The Song That Gave me an Attitude Adjustment
Plus, a special announcement at the end of this newsletter!
Hey Readers!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I'm into hot yoga. I’ve been sweating my socks off since 2007 - only stopping for a bit during the pandemic. I love how the heat soothes my runner's knees, gets my monkey mind in check, and brings a little zen to my world. Plus, there’s nothing like a 105-degree class to sweat out all my vices.
Hot yoga is alright.
However, it’s not always ✌️and ❤️ in my 🧠 when I go to class. Sometimes… my thoughts are anything but yogic, and a 90-plus-degree room is the last place I want to be.
Like last week.
I signed up for “Yoga Sculpt,” a 45-minute “blend of yoga, cardio, and strength movements with upbeat music.”
Sounds harmless enough. Right?
But I’m kind of a purist when it comes to fitness.
For example, when I go for a run, I’m going for a run. I don’t like stopping in a park for some sit-ups or to use outdoor exercise equipment. I’m also opposed to using my run to run errands like my husband sometimes asks me to do. NOPE.
My goal is to run. Period.
Salads are another example. I believe salads should contain vegetables, some protein, and maybe a few crisp (gluten-free) croutons.
Not fruit.
When I find berries or (the ultimate gasp) mandarin oranges in my salad, I am disappointed. Eat your fruity lettuce if you must, but keep your fruit away from my greens.
PLEASE.
It’s the same with yoga. I want straight-up yoga - either some sort of a flow with sun salutations and chill music, or if I feel like being bossed around, bring on the Bikram.
I was thinking all of this before my Yoga Sculpt last week when I was lying on my mat before class. The music in the background was especially relaxing - so much so that I told the yogi next to me that it felt like I should be at a spa. Or at least waiting for a “true” yoga class.
(Look, I’m a nice person, but I warned you in the title about my needing an attitude adjustment.)
The more chill I became, the more I regretted being there—kind of ironic for a purist like myself.
And then, it was showtime. The lights came on, the instructor came in, and like 2 a.m. in a bar, the music stopped. My bliss came to an end, and I had to face the class I’d been dreading.
That’s officially when things got CRAZY.
The music shifted to something really fun, “I Feel Good” by Pitbull.
AND I LIKED IT.
With a simple song change, I felt optimistic about the next 45 minutes.
I wanted to get moving.
(And don’t tell anyone, but I *might* have even smiled.)
The next 45 minutes were not the torture session I envisioned.
Yes, the class was super hard, and yes, I wanted it to end for that reason…
BUT I SURPRISED MYSELF & ENJOYED EVERY FLIPPIN MINUTE.
Which leads me to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week…
Sometimes we stay in our routine because it feels safe and secure, and we can’t imagine switching things up.
Simply put, we stay stuck in our ways, beliefs, and attitudes when maybe… trying something new could change everything.
I’ll let that sink in a bit because it’s kind of heavy.
I get it - because, in addition to the great songs I heard during my Yoga Sculpt, I believe I also heard a
(mic drop)
as I kind of called myself out on my own BS.
So, how about we get to the good stuff? I’ve got plenty of ideas for new things you can try.
Here’s to feeling good,
Abbey
LISTEN
Let’s start this list of motivational podcasts to check out if you’re looking for inspiration. If none of those float your boat, check out…
🎧What’s been in my ears this past week:
An enlightening episode about The Nature of Reality & Stepping Into Your Highest Timeline with Brandon Beachum on Dream Your Life Now. This is a great podcast if you’re into manifesting & want to get a bit deeper with the concept. It’s a good one!
Along those lines, check out How to Use Manifesting to Turn Your Life Around with Gabby Bernstein. She never disappoints.
Finally, if abundance is on your list, listen to Money Lessons for a Strong Financial Foundation on The Stacking Benjamins Show.
STREAM
👁️What I’ve been watching:
Just started watching Jury Duty, and the Jury is in… it’s a hilarious and really clever show. As you may have guessed, it’s about jury duty… but here’s the catch - all the people in it are actors, except one person who doesn’t know that everything happening is staged and fake. This “real person” thinks the cameras are there for a documentary about how the judicial system works. Watch the trailer or go straight to the series.
I’m deathly afraid of frogs and toads, which might also be why I also tend to procrastinate. The connection? I rarely “eat the frog” and tackle the hardest task first. But I’m motivated to try after watching “Take On Any Task (Even if you don’t feel like it)” by Amy Landino.
