Happy Friday!

Today’s another beautiful day—and, it’s FRIDAY!

Sometimes knowing a Friday is right around the corner is the only thing getting us all through a long and busy week. But you can beat the workweek slump and enjoy every day like they’re all Fridays. Thanks to Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, (and thousands of memes around the web) it’s never been easier to get inspired by a seemingly endless supply of online motivation and encouragement. Plus, having a positive attitude all week long makes Fridays just that much more enjoyable.

So, here’s a reminder (or 2 or 3 or 4…) for all of our followers to keep smiling, keep pushing towards your goals, don’t give up, and keep enjoying life!  And especially, enjoy your weekends. J

Make Someone’s Day

“Make someone’s day.” 

It sounds simple- and it IS simple. Make someone’s day with a small gesture, and you’ll reap the rewards by feeling happier yourself!

Research shows that people who connect with strangers throughout their day receive an instant mood boost. Does that mean giving away smiles is actually a selfish act?! The next time you cross paths with someone on your hiking route or your neighborhood sidewalk, say hi! The next time you’re walking in the market, smile genuinely at the people around you! Try making eye contact with strangers instead of looking down at your phone. Connect with your community! 

With a positive attitude, and a few happy gestures, you’ll be surprised at how easily you can make a big difference in the lives around you. After all, we’re all here in this big world together. J

Get Outside!

Last month was another beauty here in Los Angeles.  Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining bright, and we’ve even had some rainy and windy nights! Have you explored anything new or tried something different to “Get Outside” lately? Share some of your highlights in the comments below! And read on for some of my favorites from March. J

Outdoor dining with family! A big perk of this beautiful weather is being able to enjoy a nice meal outside. My family came to Los Angeles to visit this past month and I made sure we spent as many meals outdoors as we could.

Spring Time brings Poppies! One of my favorite flowers. I snapped this photo at a friend's house- these are from her garden and made me smile.

Such a great reminder: Happy By Choice! I saw this Smile Sticker near the beach and it reminded me of how much I have to be happy about.

The carrots at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market were so beautiful this week! I washed, peeled, cut them up and have been snacking on them all week long.

"Come on get happy"

I recently came across a great article on 

"10 Characteristics of a Happy Person" 

Even though I think all of the items listed are important, I want to touch on the topic of number 6!

'6. Happy people not only know how to eat well, they also know how to feed their body with great quality food. In addition to this, they also follow a regular exercise routine. This is because they believe in self care and work at reaching the epitome of mental and physical strength.'

For the full article, follow this link!

A large problem with working out and achieving a certain physique is all about aesthetics.  Now I am not saying that is the reason you work out, but it is a large misconception placed on the industry.  Sure there are a lot of people just doing it for the aesthetics, but I am going out on a limb and saying that I can guarantee they are not your role model of a happy person.  It takes great sacrifices to achieve a certain level of leanness and I personally do not believe these people are mentally happy...at least not in the long run.

It is important to create a balance and as the quote says above, happy people believe in self care mentally and physically.  It is equally important if not more important to be mentally healthy.  A healthy body doesn't mean one is super lean and full of muscles.  Health comes in all shapes and sizes.  For most the only way to achieve an optimal physique is actually to be happy...I know kind of sounds like a catch 22.  If you focus on mentally being happy the rest will fall into place.  Be true to yourself.  

For me I have found this through, dance, running and Pilates.  Each one gives you the opportunity to focus on your mind and your thoughts while working your body!  The best of both worlds, working mental health and physical health!