"Busy is a Choice" Weekly Wisdom

When someone asks how your are, how often do you say you are busy?

I have 55 things on my work to-do list and I have 15 on my personal to do list. But the day is not over, I am sure there will be something added to both of them. This week I have had major anxiety over my work list because there is not enough hours in the day. I am slacking on my sleep and meal prep schedule and I am compromising on some other non-negotiables I swore I wouldn't compromise. Any of this resonate? 

And then I realize, I am only one person...

I don't have to do all the things and get everything crossed off my list in one day. I don't have to sleep 2 hours less a night because I feel bad for not having a task completed AHEAD of time. I don't have to eat saltines and slurp down a protein shake while I am driving and listening to a meeting on Teams. 

What I can do is feel a sense of accomplishment when I do get one item crossed off BECAUSE I was gentle on myself with my timing and took the time to do the task well. I can sleep the whole 7-8 hours I need to be a well functioning human throughout the day. I can sit down for 20 minutes and enjoy a freshly cooked meal without checking emails in between bites. 

Don't let a "to-do" list dictate your life. You will always have one, you will always have things to do and you will always get the important things done. This is a sign of living and stressing less about it is a sign of growth. 

#freedom | #embracethehellyeah

AE

 

"Simplify Your Space" Weekly Wisdom

Think of all the different spaces we are surrounded by in our day to day.   Our homes, our vehicles, our workplace, outdoors, restaurants, places of worship, schools, and shopping spaces. 

Think of all the "things" in those spaces.

How are the spaces are filled?

Now think of the spaces you occupy the most. I want you to take some moments of your day to look around and view what occupies those spaces. Are they full, is there room between items?  Does everything have to fit a certain way for it to work?  Are you able to add and subtract easily or does it involve a process to make it work?

I have started really looking at the different spaces in my life. I have discovered in certain places, I need to simplify. My closet being #1, I have wayyyy too much shit that I am working through. The spaces in my bathroom drawers have things I do not use or need anymore but ignore each time I open and close them. The cabinets in my kitchen have quite of few items that have and will never be used but still are taking up real estate. The corner in my office is filled with a bunch of boxes I have "just in case."

I believe how we fill our spaces is a representation of how we fill our lives. 

If it chaotic, full to the brim and messy - well that is exactly how our life is going. If we start to simplify our physical spaces, we can start to simplify our personal life and head spaces. 

#EmbraceTheHellYeah | #Freedom

AE

"Just Because" Weekly Wisdom

 

When was the last time you changed something in your routine?

The last time was when I changed my laundry detergent. I have always gotten the same laundry detergent my parents got, because they are older and wiser and that's what a daughter does. Until the daughter doesn't anymore and navigates her own way and wants to try something different. I am a creature of habit and have taken all the nuggets of wisdom from my parents and applied them to my own life. Makes sense right?  They have lived longer than me and know more than I do.  But what if I did something different or tried to do something my own way?  Would they be mad?  Will it fail?  Will I fail?

Just because things are always done a certain way, doesn't mean you can't question it and try out something new. It can be scary, the unknown always is but it can also be exciting. I think all moments of life prove to us all that things don't always have to be done the same way.

Changing things up is good!  I know I am a creature of habit and have found making little tweaks in my routine has resulted in improvements. I am saving time, saving money and eliminating excess steps or things I don't really need. I am realizing just because I have always done things a certain way doesn't mean it has to stay this way - and it applies to all areas in my life. My home, my work, my relationships have all benefitted by mixing things up. I am always open to eliminating things that do not serve a purpose anymore and embrace those things that do. There have been some failures of course, but I can always go back to what worked before. No big deal!  I won't know unless I try. 

By all means, stick to things that are working for you but don't be afraid to try it a different way. It is what makes your life yours and yourself uniquely you. 

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

“Rise” Weekly Wisdom

 When was the last time you did or said something to lift someone up, without expecting anything in return? Did you regret it?

