Creating Successful New Year's Resolutions

40-50% of us create New Year's resolutions. NPR has a informative program featuring clinical psychologist John Norcross who explains how to increase your odds for success in 2009.

click to listen

The most successful resolutions were S.M.A.R.T.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time frame

Another success strategy Norcross discussed was to have a buddy system. Ask 1-3 friends to encourage you, remind you, and keep you on track.

He also spoke about the importance of tracking your progress and giving yourself reward systems along the way.

We will be offering a Get Up Girl Jump Start 2009 Workshop on January 24th in Venice to assist you in making clear and attainable goals for 2009. For more information email us at:

info@getupgirl.org

What ever your resolution, we wish you great success in 2009!

The Four Agreements

Each year when a new year rolls in, I pull out Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements. It is a beautiful reminder anytime of year, but especially sweet as we set our intentions for 2009. If you have not had a chance to read the entire book yet, it is highly recommended. Best to you all in the New Year!

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.


http://www.miguelruiz.com/fouragreements.html

Holiday Wishes

We are so grateful to all the women who have participated this year in our Get Up Girl Coaching Groups & Workshops.

We look forward to a New Year, being a part of your lives and sharing more ways of living an inspired and beautiful life.

~ Margalit & Shannon

'A Slice of Life'

We found this sweet story by Carol McAdoo Rehme and thought it was a fun holiday story to share with our ladies. Wishing you all joy, love, and a piece of our orange this year.

Jean heaved another world-weary sigh. Tucking a strand of shiny black hair behind her ear, she frowned at the teetering tower of Christmas cards waiting to be signed. What was the point? How could she sign only one name? A "couple" required two people, and she was just one.

The legal separation from Don had left her feeling vacant and incomplete. Maybe she would skip the cards this year. And the holiday decorating. Truthfully, even a tree felt like more than she could manage. She had canceled out of the caroling party and the church nativity pageant. Christmas was to be shared, and she had no one to share it with.

The doorbell's insistent ring startled her. Padding to the door in her thick socks, Jean cracked it open against the frigid December night. She peered into the empty darkness of the porch. Instead of a friendly face -- something she could use about now -- she found only a jaunty green gift bag perched on the railing. From whom? she wondered. And why?

Under the bright kitchen light, she pulled out handfuls of shredded gold tinsel, feeling for a gift. Instead, her fingers plucked an envelope from the bottom. Tucked inside was a typed letter. It was a...story?

The little boy was new to the Denmark orphanage, and Christmas was drawing near, Jean read. Already caught up in the tale, she settled into a kitchen chair.

From the other children, he heard tales of a wondrous tree that would appear in the hall on Christmas Eve and of the scores of candles that would light its branches. He heard stories of the mysterious benefactor who made it possible each year. The little boy's eyes opened wide at the mere thought of all that splendor. The only Christmas tree he had ever seen was through the fogged windows of other people's homes. There was even more, the children insisted. More? Oh, yes! Instead of the orphanage's regular fare of gruel, they would be served fragrant stew and crusty, hot bread that special night. Last, and best of all, the little boy learned, each of them would receive a holiday treat. He would join the line of children to get his very own....

Jean turned the page. Instead of a continuation, she was startled to read: "Everyone needs to celebrate Christmas, wouldn't you agree? Watch for Part II." She refolded the paper while a faint smile teased the corner of her mouth.

The next day was so busy that Jean forgot all about the story. That evening, she rushed home from work. If she hurried, she'd probably have enough time to decorate the mantle. She pulled out the box of garland, only to drop it when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, she found herself looking at a red gift bag. She reached for it eagerly and pulled out the piece of paper.

...to get his very own orange, Jean read. An orange? That's a treat? she thought incredulously.

An orange! Of his very own? Yes, the others assured him. There would be one apiece. The boy closed his eyes against the wonder of it all. A tree. Candles. A filling meal. And an orange of his very own.

