I've been on a grind lately: gym, work, gym, work. It sounds bad, but I have some goals that are actually feeling really good to contribute to. I'm tired, but not more tired than I was when I was eating under my macros and feeling a little lost. It just shows you how much you can handle with the right nutrients and some fulfilling dedication (even if it's not fulfilling quite yet). ALTHOUGH: my physical goal was to grow my butt and my friends, it's growing. Here's what's working for that and more...
1. Lifting heavier, maxing out earlier.
My fitness coach, Darla just rocked my world with some info last week: if you're trying to build muscle, it's better to max out (as long as you can lift/pull it at least 6x) then it is to do more reps with something lighter. Also, the last two reps should always feel like a REAL struggle. Maybe you knew, but I didn't know. You're welcome if you didn't, because that's a whole lot of time no longer wasted.
2. Sweet smelling shrubs.
There is some kind of creamy-colored flower growing in the bushes around our house lately and they look like little bouquets that smell like freaking jasmine-y-gardenia HEAVEN. I was told the name by a botanist, but it was so long and Google failed me. I'm sorry. Just know they're bringing me so much joy - and if you live near the coast in Southern California, maybe you can sniff around and find them.
3. Welcoming guilt to the table.
I've been noticing an emotion I am extremely accustomed to feeling: guilt. That twisted feeling in my gut, oppressive weight on my chest... I know it well. It comes when I set boundaries. It comes when I make a decision for myself. It comes when I feel disdain or strain or distance between myself and someone else. It comes when I think of all I have to do and how little time I feel there is for everyone I love. It comes when I'm in a bad mood and I feel like I can't show up for others the way I want to. It comes a lot. It comes from living in lack, in "should," in people pleasing, and as I unwind the deeply embedded behaviors associated with being the "easy child."
I know this is an important part of the process of healing so as it comes up, I welcome it now. I close my eyes and say, "hello guilt. I see you, I feel you. Have a seat. Let's breathe." Sometimes it has something to show me, sometimes it just softens through presence and acceptance. I've tried resisting my whole life, but what that does is keeps me running from myself. That's the opposite of what I'm trying to do now.
4. Eating MEALS.
I realize there are benefits to fasting and shii, but with my current goals to eat at least 100 grams of protein per day, I just don't see how I'd fit it all in without eating full meals. My trainer Darla says it well: you wouldn't feed your child a few rolls of deli meat or a muffin and call it a meal. You'd accompany it with more to ensure they're getting all their nutrients. Why would we treat ourselves any differently!? Everyone has a different goal and body, but I do know that my protein levels are here to stay. It makes me shudder to think about how little of it I was getting for so many years. I have so much more energy, SO much less cravings, and I'm interested to see what else...
5. Silent meditations.
99% of the time, even I meditate with a guide - that's why I created the Lush Life Community with over 200+ guided meditations (growing weekly!) for you to set the tone of your day and ultimately life with. I still stand by that practice (ESPECIALLY as you develop a routine or work with an intention), but after nearly a decade of meditating daily, I started craving some COMPLETE stillness and silence. It's been harder, but it's been interesting. I've been feeling myself.
6. Tempeh.
Tofu's fermented, "meatier" cousin really deserved my attention sooner. I've had it, I've enjoyed it, but I've never purchased it. It's less processed, full of nutrients and loaded with protein and prebiotics. I know some people are soy-hesitant, but know this: soy has nearly ever micronutrient humans need. There is not much else like it. I just made the best tacos with it and it re-inspired me in so many ways.
7. Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair! Oil.
My hair gets frizzy AF and it's extremely susceptible to breakage. SO I ordered this clean oil on Amazon and it has been a game changer. It smells like light floral citrus and just a drop or two completely smooths the frizz.
8. Nurseries.
What a sweet place to spend your time. Plants are truly amazing.
9. Working from the couch.
It may be a coincidence, but my stress levels seem lower on days I do this. My back may regret this one day, but until then... I'm sorry - I love a plush, serene space.