When I started working in retail, part of my training was to greet and say hello to every person I encountered during my day at work. I had never done this before. I remember working in the hospital and walking down a long hallway with one other person coming toward me and neither one of us acknowledging each other. This happened all the time and now looking back, I am so mad at myself for not being the one who took the initiative to say hello. Why didn't I just do it? 

Now, I find myself greeting everyone I encounter all day, every day and everywhere. It has trickled into my everyday life:  at the gas station, at the hair salon, at the vet. I am throwing out hellos and smiles like I am getting paid $1000 for each one. I do not give one thought to wanting something in return. Some people do not respond back, some people look at me like I have lost my mind and some people give me all the feels with a smile of their own. 

I have never regretted smiling, saying hello or giving out a compliment to a complete stranger or someone I know.  Everyone is going through something, and even though I have no idea what it is, I know am going to be a second of positivity in their life at that moment and lift them up.

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Three Things" Weekly Wisdom

Three simple sentences and three simple acts. Didn't this quote make you smile?

I think it is important to be grateful instead of humble. Being grateful is being truly thankful and in appreciation of the kindness that surrounds you. Don't hide behind the word humble. I believe no one  is really humble. But I will believe you when you tell me you're grateful. 

I need to eat more vegetables!  Why is it so hard? Damn. We all need to eat more vegetables! Vegetables make our insides and outsides so healthy. Why do we pass up the amazing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the other crap we eat each day? Get at least 5 servings a day!  We are not getting any younger, but vegetables will help us look and feel younger. 

Love others. Love them like they have never been loved. Hug them and hug them tight. Tell them. Show them. Give them your time. It's never too late. And you can never love enough...

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

 

"Better" Weekly Wisdom

Are you doing and being the best human you can be?

I hope we are all doing the best we can in our lives. This is one thing I journal about each day, how was I better today?  This idea of being better, doing better is something that should be at the forefront of each start of the day. 

If you are not working on being better, how can you expect others to do the same?  We must set an example for the other humans in our lives who are watching us, listening to us. There are more eyes on you than you know, especially in the social media landscape. There are people who look up to you and you might not even know it. So if this is true, what are you showing them?  Are you showing them your best?

We can all do better. 

The question is, are you willing to do the work it takes to be better?

Start in your own circles, the people who get to share a part of everyday with you. Your family, your friends and even your social media circles. Show them how being better happens in your life and show them everyday. In tumultuous times like these, we get fired up, engage and put a lot of effort to be better. Then it wears off after weeks, months, years. The issues are still there, but our engagement wears off. Don't let it. And if you keep it present in your everyday life, then you're doing better. 

Learn, listen, engage, and be consistent in doing better. 

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"The Story" Weekly Wisdom

 

I may have been told once or twice that I am awful at story telling. I tend to just get to the point and deliver it. No fluff or pizazz, maybe a few wild hand gestures but I admit, pretty dull. I know people who are great at it and keep me hanging on a thread to hear the end. I admire their story telling talent and appreciate the creativity that comes with it. But a story does not need to have a grand delivery to make it interesting. I believe a story with an elaborate delivery usually means it's fiction and I will take for what it's worth. I have been told a bit too many of those in my day and always hold a bit of caution in my heart. 

In reality, a story can just be a story. 

We all have a tale to tell, whether it comes from our creative side or it comes from a life lived so far. Do we share it with our voice, with a pen, with a computer that I am typing on right now? Or do we keep it to ourselves and just keep on living?  I suggest sharing it - in any creative way you feel represents you. It might be jazzy or a little mundane like mine, but it is yours and worth sharing. My man friend, who I am beyond proud of, is sharing a version of his story so far with a new music album this week. He is great at story telling.  His music tells his story but also lends the listener to create their own. It truly is an art and something I know I can learn from when I continue to tell my own story. 

What kind of story teller are you?