He knew the smell, tangy sweet, but only the smell. He had sniffed oranges at the merchant's stall in the marketplace. Once he had even dared to rub a single finger over the brilliant, pocked skin. He fancied for days that his hand still smelled of orange. But to taste one, to eat one? Heaven.

The story ended abruptly, but Jean didn't mind. She knew more would follow.

The next evening, Jean waited anxiously for the sound of the doorbell. She wasn't disappointed. This time, though, the embossed gold bag was heavier than the others had been. She tore into the envelope resting on top of the tissue paper.

Christmas Eve was all the children had been promised. The piney scent of fir competed with the aroma of lamb stew and homey yeast bread. Scores of candles diffused the room with golden halos. The boy watched in amazement as each child in turn eagerly claimed an orange and politely said "thank you." The line moved quickly, and he found himself in front of the towering tree and the equally imposing headmaster. "Too bad, young man, too bad. But the count was in before you arrived. It seems there are no more oranges. Next year. Yes, next year you will receive an orange." Brokenhearted, the orphan raced up the stairs empty-handed to bury both his face and his tears beneath his pillow.

Wait! This wasn't how she wanted the story to go. Jean felt the boy's pain, his aloneness.

The boy felt a gentle tap on his back. He tried to still his sobs. The tap became more insistent until, at last, he pulled his head from under the pillow. He smelled it before he saw it. A cloth napkin rested on the mattress. Tucked inside was a peeled orange, tangy sweet. It was made of segments saved from the others. A slice donated from each child. Together they added up to make one whole, complete fruit. An orange of his very own.

Jean swiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks. From the bottom of the gift bag she pulled out an orange -- a foil-covered chocolate orange--already separated into segments. And for the first time in weeks, she smiled. Really smiled.

She set about making copies of the story, wrapping individual slices of the chocolate orange. There was Mrs. Potter across the street, spending her first Christmas alone in 58 years. There was Melanie down the block, facing her second round of radiation. Her running partner, Jan, single-parenting a difficult teen. Lonely Mr. Bradford losing his eyesight, and Sue, sole care-giver to an aging mother....

A piece from her might help make one whole. -- By Carol McAdoo Rehme

A Healthy Serving of Gratitude: 3 Recipes to Nourish Your Soul

Our latest article is the 'Conscious Article of the Week' on Bizlightenment. Check it out!

A Healthy Serving of Gratitude: 3 Recipes to Nourish Your Soul
by Shannon Bindler & Margalit Ward

Pass the gravy, biscuits, salt, and butter please. Eating with wild abandon this holiday season couldn’t possibly lead to better health, could it? Unfortunately it cannot, but adding a daily dose of gratitude can help you to feel happier, less stressed, and may actually improve your health.

It has been proven that daily practice of gratitude can actually improve your health and happiness by improving your immune system. A gratitude study conducted by Dr. Michael McCollough, of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, indicates that gratitude plays a significant role in a person’s sense of well being and health. Read More...

The Gift of Completing

Martha Ringer, productivity coach and author of Complete. Done. Finished., shares her story about what she learned on her recent trip to China. As a master in completing, Martha inspires us to think about the importance of completing in our lives and relationships.

I just returned from three weeks of working in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. In Shanghai I had a couple of hours free and went shopping in a local area that is famous for bargains. I connected with two young people (ages 19 and 20) working at a handbag shop. Alex and his sister were my companions for a couple of hours. We had a lot of fun bartering on a purse I was interested in buying. Bartering is still not my favorite thing to do, even though I know items for sale are priced far above market value. However, they made it fun. We laughed and played around. They thought I was 45 years old and that made it even more fun! Alex’s sister started the bargaining with 3000 RMB (the currency of China) as the asking price for the purse I wanted. We ended up at 300 RMB ($40). I reached in my purse for the cash and did not have enough RMB. Alex followed me to the bank, carrying the purse, to make sure to close the sale. (Good completion technique.) As I said goodbye and thanked them, his sister gave me her card and I gave her mine and we hugged. I left feeling joyful.

