Sweet Spots: A Day in the Life Sunday

Sweet spots . . . we all have them.

Sweet spots are not necessarily unique to you, in fact, they can be day to day happenings everyone experiences. What makes them "sweet" is that they are right for you. You notice them, you thrive on them, and you are inspired by them when the next person may not even bat an eye in their presence.

When it comes to sweet spots, three biggies come to mind for me right now.

Collaboration

I recently spent a few days in Scottsdale, Arizona. When I wasn't talking employee engagement I was learning a little about the publishing and consulting worlds from 2 smart women over margaritas, guacamole and cheese dip. Talking to, working with and bouncing ideas off of other smart women? When it comes to energy, ideas and inspiration, it really doesn't get any better than that.

Strength

I am a reluctant exerciser. I have a new appreciation for weight training for strength. For cardio, I enjoy running. You wouldn't believe me if you saw how often I am on the machines, but running outside is what I enjoy most. There is nothing like settling into a rhythm, quieting my mind and enjoying the movement, strength and quiet of an outdoor run.

Family

I heart my family unit. The days are c-r-a-z-y with early morning wake-ups and each of us heading to our separate destinations. We coordinate, plan, adjust and connect to get done what we need to do and to get to the places we need to go. Lounging around on lazy Sundays with nothing to do but be together in the same space at the same time? Sweet.

A little more sweetness . . .

. . . creating opportunity for others, stepping out of my comfort zone (even when the execution turned out less than spectacular), spa days, girl's nights, bike rides, Bella Cucina, and Bailey's.

So tell me, what sweet spots do you have?

Index Card Credit: Jessica Haagy

Jingle Bells, Confidence and Fage Yogurt

Towards the end of summer I started on my workout journey. 30 days into it I realized that getting (back) in shape is hard work and at the 90 day mark, I am still at it. Yes, it is true that a big part of my motivation comes in the form of my personal trainer who is up and waiting for me at the gym at 5 a.m. 2-3 mornings a week but what's also true is that part of the motivation is starting to come from me.

I have always had a love-hate relationship with exercise. Now, it's 90 days into it and I finally reached the point where I can stop atoning for past sins and kicking myself for letting myself fall out of shape. I can start looking forward.

I am stronger, healthier and confident that I can do this. I've lost 10 pounds and 5% body fat and I ran a Jingle Bell 5K yesterday. My time was 30:18. It was not what I had hoped for (my last year's time less than 30 minutes) but better than I had expected. Can I chalk the time lag up to the 18 degree and  slightly windy morning?

A half-marathon is still in the game plan (shins don't fail me again) and I'm taking it one step at a time. See how those puns just slip off the tips of my fingers? 

I have a renewed appreciation for commitment to goals, I look forward to Fage yogurt and blueberry Fruit Naturals, and I have my daughter asking to run with me.

What more can I girl ask for?  

Photo credit iStockphoto