Listen to the new album Lonestar by the Gemini

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Beef It Up" Weekly Wisdom

May is National Beef Month

In the past, there has been a lot of dialogue about agriculture and its effects on the environment. I think this had led to a lot of confusion for all people, including health professionals on how they view food from crop and livestock production. It has gotten a little cloudy and I feel it has taken many of us away from the nutrition these foods provide us. That's why I want to celebrate beef month. 

I am not here to educate you on how currently, emissions from cattle, including those that come from the feed production, fuel, and electricity only account for 3.7% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. But I want to share why beef is happiness to me. Not only is beef delicious and nutritious, but the beef industry continues to implement numerous proven sustainability practices throughout each and every step of the “pasture-to-plate” process that contribute to the way beef is responsibly raised today.

Being responsibly raised and being full of nutrition is why beef makes me happy. One of the biggest way beef has made me happier is because of my own personal health. Because beef has 10 essential nutrients, it has added back some nutrients I was missing from my diet and I have to share with you my own personal story. 

I love beef and all animal proteins but because of a busy lifestyle, my intake decreased. I wasn't finding less time to cook as much with a crazy work schedule. As a result, I was getting less protein, becoming more fatigued, and noticed a few more strands on my hair brush. This led me to a trip to the doctor and I found out I was iron deficient and I knew I needed more protein in my diet with beef. Sure I could take a supplement but I am a firm believer in food first and beef has protein, iron, selenium, vitamins B12 and B6 and zinc - the major nutrients I was missing for energy, muscle growth, and preventing hair loss. As a dietitian, I know all of these are so important to make sure my brain is working, my hormones and thyroid are functioning properly and to keep my stress levels down. 

Along with increasing my produce intake to 6 servings a day, I increased my lean beef intake to 12 ounces a week for 3 months and noticed a change in all my symptoms including my iron deficiency. My favorite recipe right now is this Mediterranean Beef and Salad Pita. Making time to make meals in a non-negotiable and I am happier because I feel better. 

So in a way, maybe money can buy me happiness and health with a delicious burger, a sirloin steak, or a savory pita?

#freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE

"Freedom" Weekly Wisdom

 

Found my theme for this year, a little late, but still relevant. 

Freedom. 

I'm not talking about the "throw caution to the wind and live in my car" kind of freedom - HA, I would last about 2 days and then I would crumble. No, I am talking about breaking the chains of the constraints I put on myself. And I sincerely mean, the "I put on myself" part. Society does a lot of things to us, mentally and physically but I cannot put the blame on society for the walls I have built around myself. I put up barriers of protection - from criticism, from failure, from being emotional and showing weakness (god forbid ever crying), from frustration/anger and from feeling inadequate or less then. 

No way, you are not going to get to me society or anyone else who has doubted me, treated me like shit, broke my heart or said horrible things about me behind my back - cut to me, continuing to build those walls, brick by brick. I have built this fortress that is holding me back from being truly authentic and living my best life. 

I have felt this way over the past couple years and know it is of my own doing. I am not going to break them all down, there is still going to be a chain linked fence to let in the air and give me the ability to see everything around me. It may feel like the first time but I know while I was under this protection, I have learned, gotten stronger and know very little is ever going to hold me back.  

Any of this feel familiar to you?  With all the chapters in your life, has it made you the architect of walls that are closing in on you?  

#Freedom | #EmbracetheHellYeah

AE

"Chemistry" Weekly Wisdom

Who out there loved Chemistry in school?

I wanted to love it. I tried to love it. I hired tutors to love it. I went to group study each week to love it. And yet... I could never get a grade higher than a C in any of my chemistry classes in high school or in college. Boy oh boy, did I feel like a complete failure. 

I almost am tempted to retake it now, see if I really just don't get it or was it my young brain that just could not process the information. I fear both scenarios, so I am not going to place that bet. 

I am going to place my bet on the chemistry of life because I feel my success in this subject has come from the atoms and bonds of the humans I have met along the way so far. There is something about this big world and how the protons and electrons of human bodies attract to each other from near and far. As I look back on all those people, people who I had some type of bond with or bonds that were broken with, I can see how chemistry was happening in a positive way for me outside of school. As time passes, I see myself intentionally being the true catalyst in my life, creating the equilibrium of my journey, each step of the way. Only I can create this chemistry in the lab of life and this is how I make peace with those weary chemistry class days. 