Alex followed me out and asked if he could assist me with anything else. Another great technique. He gave me a tour of all the stores on three different floors of the building. It seemed like all of the merchants were either friends or family and everyone invited me into their shops. In one shop I was introduced to another sister. I found some beautiful Christmas ornaments and we started my favorite bartering process. His sister and I agreed on 120 RMB when Alex decided to lower it to 100 RMB. To me, given what I had just paid for the purse, I knew the 100 RMB was closer to retail, but I handed her the money anyway as I wanted the ornaments. I noticed she wouldn’t look at me. I realized the action was not in balance so I reached in my wallet and handed her the remaining 20 RMB. I watched her face light up. She looked at me and smiled a very warm smile and wished me a Merry Christmas.

I knew in my heart it was important that both parties came away happy. I am grateful I listened. To me that is taking an action all the way to completion.

When I ask clients if there is anything incomplete in their communications, I often am referring to any communications that have been withheld, something not said. Sometimes it is feedback. Sometimes it is saying out loud what you think in your heart. Hugging someone and telling them you love them might be all that is needed to balance something between you. Recently I did something that a friend of mine did not appreciate and she sent me an email giving me instant feedback saying she did not want anything between us in our friendship. Those are real friends. Take a moment to listen inside and see if there is anything that is not complete in any of your exchanges. Maybe you need to say something to a boss or employee, a vendor, a client, someone in your family, one of your kids, a neighbor or someone who serves you.

Take time to create the balance, giving both yourself and them the gift of completing. Maybe it is as simple as letting someone you work with know how important they are to you. There is always room for more appreciating. At this time of year especially, giving and receiving with balance makes for a joyful holiday. As this year comes to a close, take some time to balance the year 2008. Reflect on what took place this year, what you completed well, what you wished you had done better, what you appreciated about yourself. Then look ahead to 2009 and what you would like to create and receive. Remember to write it down and review it regularly.

Martha Invitations
1. Here is a fun movie about completing sent to me by a client. Notice they need someone to tell them about writing a To Do list using Next Actions. And I might have to add the frog to my eating/body analogy. http://www.eatthatfrogmovie.com

2. Keep listening to make sure what you just finished was taken all the way to completion.

3. Complete each day with an out loud, genuine appreciation for yourself.


Check out Martha Treats, a free Email newsletter by Martha Ringer for her clients and guests. Go to martha@martharinger.com to subscribe.

Thanks Martha, for reminding us to appreciate ourselves and others, especially during this busy time of year. You always inspire us to complete our stuff!

Six steps to finding your Core!

Crystal D'Angora owner of Crystal Yoga & Pilates has shared 6 easy ways to stay strong in times of stress with her fellow Get Up Girls.











Holidays can be a challenging time to find time for self-love and balance, but the benefits of cultivating core strength and alignment in the body, mind, and spirit prove well-worth the work. Here are 6 easy ways to stay strong and centered in times of stress. Yoga and Meditation offer valuable tools for increasing strength, balance, and flexibility both physically and mentally. These techniques aim to exercise and relax the body and mind, and release tension. They combine your breathing rhythms with the body movements to challenges your flexibility, balance, stability and strength. Always listen to your body's needs and limitations and consult a doctor if you have prior injuries or concerns!

Yoga Poses: All done with slow, deep, relaxed breath
down dog -- stand on hands and feet, inverted with straight legs, and neck relaxed to stretch hamstrings, calves, shoulders, and awaken the nervous system. Slow, deep, relaxed breath

bow stretch -- Lie on stomach, lifting heart and head up toward the ceiling, and reaching arms back to hold the ankles to stretch/strength quads, ankles, chest, shoulders, and neck.

cat stretch -- Kneel on all fours and arch-stretch mid/low back high with chin to chest and pelvis tucked under to release low back and hips.

