Making promises and keeping them!

Do what you say you are going to do!!! Why is this important?

I'm going to loose weight - I will never be late again - I want to workout more - I want to eat more healthy - I will save money - and - so - on ...

Sounds familiar?! Anyone!? ;)

Well, I say "yes" it did to me! I could actually apply all of the above to my life. They were my permanent companions - for example, when I ate too much or too unhealthy I would workout more - but that did not lead to loosing weight the way I desired it to!

The words 'I am going to or I want to loose weight or eat more healthy or (you enter yours)' leave our mouths with ease. Maybe we are already making plans how to get there and then another well-known companion 'Mr. Excuse' might come my/your way. 

We are very clever, especially in finding excuses for everything - putting it off to a later time, because right now is simply not a good time! or we are too tired, old, young, fat, lazy, *you name it*

The key behind sticking to the promises that you've made for yourself or to others is ACCOUNTABILITY! 

Most of the time keeping promises, made to others are easier to keep, because you are the one to hold accountable for not sticking to it and it affects someone else too. But, if you make a promise to yourself, only you can hold yourself responsible for it - no one gets hurt if I don't do A or B. And we are also very good at covering up the promises we make to ourselves - 'if no one knows that I try to loose weight, nobody will know if I fail, but if I succeed - I will tell everybody' Sounds familiar!?!

Funny isn't it... And guess what, your soon-to-be-ditched friend Mr. Excuse shows up! You know how the loop goes ;)

The intenSati method teaches you how to be true about and to yourself - integrity and accountability are the keys - and how to create the right thoughts to pursue your goals! 

This months Warrior series is concerned with - tadaaa 'Making promises and keeping them' :)

Let me share my great learnings with you:

1. Make a promise/ Set a goal (e.g. I will eat more healthy)
2. Make it SMART: be very specific about what you want to achieve (e.g. I want to loose weight or become more active, that is why I will eat more heathly); make it measurable (e.g. I will eat 2 fresh fruits and 3 veggies each day - your 5 a day *ahaha*); stay realistic and make it achievable - you won't switch to a full alkaline diet from one day to another and set a timeframe (e.g. 1 or 2 months)
3. Now the real FUN part: come up with consequences for not keeping your promises! I like the embarrassment consequences, such as making 3 random compliments to strangers the next day, or start singing the song you are listening to out-loud in public! Others are: wearing the same outfit the next day, wearing no make up, 100 push-ups, running an extra 5 miles, no chocolate, ... be creative!
4. And share it!!! Tell it to your family and friends - you will have their support and you might be a motivation to them to join in on keeping a promise :)

Try it - it's a lot of fun and veeeery rewarding! Once you become clear, why and how you want to achieve something and you have come up consequences for not sticking to it - half the journey is done!

Thanks to intenSati and Laurie Gerber from the Handel Group for a very inspiring and motivating coaching session on this topic!

Good night, lovelies!

xoxo

p.s. next time more on my challenge, the progress and experiences so far!

JoyPressions on Facebook

JoyPressions goes Facebook

On the KickOff day to my 30-day 'healthy-ever-after' challenge, I took some time to engage in and finish something that brings joy and fun to my evening after a day at work and excercising at the gym - I created my first and very own facebook page :)

As I am reading a lot about health, sports and spirituality on blogs, in books and magazines, I decided that I want to share that with all of you!

What I will post...

• health tips (in the form of links or statements)
• workout articles
• TED videos
• the "book of the month" (that I have been enjoying and absorbing before posting it - so it is a recommendation from the heart)
• about my current project, my progress and new insights in nutrition and excercise along the way
• quotes and affirmations that enlighten the day

So I would be very happy and grateful if you like it ;)

facebook.com/JoyPressions 

Thank you & good night!

Love, xoxo

I AM in it to win it!!!

I workout whenever I can (approx. 4-5 times a week), I try to eat healthy (despite very small indulges in the gourmet temple called NYC^^) and yet I haven't regognized any major body transformation. I have lost some weight since I arrived (that for sure), but given my regular workout and rather healthy diet, I would expect a liiittle more, less actually ;) 

Well, I haven't been exercising according to a specific schedule, which makes tracking change and improving performance rather difficult. 

As I said, I workout whenever I can - as a fitness enthusiast I'm making a lot of time for regular physical exercise. But the usual loop goes like this - I go to the gym almost every day during the week and would only take a break when my body tells me to - by then energy levels are low and I feel my muscles being very tired. 

Pushing your body to its limits, excessive exercise and waiting for it to shout "STOP" - that is not how you become stronger and train your body in a healthy manner! 

Another thing, I said I try to eat healthy - well, set aside late evening dinners, cocktail happy hours and going out (mostly) on weekends, I'm following a grrreat diet ;) When I have the feeling that I consumed too many calories the day before, guess what... more intense exercise is on next day's schedule!

SO, juuust when I had the feeling I need to change something in my daily habits to get where I want to be, I received a message on Facebook from one of the intenSati leaders, Tiffany proposing a big challenge to all members of the Satilife community: A 90 DAYS EXERCISE AND HEALTH PROGRAM!!! What is in it for me to win it:

1. I will commit to 90 days of exercising according to a planned schedule! (which I will change every 2 weeks in order to ensure the diversity in my training)
2. I will commit to eating clean and healthy foods, like more veggies and fruits than other foods, whole grain, lean protein! 
3. I will commit to drinking at least 2 liters of water a day!
4. Amazing Tiffany as a coach and advisor!