Keep the chemistry coming, I love acing tests. 

#freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE 

 

"Life is a Gift" Weekly Wisdom

 

It's a new year and I am welcoming it with robust excitement. I am entering into the last year of yet another decade and what lies ahead is something I am looking forward to. The best part is, I have no idea what lies ahead. I think this is the best part. 

Every day is truly a gift. Don't roll your eyes, stay with me here for a minute. Not one single second of our life is "owed" to us - we don't deserve a damn thing and that includes the seconds and minutes of each day. Therefore, life and time are gifts. I think about people who don't make it to my age for one reason or another and how they did not get this gift of being 49. How they would have done anything for one more second or one more minute of their life. How they would have loved to see a another sunset, hug a loved one, eat their favorite dessert, laugh with their favorite friend or wake up in their comfy bed.  

All of these things are priceless, daily gifts. 

Most days I feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. It's the same exact thing each morning and it is so vanilla, but I have learned to check myself and not be an asshole. I am awake, I am alive and I am gifted a few more seconds or a few more minutes to enjoy this life and to strive to be the best version of myself. 

Now go crush the day. 

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Power of No" Weekly Wisdom

 

How does the word "no" fit into your life?

 I am aware I have discussed the power of "no" in the past. I am not sure I quite understood how much power it holds in good and bad ways. My "no" has been said mostly for good but I did trip along the way - living and learning the lesson and the power. My podcast guest this month, Maria, shared the perfect complete and simple sentence in her blog to explain her 
"no" reasoning:  "For me, it’s about setting boundaries and saying no to situations, events, or even people that no longer serve me."

Setting boundaries. 

This is one of the most difficult things to learn in our lifetime. I think of myself as a pretty studious person, who knows how to stay curious, study, learn and absorb A LOT of material. But never could I imagine in my life so far, would I understand the challenge of learning of and living out boundaries. As Maria puts it "safeguarding your well-being and mental space."  Wait, I am allowed to do this?  Isn't this selfish?  

It is not selfish. 

If you struggle to take care of #1 (that's you), then you are never going to be in a good place to be of service to others - saying "no" is part of this equation. I started off with saying "no" to easy things like filling up my whole weekend with events. I would say "no" to at least one outing a weekend, knowing I needed that extra time for myself to rest and recharge. I had sincere feelings of guilt for letting people down and this included my family and friends. But I stuck to it, was consistent and it got easier. My family and friends still ask me (thank you for not stopping) but now they also understand where my "no" is coming from - from a place of being a better person and being better company when I do say "yes." 

It is not selfish, you are just giving yourself the power to do what is best for you. 

#Freedom | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Almost Third Quarter" Weekly Wisdom

What quarter of your life are you in?

This time of year is just concusses my brain. I get all reflective and sappy about the current state of my life and what I want for the future. Nothing like "new year, new me" but more of "best me, less time."  When I have been compartmentalizing the "time" I have been thinking about my life in quarters - taking me back to high school basketball. 

I have lived through my first, second and now, soon to be approaching my third quarter. I always felt the third quarter in basketball was the most boring quarter. We lost all the momentum with half time, effort and scoring was less and a lot of fans usually left - so the hype was gone.  I probably gave up more more than I should have...and I will come clean, probably doing the same thing with this almost third quarter of my life. There is a lot less hoopla and exciting firsts, there is more heartache and sad things that happen, I feel and think more about my mortality and that of my my loved ones and I catch myself becoming more like my parents (which is not a bad thing AT ALL, my younger self swore she would NEVER do that).

But...I know there is a lot of great things that happen and can happen in the approaching third quarter. There is always greatness. 

