Motivation Monday: This is a Glorious Time of the Year

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve. Today's Motivation Monday is inspired by these simple words from Thomas S. Monson.

"This is a glorious time of the time, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and action to the spirit of Christmas."

Part of what I love about the Christmas season in the underlying feelings associated with everything. I don't feel that those things are something I can easily describe or pinpoint. Every small aspect plays a part: family, memories, traditions, selflessness, giving, holiday lights, beautiful snow, and of course remember Christ. 

I don't think anything highlights the great things about the season more than President Monson's quote. I love the words simple, deep, beautiful, rich, and charitable.

Happy Birthday Salisbury Sister No. 1

Happy birthday to my sister Christianne! 

The following in an excerpt from my post in September "Things I Learn From My Siblings."

Christianne—As the oldest of the bunch, she is a natural leader and knows how to get things done. One thing I always notice when I'm with Christianne is that if we talk about something, she'll just do it. I tend to want to plan things out and think about things before I do them. But if we're like, "Oh let's make a headband," she leads us to just sit down right there and make a headband. She is also the craftiest of us all and knows how to do all kinds of projects. I'm pretty sure she could create anything. And she's not afraid to learn new skills. She is also the mother of 4 and is so good and teaching her kids and being able to teach them at their level. I hope to be a mom like her some day.

Happiness Comes in the Little Things

Today as I sat reading, working, and making my "the-holidays-are-approaching-quickly" to-do list, I noticed a sneaky smile had appeared on my face. I wasn't aware of a particular reason.

After a moment of reflection being by myself in this moment, I realized that hey—I'm happy. I'm working hard. I'm getting things done. I have great relationships with amazing people. I know who I am. I know where I want to be. And I can rely on my faith and relationship with my Heavenly Father to get there.

For me, happiness comes in the little things of everyday life. Today those little things include the following.

• Looking at my nerdy Christmas tree sparkling in the corner...even though, yes, it is daytime.
• A semi-clean apartment with dishes washed, floor swept, trash emptied, and bathroom wiped down.
• A tired but healthy body that lets me push it to sometimes teach 5 classes in one day. And it keeps going day after day. 
• Waking up tired and unsure how I'll be able to teach. And then finding my energy and thinking "Yep, I can do this!"
• Amazing people who continue attending my classes. Who smile from the back row. Who know my choreography down flat from coming for 3 years or 3 months. Who make the whole teaching experience amazing and worth it.
• Getting back in the habit of writing...and posting here! 
• Touching base with friends. Even if it's a late-night visit, a quick Facebook message, a series of text messages, or a random chat online.
• Cleaning out space in my life. This includes time space as well as physical space.
• Having some extra cash in my pocket from selling things taking up physical space. 
• The exciting prospect of vacuuming (Yes I know...) 
• Waking up expecting bad roads and a frozen car...only to face pretty warm weather and a no-scraping morning. 
• Feeling motivation to cook
• Feeling on top of something I usually forget. (Uh, car registration anyone? Check my "Don't Forget Anything" post about doing this two months late last year.) I have an appointment tomorrow. 
• Seeing and recognizing personal improvement
• Knowing there have been, currently are, and will continue to be great people willing to reach out to me and welcome me into their lives
• Acknowledging the amazing people I get to work with
• Seeing blessing after blessing after blessing in my life
• Feeling financially secure even months after leaving a full-time, salaried position with all the coveted benefits
• Being able to encourage and advise people who are making decisions I have previously faced
• Having great opportunities to serve 
• Seeing the good, the special, and the unique greatness in those around me

That's just a start today. I need to actually proceed with my previously mentioned to-do list. I'm grateful for so much in my life. I'm grateful to be happy. I'm full of love today...I love you all!

A Last Minute Gift Guide for the Fitnessista in Your Life

Does anyone else have a way easier time shopping for yourself than you have shopping for a gift for someone else? Please tell me I'm not the only one who might head out to purchase gifts but ends up randomly going back and forth through each store section not seeing ANYTHING appropriate. On occasion I might even head home with a handful of bags...all with things for myself. Sigh, it's a problem, I know.

I spend a lot of time at various gyms, so I thought I'd put together a quick and affordable gift guide of ideas for the gal in your life (or YOU) who loves working out or might be focused on improving her personal fitness. These are all products in no particular order that I personally recommend or covet.

1. Old Navy Compression Capri

When it comes to staple workout apparel, you can't go wrong with this compression capri. Believe me, I've tried my fair share of workout capris. (Yes, I've written about my workout capris before.) This particular product from Old Navy is one I recommend left and right. I also currently own three pairs. I just can't get enough. While I personally prefer the simple black option, Old Navy's line also features several fun colors and patterns. Price: $22 (Old Navy has them on sale often and features online coupon codes.)

