“It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world.” -Chaos Theory

Do you ever consider just how much impact we have on the world?  Every thought impacts our words and our actions… soon creating a life and making a direct affect onto everyone and everything around us.  We hold so much power & free-will, yet at the same time have an overwhelming sense of being out of control. When we do even one good deed- it can truly impact the entire world.  And one poorly-intended act can do the same as well.

I’m a firm believer in karma and what you put out in the universe you’ll always get back.  Maybe you walk around with better energy when you’re at peace with yourself and attract good things.  Whatever it really is, it certainly can’t hurt to be the best version of yourself and accept blessings with a grateful heart.

Its easy to get so caught up in working that we forget to consider the repercussions of our work.  I know for myself that I can get really down with my nose to the grindstone never looking at the bigger picture.  I forget to look at how far I’ve come but rather how far I have still to go on my journey.  But I also think that’s the cool thing about knowing that life is a journey.. we enjoy the steps along the way rather than being so worried about the destination.  No one will get out alive and unless we leave behind an amazing legacy, not many will even know we existed in another 100 years.  Taking control of our life by recognizing that this is our time can be so liberating.  When we’re in a period of feeling trapped in darkness, maybe that’s just our cocoon right before we emerge with beautiful new wings.  And that every small movement, like the flutter of a butterfly’s wing will effect the universe.  We are each so important, so loved, and so free to choose.  We are lucky.  We are alive.

Namaste, Angela

Well guys, its Valentine’s Day!  No matter how that makes you feel as far as being single or having a partner goes… I hope you take some time today to self-reflect.  Looking at our relationships and really taking note of how they impact our lives.  If that’s positively- take some time to say or do something special for that person-whether its a romantic relationship or not!!  Its also a great time to think about our relationship with ourselves- do something for yourself today that makes you feel empowered.  Maybe that’s taking a bubble bath with some amazing essential oils, taking a yoga class, making a plan to get some on-sale chocolate tomorrow…. whatever it is- do it for YOU.  If you’re feeling bitter towards the holiday, maybe refocus that energy on bringing positivity into your relationship with yourself.  We can’t pour from an empty cup and we can’t depend on others to get our fill either.  It all starts within us and whatever we take in will pour out to others and come back to us as well!

My favorite Valentine’s surprise wasn’t one that I received, but rather what I was able to pull off for one of my best friends.  My friend Kristen and I rode horses together for a long time and she always wanted one of her own.  She had her mom talked into leasing a horse (keeping the horse just for a little while) for a two-year contract, but she didn’t have a horse in mind or lined up, yet.  I snuck out with our riding instructor at the time over to Milan and tried the horse out to see if she’d like him.  He was HUGE which was a plus since she’s 6 feet tall herself.. and sweet- so I knew she would love him!

We arranged for Cutter (the horse) to come to the barn, her mom had the contract signed & ready.. and I went to grab a few little gifts for him to give to her for Valentine’s Day.  He had a fresh braid in his mane and was freshly bathed to make a good first impression.  I wrapped some ribbon around the stall he was in along with a “Happy Valentine’s Day” sign on the front with some flowers asking Kristen to be his Valentine.  I walked her up to the stall and it took her FOREVER to understand that it was meant for her!  She started freaking out and thanking me (about this time her mom walked in too).  Truly the best gift is giving someone else something special.  I will never forget that moment of giving my friend her first horse and making a very special Valentine’s surprise.

Namaste, Angela

Working on being 1% better every day… today I set my alarm for five minutes earlier.  I figured since I’m always five minutes late to everything I would start from the beginning of my day and give myself a little more time.  Spoiler alert: I still made it to work at the same time- scooting in a few minutes behind schedule as usual.  BUT before I left home I did get my dishes done, all of my stuff packed for the day (I usually forget at least one important item), let my car warm up so I wasn’t totally shivering while peering through one corner of my frozen windshield… and even left a note telling my boyfriend to have a good day.

Maybe it doesn’t seem like much, but I really feel like it started my day off on the right foot.  Its almost 10am and I haven’t yet missed those 5 extra minutes of sleeping, but I do feel more accomplished than most other mornings.  I think part of it is the intention as well.  I recognized that I don’t feel good about being late all the time so I took a small step towards changing that fact.  What is one thing in your life you could improve on by 1%?  What would give you that little taste of accomplishment towards a bigger goal?

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

Namaste, Angela

We all have goals.  Some of them seem far-fetched and others might just take time.  I think we get into this mindset that one day you’re going to do something… whether it has to do with a fitness journey, a new job, or any other life change… we keep saying to ourselves “one day”.

The problem with “one day” is that it isn’t specified as Monday, Tuesday, July, the 1st of the month, 2018… there is no start time for “one day”.  Instead of seeing our goals as something a later version of ourself will care about more than the current version.. let’s set those goals into action.

Step 1: Write them down.  Think about what’s important to you and write it on paper.  Put it out into the universe that there is a change you want to make and you have identified what it is.  Make it specific, make it timely, make it important to who you want to become.

Step 2: Every day be 1% better.  When we fail, we give up.  Our lives change one choice at a time, so if our goals aren’t happening 1% at a time- we will fail.  Acknowledge what you’re getting right and put into action a way to change what you don’t like.  This has nothing to do with a time of year, or age in life, or anything else.. it has to do with valuing who you want to be more than the comfortable version of yourself.  Change is hard and it takes time.  The excitement of the possibility will wear off.  Make the goal meaningful to you and know what it is.  Be 1% better every day and with time and consistency… you WILL reach any goal you’re wanting to achieve.

Step 3: Keep up with your consistency and celebrate your results!  Whatever it is you’re working towards- it will happen if you keep chipping away at it.  Surround yourself with people who support you and will hold you accountable.  Give yourself grace and time… you can achieve anything. 🙂

Namaste, Angela