shredded zucchini and carrots, or chopped spinach.

Make it even better: Instead of adding flavor with ketchup or barbecue sauce (both of which are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to obesity) Wellington suggests using low-fat goat cheese: “It’s protein rich and extremely flavorful, and is a great source of bone-building calcium, too.”

Dinner: Spaghetti

Smart swap: Ditch regular noodles and serve spaghetti squash.  One cup of this pasta-like veggie contains just 42 calories, whereas the same amount of pasta contains 220 calories, Somers says. Bonus: Spaghetti squash is a good source of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that promotes good eyesight and reduces the risk of cataracts.

Make it even better: “Marinara sauce is a rich source of cancer-fighting lycopene, but you can make it even better by adding an extra cup or two of veggies and turning it into a primavera sauce,” says Wellington. Her top pasta-topper picks: chopped bell peppers, which are high in immunity-boosting vitamins A and C, and minced garlic, which has been associated with a reduced reduction of breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Dinner: Chili

Smart swap: Wellington recommends using grass-fed bison. It contains up to two-thirds less fat than ground beef, which is why it’s the only red meat that the American Heart Association recommends. And unlike other types of meat, the fat that the grass-fed variety contains is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Make it even healthier: While you’re cooking your chili, sprinkle in a few teaspoons of turmeric: this mild orange spice has been linked with reduced risk of psoriasis, arthritis and cancer, among others. Wellington also drops a square of dark chocolate into her chili for a subtle, sweet flavor kick and an extra dose of antioxidants.

Snacks: Low-Fat Yogurt

Smart swap: Skip flavored yogurts, which often contain health-draining high fructose corn syrup, and do it yourself by mixing plain low-fat yogurt with fresh blueberries, advises Somer. One University of Michigan study found that a diet rich in blueberries appears to reduce belly fat and other factors that increase the risk of heart disease.

Make it even better: Sprinkle in ground flaxseed, a good source of fiber and phytochemicals called lignans, which aid digestion by moving food along and increasing good bacteria in the gut, says Somer. Although researchers are still investigating, some preliminary studies suggest that flaxseed may even have a protective effect against breast cancer.

Snacks: Crackers and Cheese

Smart swap: Skip crackers made with white flour, they contain little to no fiber, and opt for ones made with whole grains so you’re getting filling fiber and B vitamins, says Wellington. She also advises choosing slimming cheese picks like low-fat Swiss or mozzarella, and adds, “Cheese is one of those foods that it’s easy to overeat, so limit yourself to an ounce or less per snack to make sure you keep your calories in check.” 

Make it even better: Top your cheese with diced apricots. They’re a potent source of vitamin A, a nutrient that promotes lung health. Bonus: Because vitamin A is fat soluble, scientists say the fat in the cheese will help your body more fully absorb the vitamin A in the apricot.

Snacks: Fruit Cups

Smart swap: Avoid pre-packaged fruit cups, which are usually drenched in high-calorie sugary syrup, and make your own fruit salad instead. Another tip: Head for darker hued fruit: “All produce is good for you, but the darker the fruit’s color, the higher its level of antioxidants,” says Somer. “For example, peaches are better than pears, watermelon is better than cantaloupe, and blueberries and raspberries are better than apples.” 

Make it even better: Top your fruit cocktail with a handful of crumbled walnuts. “They’re rich in essential fats that promote brain and heart health. Plus, they contain protein and fiber, too, both of which slow down the digestion process and keep you from getting hungry as soon as you normally would,” says Somer.

Miss pole dance Australia 2008 Felix Cane Winner

MY NEW FOUND LOVE-BY THOMAS OCHIENG

Recently, after a long search and endless moments of procrastination, I finally, confidently, made up my mind to pursue my new found love....so now I have two....just for the record.
You see, my passion for YOGA was triggered after watching "Faster", even though it had been building up for a while. The first time I watched this movie, I said to myself, "I really wanna be like that. I wanna be able to do these things". Before "Faster" there was, and still is, the commercial for "Residence Inn"....that lady who walks in and does some amazing moves. I've always wanted to do these things, but I've also been scared because I just did not know how or where to start. Scared? Really? Yes....really scared.



I know I am still a rookie at this, and will be a rookie for a while, but I promise you.....every day.....every single day.....I will strive to be a better person.....I promise. Well, isn't that what true love is all about? Keeping promises?
You see, new love brings with it a lot of exotic feelings and ideas, very sacred adventures, renewed energy, vigor, and lots of passion. But also, new love presents a whole new set of challenges. And it can only succeed if you constantly maintain high levels of passion. Maintenance becomes the biggest challenge....only time tells if the flame will keep burning or if the fire well die out.....



I have just found out a new feeling....a feeling so sacred and sweet, a feeling of energy from deep within....a piece of mind that only comes with experience...a connection between me and myself......so sacred.
I've always wanted to feel that inner peace. That which is so satisfying. That which is strong and affectionate. That which will fill my heart with warmth. It is that missing piece of the puzzle that I have been looking for.....and now I found it.


You see, there are moments in life that we try to get ahead of ourselves......precious moments that we just feel like we want to reach out further........moments when we know that even though we have given our best, all that we've got, we still can do better. We still can reach further. We still can go that extra mile.



And when we get all the support we need, even if it is just a little bit, when we find a shoulder to lean on, we become the best that we can be.....we bring out the best in us....we build confidence.....we show our strength.....we find that inner peace......"VICTORY LOVES PREPARATION".



For many years I have been pushing my clients to reach greater heights....for a long time I have been a source of inspiration to many....on several occasions I have had people(people that I know and even strangers) come to me saying, "You are my hero", or "You inspire me", or "I wanna look like you", or "You inspire me", or "What do I need to do or eat to look and be like you", or simply, "You look great", or "You look awesome".
And my response...."You don't need to look or feel or be like me. You need to be the best that you can be. And when you know, deep from your heart, that you have given all you got, then you will find that inner peace, that satisfaction, that sense of achievement. And you will be able to go to greater lengths and reach greater heights."


So much for inspiring others, now it is time for me to push myself. It is time for me to get outside the box. I wanna be better than the best of me.......and I promise you.....my new found love...I will not disappoint you. I will do whatever it takes, to stay the course. I am not a quitter.....I'm a survivor....a fearless African warrior....blood and guts......till the job is done.....And after reading "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran, I can only look forward to greater moments.......

 


And as the saying goes, "Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I don't wanna miss a Thing