2. Heart Rate Monitor

Any fitness lover can benefit from using a heart rate monitor to track workout intensity and calories burned. This information is both INTERESTING and USEFUL. I own a Polar FT4 and love the data it provides. I especially recommend a monitor or tracking device for someone with specific fitness goals or one trying to lose weight. Are you eating enough food? See how many calories you burned and add what's needed into your diet. Are you burning more than you are taking in? Refer to the device to let you know. One thing to keep in mind about many heart rate monitors is that they often cannot accurately track calories burned during strength training. Just something to keep in mind. Price: $45-200

3. Lululemon Bangbuster Headband

This is a product I covet. A thick, sweat-wicking headband is one of my personal fitness essentials, and I am constantly searching for the best options. Currently no product seems to compare with the prestigious Lululemon option. Priced a little high, you may have to splurge but I'm betting you'll love it. I just want 10 of them. Price: $18

4. Music Gift Card

Music plays a huge roll in a successful workout experience. Help yourself or those you are shopping for step things up with some new tunes. I'm not of fan of iTunes, so I'd refer you to an Amazon MP3 or Google Play gift card. The best thing is that these credits can be digital and are a great last minute gift. Price: $1+

5. Yurbuds 

A few months ago I started researching good earbuds that wouldn't fall out of my ear while I run. The top option was Yurbuds. While I ended up receiving earbuds as a gift before I could purchase these, the next time the need arises, I'm getting Yurbuds. They twist and lock in your ear and have a special design for women. Again, these are a little on the pricy side for me, but I think a good pair will last a long time and definitely be worth the extra price. I mean, come on, how many cheap pairs have you bought? Plus you can find them a bit cheaper online (or at Target), so I'm sure you could find a deal.) Price: $25-60

6. Camelback Bottle

I admit, I am prone to losing water bottles but I USED to own one of these and loved it. I love the straw and how the bottle is designed to easily access water while moving without the fear of spilling all over oneself. (Please tell me that has happened to you too.) Plus, I've had great experience with the warranty on the bottle and have had a couple replaced. Again you can find deals in local stores and online. Price: $8-20

7. Workout DVDs 

Sometimes you just can't make it to the gym, but that doesn't mean you can't fit a workout into your schedule. I highly recommend any of Jillian Michael's workouts, especially the 30 Day Shred. At-home workouts can be hit or miss, but I've also heard great things about Physique 57 and would love to have a great barre dvd on hand, like Pure Barre. I'm still on the search for a stellar yoga dvd. Price: $8-20

8. Fun Workout Apparel

You are likely to work out with more intensity and for a longer time when you FEEL good about how you look at the gym. I can think of at least a handle of times I've gone to the gym and then realized I HATED the shirt or pants I was wearing that day...and then left. Workout apparel can be pricy (think Zumba or Lululemon), but you can find a lot of great options at Target (I love this top), JCPenney, Old Navy, etc. I also love Reebok's dance line. Zumba lovers - check out sites like zumbafashion.com or talk to your local instructor. Utah has some cute local options (again they are pricy), but check out AyAyAy or KIAVA clothing. Chances are you can find them at a trunk sale or boutique with a discount. Price: $15+

9. Massage or Spa Certificate.

When you work hard at the gym, your body feels it and a nice massage or night at the spa can do wonders both for your body and your mind. Treat your fitness lover with a little bit of relaxation. Find a studio close to you. (Groupon and the like often feature great deals!) Price: $30-200+

10. Gym bag Essentials

I'm talking mini shampoo and conditioner, compact towels, all-in-one facial wipes, waterproof makeup, dry shampoo, deodorant, flip flops (showers!), body spray, etc. You can't go wrong with these daily essentials. Price: $2-20 

Motivation Monday: May Your Choices Reflect Your Hopes, Not Your Fears

I know it's been a little while since I posted...Today, however, I needed a little Motivation Monday and found snippets of inspiration in some quotes from Nelson Mandela.

In light of the South African leader's recent passing, I believe the timing is appropriate to reflect on some of his words for inspiration and motivation in my own life.

My approach for Motivation Monday today is a little different than usual. First, I'm not designing anything. And second, I'm using more than one quotation. My thoughts follow each one.

One:
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." 

I admit, this excerpt reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Taylor Swift. No, Ms. Swift is not a person I believe one can even try to compare to Nelson Mandela. However, the idea of fearlessness is one I love. (See my thoughts on Taylor Swift's quote here in 2008 and here in 2012. Both are from my old blog.)

There are lots of things I'm afraid of in life. The unknown. Failing. Being alone. Not fulfilling my potential. Being insignificant. Every day, fears—whether we recognize them or not—creep into our lives. This does not mean that we can't accomplish the things we want to accomplish in life. This does not mean that we need to give up.

Fears exist for us to overcome. Fears exist to allow us to grow.

I can be courageous by moving forward despite my fears. I show bravery toward the unknown by taking whatever efforts I need to take in order to conquer my fear. Be fearless, Karianne. Embrace what you know. Focus on the positive and move forward with the opposite of fear: faith.

Two:
"There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Those who have known me the past several years know that I'm always striving to break out of my comfort zone. To never settle. To push myself to my limits. I don't see the point in living what could be deemed a "small" life, as referenced here. There are some things I believe allow you to live happily. And sometimes those things require you to make focus on what YOU value. And sometimes you have to abandon the expectations and traditional routes others pursue. I don't want to live a life doing things I don't love or am not passionate about. I want to pursue my true interests and chase after my true dreams. I believe by doing so, by striving to live a "large life," other things, like money and life necessities, will follow. And that is one approach that I believe leads to living a happy life.

Three:
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." 

Again, this excerpt reminds me of other inspirational sources. Those sources include the address "Lord, I Believe," by Jeffrey R. Holland at the April 2013 General Conference. Elder Holland is comparing faith and fear, but I believe the idea is similar: recognize your faith before you recognize your fears. Additional, Russell M. Nelson shares the following in his address "Face the Future With Faith." "We do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith."

I don't want to live a life led by fears. I don't want to live a passive life where I let things come as they may. I want to go after what I desire. I want to embrace the unknown. I want to work hard to have amazing things in my life. Those are things that are worth it. I want to live a courageous life. I don't want to be bound by fear. I want to release my hope and build my faith.