The Abs Challenge is in full swing, but it's never too late to get started!

Pick up the calendar from today, or use it in whatever way helps you commit to exercise. The goal is consistency, and following through will build your confidence. While this may seem small, you will see and feel the results by the end, and it can have a knock-on effect for other areas of your life. The choices you make today will create the results you have in the future. 

I went to Miraval for a week to unplug, recharge, and kick off the new year. They say people go to there to celebrate, mourn, reset, or unplug. I went for all of that, but I got so much more. With all the classes, activities, and obstacle course on offer, you get a lot in a short amount of time you have there. Every day since I returned, something else rolls out of the experience. 

I took diverse classes such as Discovering Your Dosha, Quantum Consciousness, Lunar Moon Rituals, Glut and abs workout, Manifesting Joy and Harmony, and Happy Hips. I meditated in a hammock surrounded by a sound bath. I ran with a small group around the desert hills and was immersed in desert beauty. I had delicious organic healthy food, a scrub, massage, facial, and a ayurvedic treatment for the first time.   

I sent my husband a picture of me doing archery and he said, 'Looks like summer camp". I thought that must be what summer camp was like for him. But I never had a summer camp, and I also thought: you’re never too old for camp, and what a great way to experience it! I was off my phone and unplugged from the world, giving me space to connect to who I enjoy being when I’m alone with no agenda, no one else to take care of, and nothing to get done. It engaged my body, mind and spirt, and every bit of that brought out a part of me out that I hadn't seen for a while. 

I knew that I was fiery and brave and strong. But could I also have a quiet strength, could I step back from doing to observe and savor an experience? Turns out I can. When I chose to walk across a 25 feet suspended post, it was scary, not gonna lie! Maybe it was the fear that intensified my attention in the moment; suddenly, time stood still, and everything around me looked more alive. I took it all in, and created a snapshot in my mind. I have already returned to that moment in meditation, and can still feel the serene acceptance and inner calm I cultivated. It has made me more intentional about staying present- what a gift!

No matter how much you love to cook (and especially if you don't!) preparing a home cooked, nourishing meal every day is a big ask! Luckily, there are lots of shortcuts for making these kinds of meals a staple for you and your family.

Today I am featuring one of my favorite tips- make a double batch when you cook, and freeze some for later!

This strategy works better for certain recipes, and these two are particularly good.

Pozole is a Mexican delicious stew and it's on my family recipe rotations once a month. It's also our New Years tradition, but you can enjoy it any time. Add your own variations of thickness and toppings. If you don't have time to make the tomatillo base (another great freeze for later candidate), substitute chili powder. It will change the taste, but it will still be delicious.
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Soupa Toscana is another of my go to meals. My daughter never complains when I make soup, and she loves to add a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

You can use the pressure cooker or instant pot for both of these recipes. If you don't have one of these, do yourself a favor and get one! It cuts down cooking time by more than half, even 3 or 4 times, depending on what you're making. I have definitely been saved by my pressure cooker on more than one occasion. No dinner planned- no worries- you can cook frozen chicken in under 30 minutes. Dinner, done!

Amy Horn is currently leading the Getting Ready to Ride Series rides every Saturday. These are leisurely paced and about 20 miles each. They start at 10 am at Gas Works.

Getting Ready to Ride - Saturdays
2/24: https://cascade.org/rides-events/getting-ready-ride-gr2r/83104
3/2: https://cascade.org/rides-events/getting-ready-ride-gr2r/82944
3/14: https://cascade.org/rides-events/getting-ready-ride-gr2r/83108
(and other Saturdays from Green Lake but I'm skipping those; too far north!)

3/1: Leisurely 12-mile sunset ride around West Seattle:  https://cascade.org/rides-events/83268
3/9: A moderate-paced ride from Seward to Golden Gardens and back: https://cascade.org/rides-events/83223

Then starting in mid-April, Amy is helping to lead the "Red" (leisurely pace) rides in the Cascade Training Series (12 weeks on Saturday mornings, paid series, progressively longer rides): https://cascade.org/rides-events/cascade-training-series-2024-04-13

4/21: Ride for Major Taylor -- 26 or 63 miles for a great cause: https://cascade.org/rides-events/ride-major-taylor-2024

Hope to see you on your bike soon!

Join me on Nov 22 as we kick off the Holiday Challenge for 2023!

For 6 weeks, we will work out together and increase our well being by setting goals, eating well, cutting back on sweets and alcohol, being more mindful, and keeping each other accountable.

It's going to be fun and we will feel great. 
​Sign up here today.