Mantra/Meditation:
breath of fire -- Begin with a quick dog pant, contracting the naval center in on the exhale, out on the inhale. Close mouth and continue through the nose only to energize and heat up the body, digestion, cleanse toxins.

kirtan kriya (sa-ta-na-ma) -- Sit tall with legs crossed comfortably, and chant sa-ta-na-ma for 3 (or more) minutes to achieve mental balance and clarity, and neutralize focus.

siatli pranayam -- Sit tall with legs crossed comfortably, andsuck breath in through the tongue (rolled over low-lip like a straw) and exhale through nose slowly for 3 (or more) minutes to cool the body, calm nerves/anger, and treat insomnia.

We are going to print this and bring it with us to our holiday family gatherings. Thank you Crystal.

Finding My Balance

Tara Igoe,
fellow Get Up Girl shares about a challenging time in her life and how she transformed it by facing it with courage and compassion.










My father had died and I was lost. But then something happened - for the first time I wanted to actually feel the pain instead of avoiding it as I always had and I started to step up to the plate in my life. Peak performance coach Tony Robbins (and my very favorite teacher) calls that leverage - the moment when you associate more pain to staying the way you are than to make a change.

And so with that leverage - and total faith that a higher power was guiding me - I started to listen to myself. I quit my job, started consulting and found balance. I hiked and did yoga. Started volunteering. I made one third of what I used to in dollars but my life was richer than it had ever been.

And I went on vacations - real vacations. Like this one to Paris. Here I am walking toward Notre Dame and so happy to be in the damp wet weather that reminds me so much of my New England roots and my father.

I felt alive and happy (I still do, now more than ever) when that photo was taken - and I was really glad I was walking because I ate constantly on that trip and gained a lot of weight - YUMMY!

Thanks Tara for sharing your inspiring and touching story.

8 Tips to Getting A Spectacular Children's Photo

Any child enthusiast can attest to the difficulty of getting a great photo of the child they love. Shlomit Levy Bard, award-winning photographer and owner of Studio SLB Lifestyle Photography, has graciously shared some of her favorite tricks of the trade exclusively with her fellow Get Up Girls.

1. Be prepared! Always have your camera ready – have batteries charged, and know how to use your camera so you don’t have to fumble with it when you see a great moment.

2. Choose a good time of day! If you’re trying to get photos of your kids (posed), pick a time when your children are well rested and fed, and you are not in a hurry.

3. Light, light light! Find a location that has good light. It can be indoors, by a window (without direct sun), or outdoors, in open shade or late afternoon light.

4. Clothing! Best choices are simple, solid colors without patterns, logos or characters, so the clothes don’t detract from your kids’ beautiful faces. For babies, naked is best!

5. Cut the Cheese! Don’t ask your kids to say cheese, or you will inevitably get a fake smile. Instead, think of things that will make your children laugh – don’t be afraid to get really silly!

6. I’m ready for my close up! Fill the frame and get close! Your children’s expressions are what you’re after. Look all around your environment before you shoot – make sure your backgrounds are not cluttered and busy.

7. Preserve and protect! –Your are documenting your family history. Preserve your photos by printing them using archival and acid free materials. Always use mats in your frames. Don’t forget to BACK UP your digital files in at least TWO places.

8. Keep shooting! The more you photograph, the better you’ll become! Don’t be afraid to “waste” images – even the best photographers do.

We hope to have an amazing holiday cards this year! Also, check out Shlomit's site if you want to make it really simple and hire a professional. Her work speaks for itself.

Your Blissful Brain- from Find Bliss Magazine

We just read this article from Find Bliss Magazine that contains super informative (and easy!) tips on how to better care for your brain. The author of the health best-sellers “Brain Longevity” and “Meditation as Medicine,” Dr. Khalsa notes:

“The four pillars of a neuro-protective lifestyle include low-fat diet replete with brain-nurturing foods, daily physical and mental exercise, stress management (notably certain types of yoga and meditation), nutritional supplementation, and in some cases, pharmaceutical drugs.” Adequate sleep and a healthy environment also enhance and protect cognitive function, and regular sexual activity is another effective (and blissful) brain booster. “Sexual activity helps reduce stress, which promotes better brain health,” says Dr. Khalsa.

