Strive with Heart

September Thoughts

September Thoughts

“When the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised change, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness? Whatever it is, it’s welcome.”  – Kristin Armstrong   Summer is behind us and autumn officially arrives in two days. We are in a place of transition: sunflowers, chrysanthemums and pumpkins have made their appearance in stores everywhere but window boxes and planters in my neighborhood continue to bloom with summer colors. Deciduous trees are holding on to their green leaves but with hints of umber, russet, and gold. Mornings are decidedly cooler which quickly make…

View Post

When Life Gives You Lemons

When Life Gives You Lemons

Life lately has been a basket full of lemons and so I could not help but think of the proverbial phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This saying is meant to encourage us to always look at the bright side of any adversity and to remain optimistic. Lemons are sour and we generally like our lives to be sweet. Making sweet and refreshing lemonade out of sour lemons requires that we recalibrate our perspective and refocus our attention to solutions. When feeling overwhelmed, I rely on another adage, “inch by inch everything is a cinch.” Know the…

View Post

Count the ways to be kind

Count the ways to be kind

I am taking a break from a work-week that has been stressful. I’m imagining urgent emails that need to be answered and doing my best to resist the urge to take a peek in my mailbox. Instead, I went for a long walk while listening to music before switching to a podcast. It’s spring time and a gorgeous season to be in Philly. I noticed more tourists milling around Independence Hall or standing in line to see the Liberty Bell. Away from the crowd, the colonial garden in  Society Hill was serene except for the cheerful sound of chirping…

View Post

A Life Centered Around Social Distancing

A Life Centered Around Social Distancing

These are strange and unsettling times and another testament to how life as we know it could change in a second. It was just a few weeks ago when I was still traveling for work and busy making plans for several big events that were scheduled to take place this Spring. It was not too long ago when an invisible enemy – a virus called COVID-19 – seemed like a vague and distant possibility. A cascade of events quickly signaled that “normal life” was about to change. Colleagues who were gearing up for domestic and international trips were grounded.…

View Post

Wellness is the New Luxury

Wellness is the New Luxury

“Luxury … is to go to SoulCycle and treat yourself to an avocado toast, instead of going to buy those new Gucci loafers,” Owens said. A pair of shoes that you can share on social media once or twice doesn’t have the legs that it once did. The new luxury is convenience, culture, wellness, and sustainability.” – Philly.com I’m home in front of my laptop still feeling high from my hour and a half walk/run along Penn’s Landing.  It feels so good to move my body and put in my steps first thing in the morning.  My watch tells…

View Post

Project Wellness: Walk, Run, or simply Move!

Project Wellness: Walk, Run, or simply Move!

Happy Weekend, friends!  Those of us in Philadelphia woke up on Saturday morning to the beginning of a beautiful weekend.  Mother nature finally gave us a nice respite from the heat wave that dominated most of last week.  This morning, lured by the mild temperature and gentle sunshine, I decided to go outdoors for a walk/run along the Delaware River. I realize that it has been so long since my last entry on my project weight loss.  Truth is, there is nothing new to report.  The journey continues, so to speak, and lately my focus have been on: shifting…

View Post

Meyer Lemons and Five Tips to Increase Your Water Intake

Meyer Lemons and Five Tips to Increase Your Water Intake

While well aware that hydration is essential to our well being, I confess to not being diligent about drinking enough water each day.  But when I started using a pretty water glass container and adding a couple of freshly squeezed Meyer lemon wedges to my spring water, I have definitely upped my water intake game and feel more energetic because of it. Lemon water, especially when taken first thing in the morning, has been touted for its immune system boosting health benefits.  I’ve always liked the idea of lemon water and even tried it but the juice of regular lemons is much…

View Post

Project Weight Loss: Tale of a Goal Driven Dieter (March Update)

Project Weight Loss: Tale of a Goal Driven Dieter (March Update)

It was the week before a work event in Miami when I decided to try on the dresses and suits that I was planning to pack for the trip. As I suspected, my clothes were snug so I made my way to the mall in search of a couple of pieces but found nothing that flattered well enough to justify spending the money.  Truth be told, I was in major panic mode as I was driving away from the mall empty-handed.  That was when I thought of doing a liquid diet – a last-minute and desperate attempt at a quick fix.…

View Post

Recipe: Golden Milk Turmeric Tea

Recipe: Golden Milk Turmeric Tea

I found this turmeric tea recipe in Epicurious and plan to try it out this weekend.  Recipe yields two cups and takes about 20 minutes to make. INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk, preferably coconut milk beverage or almond milk 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick 1 (1-inch) piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric 1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns Ground cinnamon (for serving) PREPARATION Whisk coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan;…

View Post

Where to next?