It was @YogaGirl, Rachel Brathen, that started 'Gratitude Monday's,' so I'm going to continue the tradition here. Rather than start the week grumbling that the weekend's over, I'm pretty sure her intention was to start the week on a good note. At least that's what mine is, so here we go. Each Monday will consist of three things and I hope you will do the same!
1) As most of you who know me, I barely wear make up. I've tried getting my make up done at Sak's thinking I would learn how to do it or what colors look best, but that was a fleeting effort. Daily, I wear tinted moisturizer and sometimes lip gloss. If I have something that requires me to dress up, I'll add eye liner or mascara, but that's even pushing it. I'm just lazy. I like putzing around until the last minute, and then I get ready in 15 minutes. However, since I don't wear a lot of make-up, I LOVE getting facials and keeping my skin clear, soft and smooth. Recently while at Target (sponsor me?) I was browsing the facial products in need of a new moisturizer and I found Pixi Skintreat's 'Hydrating Milky Mist.' It's main ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, which if you practice Yin Yoga you KNOW is important. Plus, I'm a SUCKER for packaging (working on this) and the white and mint green bottle with coppery/gold text is so feminine and beautiful, it sold me. I gave it a whirl and ended up loving it! I put it on right after I wash my face morning and night.
2) I am not giving up coffee, I repeat, I am not eliminating coffee, however I am trying to ONLY drink one cup per day. I want my teeth to stay white, I want my sleep to be sound and I want to keep my anxiety at bay, so one cup is perfect. BUT on certain busy days, sometimes I need something else. Trader Joe's to the rescue, per usual. They started selling the perfect size, unsweetened Matcha Green Tea's in a can! The benefits of Matcha are endless, but in regards to that little boost I drink it before 2pm, and the energy I feel is smooth, non jittery and keeps me focused to give my best to my students. Matcha is the extract from the Green Tea leaf and contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that produces a calming effect, enhances mood and balances mental stress, with he same energy as caffeine but without the crash! Since it's in a can, all I have to do is shake it and open, no messy powder and whisking!
3) Last but not least, I stumbled over this quote, not sure who wrote it, but it's very fitting for today if you are in Southwest Florida, as we're experiencing a tropical storm. It hits home for the idea of BALANCE.
"Don't be so cool you can't cry, don't be so smart you can't wonder, and don't be so set on your sunny days that you can't love the roll of thunder."
Out of season, Monday's I only teach 1 class so I consider it my day off. Blogging from bed this morning with my one cup of coffee, listening to the thunder and rain outside and very thankful for it all.
I hope you can take a minute to reveal your 3 items and have a wonderful Monday! Love you, LP.
P.S. #Gratitude from the title of this post is from the web series, "Namaste Bitches," which you'll love if you're a yoga teacher!