Another way to boost productivity and get things done is by getting your home in alignment. Find out what that’s all about in this helpful video by Holistic Spaces Expert Mia Danielle.
BUY
🛍️What I’ve been buying (or wanting to buy):
Swedish dishcloths. I seriously never thought of these until I watched Shea Whitney’s “23 Amazon Items I Use Every Day,” but now I want to try them. One cloth = 17 rolls of paper towel and the designs are super cool!
Gifts. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding gift, housewarming, or host/hostess gift, check out the MoMA Design Store. So many cool things to gift (for others or yourself)! Or, show your local museum some love and hit their gift shop.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (ends August 7) - it seems like I’ve been hearing a lot about their annual sale. I’ve been trying to hold off, but lately, I noticed my favorite everyday sandals are looking like… I wear them every day. So, I might head to Nordstrom’s to find a replacement while the getting’s good.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE
My experience in Yoga Sculpt may seem like I just discovered a new workout to add to my week.
But really, something happened that day on the mat.
I realized that while it’s great to have opinions and convictions…. sometimes, the very things we’re trying to defend can prevent us from growing as people. Or, at the very least, experiencing cool, new things.
Now, I know you’re probably wondering… is this revelation my way of telling you I’ll now order salads with strawberries?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
But I am going to be more open to trying new things.
And also, I’ll try not to do things the same way, simply because that’s how I’ve always done them.
Because, who knows, those new things could be really fun, and switching things up could actually…change everything.
And wouldn’t that be a fun little discovery to make… all by giving something new a try.
Could be pretty cool.
Here’s to changing the music,
Abbey
P.S. One last thing. While this newsletter is and will remain free & delivered to you every Thursday, there is a growing paid subscriber contingency… and I appreciate you all so much! Starting this week, in addition to the free content you just read, my paid subscribers will receive bonus content. It’s my way of saying “thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Enjoy!
Travel Tips for Summer Fall 2023
There’s a lot of buzz going around about “Revenge Travel,” - which Forbes describes as the mindset that "people are more eager to travel and less willing to cancel their vacation plans" as a way of making up for the lack of travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This got me thinking that fall might be the ideal time to book that trip you’ve been wanting to take. In case this is you or someone you know… here are some podcasts, YouTubes, and reads that might help you in your planning.
PODCASTS & STREAMING TO HELP YOU PICK YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whenever I’m planning a trip to Spain or just need a Spain fix, I look to YouTube for information. Spain Revealed is one of my favorites. I’m going to note these free tapas spots the next time I’m in Madrid.
Will you be a new traveler to Spain? Then watch this before your trip - it tells you what NOT to do while you’re there.
Over the years, friends have asked me, “What places should I visit if I travel to Spain?” I never know quite what to say because each city has unique offerings that would appeal to different people based on their interests. Well, next time someone asks me, I’ll tell them to listen to this episode of When in Spain where travel professional Karen Rosenblum tells you “Where to Visit in Spain.” It’s hands down, THE MOST comprehensive answer to this question “Where should I go in Spain?”
Photo by Timo Stern on Unsplash
SPAIN NOT YOUR THING? HOW ABOUT FRANCE? ALBANIA? ITALY?
(I’ve got you covered!)
If you’re looking to fulfill the EAT/Drink part of #eatpraylove, then Kimberly’s Italy is a great podcast to check out. So much information about Italy and how to prep for your trip - like this podcast on Getting Your Phone Ready For Italy.
Let’s say you’ve got a fall tropical vacation planned, but you’re worried about hurricanes. That’s a valid concern as the season runs from June-November. US Today tells you where to travel during this time of year.
Albania is one spot on my travel bucket list, as I’ve got a wonderful friend from Albania and have taught many great Albanian students over the years. Listen to the Amateur Traveler’s report on Albania, and if that doesn’t convince you to go, maybe our old friend Coach will. I never pass up the opportunity to share that video.
Wait, are you a Francophile? Then check out the Join Us in France podcast or The Good Life France podcast.
Finally, if you’re not sure where you want to go but just know you want to escape… check out the Conde Nast Traveler ESCAPE ROUTES podcast. You’re sure to find a place that floats your boat.
A fall wrap up…LoveBeyondNations shares 7 spots for September and October Travel (ranging from Puglia, Italy to Nashville, Tennessee!), Through My Lens has Tips for planning a fall New England Trip, and Travel Global shares 10 US cities that are great for fall travel.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you got some travel tips and enjoyed this special bonus content.
There will be more in the future!
Thank you again for your support… it means so very much!
Until next time,
Abbey