Khalsa gives a very manageable 'to do' list including diet (with an actual sample menu), a list of supplements you can pick up at Whole Foods, and lots activities that promote brain health.

This one is worth a few minutes of read time!

http://www.findbliss.com/health-practices/diet-nutrition/your-blissful-brain/#more-87

A Zip Front Boot For Every Get Up Girl

Let's face it, a zip front boot evokes a playful sensuality that is marvelously functional. What girl doesn't need a little more of that stellar combination in their life? No matter what your mood, we found a pair of front zip boots to match.





















Sophisticated and Modern:

These sleek classic Tory Burch boots are given a modern touch with a front zipper. Yummy and they have just been majorly marked down!

$339.00

http://www.toryburch.com/catalog_detail.aspx?cid=499&id=50676




















Make a Statement Ankle Boots:

Stand out in a crowd with these super sexy Chloe Ankle Boots (please let us know if you can actually walk in these. Although, we imagine you can just brace yourself on a chair while looking good...)

$485

http://www.yoox.com/item.asp?sec=1&tskay=3FD17CD7&cod10=441176113N&sts=sr_women80&dept=women


















Actually Wear In The Snow:

For all our Vermont Get Up Girls, Wildcat Zip front boots from L.L.Bean are a pair you can sled, shovel, or walk to the slopes in.

$89.00

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=wildcat-zip-front-boots&categoryId=57129&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503433&cat4=503425&shop_method=pp&feat=503425-sub2&np=Y

















Classic Casual:

For a look that is both tough and classic Frye Veronica boot does the trick.

$277.95

http://www.endless.com/dp/B001BK76VO/192-6672507-6586147?ie=UTF8&linkCode=asn&tag=dealtime-endless-20&suppressRedirect=1&creativeASIN=B001BK76VO





















Edgy Dress Boot:

Add an edgy finish to a dress with these stunning round toe Michael Kors Fulton boots.

$186.71

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7439551/c/1195.html























Classic Grunge:

Try a twist on the classic grunge look with a pair of Dr. Martens Zena boot.

$120.00

http://www.dmusastore.com/pc-2478-10-zena.aspx



Santa, we would like a pair of each....

Appetizer & Wine Tip from EWCo

Essential Wine Company has given Get Up Girl their favorite holiday appetizer and a wine tip of the week. We are going to try them both out this year.

Whether you call them appetizers, hors d' oeuvres, mezes, antipasto, zakuski, lěng pán or just plain "starters" (our preference because who can spell hors d' oeuvres, right?), one thing is certain: you can't start a party without 'em.

In the spirit of the gift giving season, we're sharing our favorite starter with our fellow Get Up Girls. Our party ignition dish is "essential" since it's classic and elegant yet economical and simple to make. Pull out your stopwatch. We think you can make this in under two minutes:

Essential Wine Co.'s Elegant Cheese Spread
4 oz. Ricotta cheese
4 oz. Chevre (goat cheese)
1-2 tablespoons Branches Raspberry Flower Honey from the Napa Valley
-- Combine cheeses in a bowl, mash together until well mixed.
-- Place on serving dish. (use rubber spatula to create a 'mound' or shape it with wax paper).
-- Drizzle with Branches Raspberry Flower Honey.

Presentation Options:
On a bed of bay leaves or thinly sliced apples or pears, or
decorate serving dish with fresh or dried fruit such as figs, apricots, pear, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, chopped lemon peel, candied ginger,chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or
lightly dust the Spread with cinnamon

Serves 4-6 people. Double to serve 8-12 people.
EWCo. prefers Branches Raspberry Flower Honey as it possesses floral scented overtones with a distinctive fresh raspberry finish. It is a unique instance of the honey tasting like the fruit of the plant. It pairs splendidly with the mildly tart Cheese Spread.

