Getting older does not sound too bad...

Getting older does not sound too bad now that I made birthday plans!  Every year I try to keep my celebrations to a minimum; I hate planning and I feel uncomfortable asking others to celebrate my life.   This year I planned a little bit and asked others to plan as well!  I am looking forward to spending time with some close friends in Santa Monica to bring in my old age as well as relax at the beautiful JW Marriot Resort in Palm Desert!



Beautiful Santa Monica Boardwalk

What better way to start my celebration than to dine and drink in Santa Monica and recoup the next morning by lying under the hot sun!



JW Marriot

 

I have been to the JW Resort a few times in the past.  I used to work for UDA and I would teach at the Resort Camp at the Marriot every summer for about four years.  It was extremely hot and I was there for work but that did not stop me from having a fun time!  I wanted to try out a different resort for my birthday, but I know that no resort in Palm Desert would beat the JW Marriot.  They have an amazing Spa, Golf Course, Bar, Restaurant, lil' Club, pool etc...



Maslow's Hierachy

Last Saturday I ran a group on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Basically, you cannot move up to the next need until the need below is met.  When an incident occurs that has to do with disrupting your basic needs, you automatically concentrate on rebuilding that need until it is met.  If your physiological needs are not met, you could not possibly reach your love needs.

In terms of Eating Disorders (because that is the population I work with), you could not possibly fulfill your need for love and safety if you are depriving your body of nutrients, or throwing off your digestive system.  When having an eating disorder, you are not just changing your shape/weight; you are corrupting your mental and physical health. 

Some clients were arguing the order of Maslow's hierarchy, thinking Esteem should be after Self-Actualization.  They had a difficult time understanding how you could fulfill your esteem needs before reaching your own potential.  What are your thoughts?  I would love to hear... 

I am back!

It has been a long time . . . Ok, a very long time!  It has been almost 2 years since I have written in my blog.  I am not sure why I ever stopped but I think it is about time to write again.  I am not quite sure where to begin but I will say that my job, shopping, the outdoors, and my relationships are the most important things to me (not in that particular order).

 

I just started Insanity, a 60 day workout program where Shaun T makes you sweat.  I am on my 2nd week and I am going strong.   Today I found myself wanting to turn off the video, but I pushed through and completed it.  Each day is a 30-45 minute cardio workout which also includes a warm-up, cool-down, and stretch.  I have written about working out and being healthy in the past.  I am trying something new, a 60 day challenge that I am trying to stick with.  I have been making multiple opportunities to keep me accountable; I have told friends and post on my Facebook after I complete a workout.  This may get annoying to my friends or "friends" but hey, it is keeping me going. 

In my opinion, Insanity is working because there are less steps to take until you are actually working out.  With a gym, you need to get dressed, head down to the car (or walk) and enter the gym. More time is taken up. With P90X you need some equipment;  I know, nothing major, a chair, couch, yoga mat, a few other gadgets.  With Insanity all you need Literally is yourself, a dvd player and a TV.  I do recommend water and a sweat towel each time.  There are less steps needed get you to work up a sweat; less opportunities to give up.  You do not take time traveling to a gym or setting up and you can wear whatever you want because no one will be around (unless your roommate or spouse is home but they are used to seeing you at your best and worst.)  You can even do it with friends if you would like!  I have been doing it physically alone, but my boyfriend has joined me and is doing it too!  We help motivate each other and ask each other how we are doing!  Support definitely helps you reach your goals.