As we are ending 2024, take away all the expectations you have for 2025 and put the expectations on what you are going to do with the with the quarter you are in. It is always a good time to have a foundation of being kind, to others and to yourself. It is always a good time to focus on the health of your body and your mind. AND IT IS ALWAYS a good time to enjoy every nick and cranny of your life - the good, the bad and the ugly. It means you are alive and you are gifted another moment in this game of life. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE

 

"It's the Journey" Weekly Wisdom

How is the journey going?

I have thought a lot about success lately. I used to put a lot of emphasis on creating a successful life but never really created my own definition. I thought success was what EVERYONE else was doing and I needed to copy the magic mixture. 

Go to college --> Get a degree --> Get a "good" job --> Start a 401k  --> Get married  at 25 --> Have babies at 27 --> Continue working your "good" job --> Find the balance of work and life --> Stay happy --> Self Care --> Rinse and repeat. 

This mixture is not for everyone and  the timeline usually does not happen in the order most humans expect it follow. Cyndi is spot on. It is not the graph and we need to focus more on the journey instead of the milestones we are "expected" to reach. We need to focus on the milestones of humans we connect with and how we are making a difference in their world, our own world and the rest of the world we live in. 

If you are feeling burned out, if you are feeling uneasy, if you are feeling unfulfilled and if you are feeling there has to be more to life than what you are experiencing right now - I hope you take a hard look at the journey you are on and rethink your route. It is never too late to change course and create your own magic mixture toward what success means to you. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE

 

"You Cannot Steal My Joy" Weekly Wisdom

 

Tell me in this moment, what is bringing you joy?

A lot has happened over the past couple weeks. Many of us are feeling certain ways and I respect all of those feelings. I also respect my own and choose to focus the most on my feelings versus the feelings of others. Each day, even with others around us, we are always with ourselves 100% of the time. We cannot escape ourselves. 

There will always be things happening in the world, our friends and families worlds and our own worlds. How we make our own world - that should be our focus. Create a space for yourself to host your feelings and thoughts, learn, grow, cry, laugh, be angry and be happy. 

Create a world where you always find joy in each day, regardless of the outside noise. 

No one, can ever steal my daily joy. 

Do not let anyone try and steal yours. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE

"Best Days Ahead" Weekly Wisdom

 

How are you feeling about the present?

Tell me. How is everything going for you as of late?  What are you experiencing in this season of your life?  Isn't it wild how time flies when you are having fun but time slows down when you may be in the thick of some not-so-fun times. Wouldn't it be great if we could just see what the future looks like so we know we would have confidence of getting through shitty moments?

Time to channel a little perspective:  our best moments have not even happened yet. 

We have to go through the shitty moments so the best moments can happen. The shitty moments give us perspective and resilience. They help us learn to feel deeply and to give us the strength to keep moving forward. When you feel like you are standing still just know the best is yet to come for you. And remember, the best does not have to be grand moments. It can be tiny moments of lovely things adding up to days, weeks, months and years. 

Always be in the present and always be aware there are beautiful things ahead. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Don't Be Sad" Weekly Wisdom

 

What is one thing that makes less sad?

I am not sure if it's the shift if the weather during this time of year but I have felt the shift in my mood. Maybe a little more moments of being blue or a little sad have crept into life lately and I try my hardest everyday to kick it to the curb. I cannot pinpoint what it is but I know I need to make a conscience effort to try and understand what it is. 

To understand, I must reflect on what is happening around me and within me.  Reflection is hard because I cannot find time to do it. The "power in the pause" is the real deal - there is no excuse to finding the time to tap into emotions and how we feel. Insert habit stacking. This past weekend, I realized what little things help shift my mood and help me pause. I really enjoy getting a coffee at a local coffee shop for myself. Don't get me wrong, I love grabbing it WITH friends - but there is something about the solo coffee trip and then coming home and being in the quiet by just sitting at my dining table. Just that small act changes my whole mood and mindset. I was 40 something years old when I learned this about myself. 