EWCo's Wine Tip of the Week: "BLIC"
The next time you're tasting a wine of interest for the first time at a Holiday Party, take a moment to evaluate it using the BLIC method (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity). Is there a good balance between the fruit, acidity and alcohol? How long do the "pleasing" characteristics linger on your palate? Do the characteristics of the wine jump out at you or do you have to search for them? Do you discover different characteristics of the wine throughout its tasting (or is it just one brief note and done)?

Essential Wine Company is located in Camarillo Village Square at 2390-F Las Posas Road. 805.445.4424

We are excited to get our "BLIC" evaluation started!

Smart Holiday Cookie Swaps

The holidays are in full force, but your waistline doesn't have to be. There are some simple substitutions that can make your holiday cookie recipes healthier and leaner while still tasting good.


1. Use low fat cream cheese. Low fat cream cheese can be substituted for most of the butter in a traditional cookie recipes. It saves a lot of saturated fat and unlike other marketed fat substitutes like prunes and figs it blends better.

2. Use unsweetened applesauce. By combining unsweetened applesauce and egg whites you can help cut back on the sugar in most traditional recipes.

3. Substitute maple syrup for sugar. Maple syrup is a natural sugar that your body processes better then white sugar. Use 3/4 cup pure maple syrup for 1 cup of granulated sugar. Reduce the dominant liquid in the recipe by 3 tablespoons for each cup of maple syrup used.

4. Use rice or oat flour instead of traditional white flour. Rice or oat flower creates a lighter, healthier cookie that tastes great. It is also a simple alternative for individuals with wheat allergies.

5. Use egg whites instead of a whole egg. When a recipe calls for more then one egg, try substituting two egg whites for one whole egg.

Happy baking and shaking that lean body of yours come New Years Eve!

Get Up Girl's Night Out-December

Join us for a great evening of original music and talented vocals by fellow Get Up Girl and recording artist, Annie Stela. Performing with her band at the Hotel Café in Hollywood, it’s sure to be a great show. Feel free to invite your friends. You can listen to Annie at her website.



What: Annie Stela & her band - http://www.anniestela.com
When: Wednesday, Dec 17th at 9:00 PM
Where: Hotel Café
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. LA, 90028 21+ over
Tickets - $6 at the door

Location details:
Btwn. Sunset & Hollywood, on the west side of st. They serve food and take credit cards. Paid parking is available. One behind the Hotel Cafe and 1 about a ½ block North on the same side of the street. Follow signs that say "Parking". Street Parking is also available, but limited.
http://www.hotelcafe.com/calendar_nov08.html
http://www.anniestela.com

Let us know if you will be joining us so we can look for each other.
Email us at: info@getupgirl.org

See you there!
Margalit & Shannon

Get Up Girl Coaching Groups Workshops & Retreats
www.getupgirl.org

Party and Help the Hungry!

There have been reports of shortages from food banks all over the country. A good friend of mine decided to take matters into her own hands, she decided to party!

She put together her annual holiday bash and requested that each guest bring something to donate to the food bank. With 75 guests invited, her party will bring joy to the shelves of the food banks in a fairly effortless way.

For more information on how to donate food to the LA Food Bank visit:

http://www.lafoodbank.org/PD.htm

Happy holiday partying!

Danielle Stallings Honored at the Women's International Film & Television Showcase

Get Up Girl, Danielle Stallings, film 'HAUNTED PLANET' was just selected for a spectacular film event honoring women directors on Saturday night (12/6/08) at the Pacific Design Center. It's part of the Women's International Film & Television Showcase honoring Gale Anne Hurd & Alfre Woodard. There are 3 days of screenings (and for those who care, networking):

