What my body has taught me...

My body has taught me

I am stronger than I realize 

And more fragile than I like.

I can endure pain with courage

And be reduced to tears by a virus.

I am marvelous, miraculous, mysterious.

My body has its own deep intelligence.

I carry my memories in my cells.

I am constantly being born anew.

I hold tight to fear and resistance.

I breathe deeply, and let go.

My legs will carry me farther than I think I can walk.

My heart will keep beating even when it's broken.

My mouth will kiss, laugh, drink tea and eat chocolate.

My skin will shiver with pleasure.

My bones will tell the weather.

My feet will find the path.

My hands will soothe a crying child.

And write a story that will make you cry.

And pour you a glass of wine.

And brush your hair.

And stroke your cheek.

And hold your hand.

My body will chop wood.

And carry water.

My body understands the wisdom of rest.

The beauty of stillness.

The power of touch.

The importance of dance.

And that there is only this. Here. Now.

My body understands joy, delight and play.

My body knows what I'm hungry for.

My body has taught me to pay attention to my desires.

To listen to my gut.

To trust my appetites.

My body has taught me I am human.

I am here.

I am beautiful.

I am powerful.

I am brave.

I am scared.

I am alive.

And I am grateful.
~Marianne Elliot

Calling all chocoholics!

Calling all chocoholics!!! This recipe is to die for!!!  SO good!  If you would like more recipes, health/fitenss tips, etc - be sure to connect with me on Facebook!!!

-1 1/2 cups raw cashews
-1 1/2 cup dates, pitted and roughly chopped
-1/2 cup almond butter
-1/2 cup maple syrup
-1/2 cup coconut flour
-1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
-1/2 teaspoon almond extract
-1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
-1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil

Grind the cashews to a very fine meal in a food processor. Add the dates, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut flour, shredded coconut, and Almond extract and pulse until you have sticky ball of dough.

Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper and press the cashew mixture out on the paper, making a rectangle 1 inch deep. Refrigerate the mixture for 6 to 8 hours, until it's firm.

Meanwhile, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the stainless steel or glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water (make sure the water doesn't touch the bowl). Stir the mixture until it's just melted, remove from the heat, and pour the chocolate mixture over the cold cashew mixture.

Return the bar to the fridge and let it cool until the chocolate coating is set, at least one hour. Using the parchment, lift the bar out of the sheet pan and cut it into rectangles.

Enjoy!!!
(Recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow)

10 things you can immediately do to LOVE yourself!

Stop not with the self-hate, self-doubt, and self-sabotage!  You can INSTANTLY start to love your body today with these easy tips!  As always, connect with me on Facebook if you have questions or would like to say hi! 

1⃣ CHOOSE TO STOP: Stop focusing on parts of your body you aren't happy with, stop obsessing over eating the right things, and stop obsessing over jiggly bits. Just stop.

2⃣ YOU ARE NOT A NUMBER: It's time to forget the number on clothing and wear items that fit properly. It shouldn't matter the size it is, but how the clothes fits and make you feel while wearing them.

3⃣ BE NICE TO YOURSELF: Use kind words with yourself daily, taking a moment to look in the mirror and tell yourself how beautiful you are – especially straight out of the shower, first thing in the morning, naked.

4⃣ MOVE YOUR BODY: A body in motion is a happy body. Be proud and thankful that your body has the ability to run, dance, and jump. Some aren't so lucky.

5⃣ THINK FROM THE INSIDE: Your body is an amazing thing and is made up of so many working parts to create your special self. No one else is like you. Take a moment to feel – and appreciate – your whole self.

6⃣ GET RID OF NEGATIVITY: Become aware of your negative feelings and think about where they come from. Do you feel unworthy? Overcome negativity isn't easy but taking it one day at a time leads to success.

7⃣ GET SUPPORT: Buddy up with a friend and make it your dual duty to offer support and love when needed. It helps knowing someone is there for you.

8⃣ STOP COMPARING: for every person you compare yourself to there's someone comparing themselves to you.

9⃣ SURROUND YOURSELF: Spend time with people you like, environments that encourage and support you, and sounds and smells that you love. If you're happy with what's happening around you you will instantly feel pretty good about yourself too.

🔟 FIGURE IT OUT: When you're feeling frustrated about your body, figure out what the real problem is. And it's okay to have a bad day every once in a while, but don't wallow. Sometimes a bad night, I have a lunch, or just an off conversation to make you feel insecure. Figure it out and let it go.