It can be anything in your life you do for yourself to help you find the time to reflect. Reflect on your life, your needs, your happiness, your sadness - whatever you need to focus on. And believe me, there is plenty of things you need to focus on involving you and ONLY YOU. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Hit of Happiness" Weekly Wisdom

 

What is YOUR hit of happiness?

I was having brunch with friends a couple weeks ago and on the menu was "million dollar bacon."  This was not the first time I have seen this on a menu. Last year in Florida, we went to a restaurant with "million dollar bacon" and we ordered it because HELLO, you must try million dollar bacon. It was good and it was even better on vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce. I did not order it at brunch because I felt like once you have had it, you really do not need to have it again. It made me think how wild it is that we live in a world with million dollar bacon as a menu option. 

Which led me down an even deeper spiral of my dietitian brain of the many other options we are exposed to similar to million dollar bacon. It's a thrill when we see it, try it, eat it and relive it the next time we see it on a menu. Maybe its the triple dip, hot chocolate sundae with 3 kinds of chocolate chips and a side of extra chocolate sauce. Maybe it's the tomahawk ribeye. Maybe it's the morning Bloody Mary with the beer back, maybe its the extra spicy romance novel that you can't put down. Maybe it's the 6 season Netflix show that you lose sleep over because you can't stop watching it. Maybe it's the 5th trip to Target this week and the bag of "stuff" you just needed to have. Maybe it is a yoga session or a long walk. Maybe it's journaling or praying. Maybe it's therapy or coffee with a friend. Maybe it's just a bandaid holding your life together?

I believe we live in a world where we are all looking for a little less chaos with a little more calm and joy in our lives. We run ourselves into the ground working long hours, doing activities, trying to have relationships and social lives, trying to manage our homes with cooking and cleaning, trying to get adequate sleep, trying to nurture our inner peace and balance. We have a hard time saying no and find other ways to find the joy we are missing. If you are burning the candle at both ends and finding yourself searching for those daily hits to help you cope, I challenge you to ask yourself if it's productive or just a bandaid?  

We all have our own "hits of happiness." 

Do more of the ones that bring you closer to the life you want. 

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

AE

"Do Your Best" Weekly Wisdom

 

What do you "do?"

You know the drill. When you meet someone new, the small talk begins and right after you share your name and a little small talk about the day or weather - the infamous question arises:  What do you do?

Our default is always our job. We are so much more than our job and we should never limit our answer to just what we do for work. Why not share more about what you do? Share with others your other passions, hobbies, activities/sports, parenting humans or pets, or in my case - I do my best. 

Defining yourself never needs to be limited. All the things you do make you the stunning person you are. Careers are important and in my younger years, I thought it was the only thing that made me, me. Now, it is the last thing that makes me, me. 

I challenge you in a next new meeting, before you talk about your job, talk about what lights you up. That's what you "do."

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE

"There Is More To Life" Weekly Wisdom

What Olympic sport do you wished you knew about and would play?

My list:   badminton (I did play this as a kid and loved it, but who knew?), skeet shooting, rugby, table tennis, handball and fencing. None of these were ever discussed or were available for me to play as a more serious sport when I was a kid and that makes me sad. Granted I grew up in a small town and I am sure, resources were very limited. I still think it would have been great to learn about the options or even talk more about the sports of the Olympics. 

I am not sure what it is like in other countries, but I sure would like some insight outside of the American sport culture. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and an occasional baseball game but watching the Olympics every year reminds me there are so many more options. When I was younger, soccer was barely on the radar so I am glad that is making bigger waves in America but I feel we could do better. 

I know there is a cultural component to these other sports. Maybe parents or family members have experience or have done the sport and you were raised doing that sport. I love the lineage of passing along these skills to kids, I wish I had this experience.  I just think it wouldn't hurt for kids like me to learn a little more about other sports outside the American norm. We don't all wear the same clothes or eat the same foods, we shouldn't have to feel we have to play the same sports our country sensationalizes. 

I know it is never too late to try something new and watching the Olympics inspires that for me. I did hear the USA Handball team is in need of members...

#realization | #EmbraceTheHellYeah

~AE