Log Line
A woman and her male friend are convinced that reality is a nightmare -- his nightmare, in fact. This is the best explanation for all of the atrocities in the world. They resolve to end the nightmare and the attendant evils of the world, by waking him up... or killing him.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
'Haunted Planet' is inspired by two heroes, Rod Serling and my seventh grade English teacher, Mrs. Weide. I grew up watching 'Twilight Zone' re-runs and discovered sci-fi and fantastic literature thanks to my sardonic but caring middle school teacher. Without the love they instilled in me for this genre 'Haunted Planet' would never have been completed. When the going got tough (and it did) I still always knew what the target was. The project lost five visual effects artists, one after another, and I could have quit -- was actually advised to quit. Making a $250,000+ film on only $30,000 of borrowed money is crazy, yes. But, I learned about pushing the envelope of imagination from my heroes and persisted. Now, thanks to those who believed in the impossible that inspired me, I can share this twisted little tale about pushing one's imagination and limits beyond what we see in our world.

http://www.thewifts.com/TheWIFTSS.html#

We are so inspired Danielle!!

Plastic Smashtic

Looking around my house, there is plastic everywhere. Plastic bags, trash containers, toys, you name it. All of this plastic is accumulating in our landfills and oceans and it will never go away. The documentary Synthetic Sea - Plastic in the Open Ocean is a disturbing but informative piece:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJvifVrGi8o

It feels a bit overwhelming, but there are some simple solutions that are easy to take today: biodegradable plastic products. We found a site devoted to everything biodegradable and they are having a SALE! I've been using the trash bags, they are not as sturdy as traditional plastic bags, so I don't fill them all the way but I don't feel so bad about throwing more of them away.

http://www.worldcentric.org/biocompostables

We can create a cleaner Earth!

What is Ayurveda?

Most of us know what yoga is, but what about the medicinal side of a yogic (aka healthy) lifestyle? Ayurveda is known as the sister science of yoga. It is an ancient Indian alternative medicine that uses food as medicine, herbs, massage, and daily body practices (such as lathering your body in oil) to treat and cure many diseases that are common in the West.

The basic idea is that there are three body types or doshas. The first being Vata. Vata represents the air element. Vatas tend to be dry, cool, have a slim build, and like movement. The second is Pita which represents the fire element. Pitas tend to have a medium build, have fiery emotions, and strong digestive systems. The third is Kaphaa, which represents the earth element. Kaphas tend to be patient, slow eaters, and have heavier builds.

Depending on your dosha, there are foods, exercise practices, body care, and herbs that can support you to maintain better health and in some cases combat imbalances that may cause disease. I've been working with an Aryuvedic practioner and have had surprising results. This is not a quick fix answer, as it takes a serious lifestyle commitment. My experience has been worth the effort.

If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda we suggest:

1. Find out your dosha and some basic tips at:
http://www.whatsyourdosha.com

2. Read "The Complete Illustrated Guide To Ayurveda"
By Gopi Warrier & Deepika Gunawant, MD

3. Have a consultation with an Ayurvedic practioner. My practioner is name Rexanne Diehl her website is:
http://www.siddhahealth.com/

We wish you health and happiness.

5 Steps to Stop Shouldling All Over Yourself

5 Steps to Stop Shouldling All Over Yourself
By Shannon Bindler and Margalit Ward

For years, every time I went to a concert I felt horrible about myself. Instead of enjoying the music, my mind would race with thoughts of regret, anxiety, and sadness of how I should be playing a musical instrument. My father is a musician and I inherited a natural musical ability that would most likely enable me to play an instrument well. Something however, has always stopped me. Instead of learning how to play, I spent hours and hours beating myself up for wasting my natural talent. Read more…

http://www.findbliss.com/yoga-practices/bliss-tips/5-ways-to-stop-shoulding-all-over-yourself/

Welcome to the Get Up Girl Blog

Certified Life Coaches Shannon Bindler and Margalit Ward welcome you to our new Get Up Girl blog. We will keep you updated on interesting events, products, tips, as well as inspirational people, places, and resources. We welcome you to submit your own posts.

Visit our website for information on upcoming coaching groups, workshops, and retreats:

http://getupgirl.org/