And guess what, I am not the only one who takes the challenge - we are 30 people who are in this together! It all runs through a facebook group, where we post and encourage each other to stay in the game :)

A quote from Tiffany: "Accountability is KEY! Studies have shown (and in my own experience I have seen) that support from a peer group and family plays a significant role in reaching any of our personal and professional goals."

I couldn't agree more!

Official start is tomorrow - I AM excited!!!

My exercise plan for the next two weeks is all set - I go for a 4 split (Mo, Wed, Fri, Sun, ...)

Regarding healthy dieting: I will go veggie for the next 2 weeks! I will have one fruit/veg day each week for cleansing purposes! I will avoid alcohol, sweets and white flour!

In the intenSati practice the topic of the month is "keeping your word" or "making a promise and keeping it" - in one of the greatly inspiring community calls this week Laurie Gerber, life-coach, said that you will be more accountable for your promises if you add consequences for not keeping them to it...

Sooo my consequence iiis: If I will not stick to one of the promises I made, I must not be wearing ANY make up the next day ;) I was about to take the usual thing - No Email for one day!!! but then I will have someone at home worring "why didn't I read from her today - something might have happened!" ;)

My blog will be the reporting tool for my progress, the transformation and the change that is happening within me.

Perfectly fitting to my new promises, the topic of yesterday's ahhh-mazing Workin'it Out event with gorgeous Patricia Moreno was how a change, replacement or avoidance of one or more habits will bring you closer to your desired goal. I AM ready for this change and I AM prepared for this challenge!

Let's do this!!! Keep you posted :)

xoxo

p.s. I have been missing my smoothie blender sooo much that I bought one today :))) some delish and healthy recipes for smoothies and dips to be expected!

NY Fashion Week

The KickOff to the NY fashion week was last Thursday, the so called Fashion Night Out - shops stayed open until 9 or 10pm *happy-late-night-shopping* For the record: I did NOT buy anything that night (except for... well ;D) It was just amazing to watch what was happening on the streets and how the crowds were fighting to get the best and last deal of the special sample sales! In some small boutiques designers were presenting their brand new collections - wealthy looking visitors were welcomed with cupcakes, music and champagne! Watching and judging the goings was great entertainment ;)

Since last week one thing is defintely observable: People try to dress super fashionable, like crazy! I love free entertainment^^

And finally on Monday my friend Sarah and I went to watch a show of three NY designers (LAUNCH by Susan Young, Leota Collection and Kimberley Goldson) @ the fabulous rooftopbar at the empire hotel! Enjoy the impressions ;)

behind the scenes *glamouricious*

the location ;)

We had the perfect spot to watch the shooting for a reality TV show - hilarious, entertaining and very interesting to watch too :D

The winner - the most beautiful dress of the show!!! And the model knows German - so cute!

Proof, we were there ;)

My new accessory <3

NYC, fun and crazy!

Hi my dear readers, today I will let you enjoy some captions from what has happened in the past weeks! Have fun :)

Still loving the rooftopview ;)

Even when a big ocean is between me and my loved ones, my mum arranges to get me beautiful flowers for my B-day :))) Thank you, Mommy! I <3 you!

Ok now lets get into the craziness of NYC ... a guy with a Luckybear backback! I wanted to ask him if I could have it :D

... interesting bike! btw, everyone was taking out their iPhones to take pictures of it ;)

... wise words! To be found at the Lower East Side!

... this is actually not in service - it belongs to a restaurant! Great marketing ;)

... Me @ Central Park ;)

NYC typical buildings with the firestairs!

Froyooo - you can find that on every corner! NYers are crazy about the supposedly healthy ice cream ;) and they go wild with the flavors - butter crust, chocolate cheesecake, velvet cake, peanut butter, ... the toppings (a looot of fruit) make it healthy again - that is at least what I tell myself all the time ;))

Good morning Americaaa! The last free concert of the summer stage was a big come back for the perfoming boy band! Who recognizes them???

We honoured childhood memories ;)

Insane fans were camping since early early at night... the concert started at 7am!!!!!!

Who is this? ;) That day this band had its first reunion concert since one of their singers left the band some years ago - funny story that I have to tell you: when i told my roommate that I'm going to see them perfom, she said "oh, I met one of them when I was living in L.A. We met while walking our dogs at the time and he told me about his plans to reorientate his career...." so funny!!! Enjoy the the video & be larger than life!!!

 

The Backstreet Boys were really great entertainers :) The fan masses leaving fully energized and happy from the concert ;) thank you Good Morning America!

someone has diligently collected CocaCola bottles^^

an impression from Midtown Manhattan, after a productive day @ work!

NFL Opening ceremony with NoDoubt performing :))

Ready for the Fashion Night Out in NYC - KickOff to the NY Fashion week!

in NYC you have to be creative to get famous, even if it is performing on top of a truck in the middle of the street at the LES! She was pretty good actually! What a great idea :)

Saturday/Sunday brunch = THAT is how NYers spend their weekends ;) I will go to one later too! Yay, I'm in NYC :)))

Can't get enough from these awesome rooftops ;)

again @ Summer Stage before the concerts start! This one I took at the One Republic concert!

Street performers and musicians exist in a great number in NYC, so lovely when they have a voice like this guy :) wonderful!

Open air movie nights all over the city!

Cool marketing campaigns in the subways ;)

AND finally, I proudly present my B-day present to myself ;) I love my new toy!

I wish you all a lovely weekend! I'll be back soon ;)
xoxo, Love <3

I am a Warrior :)

Even before I arrived in NYC I joined one of the most inspiring and wonderful communities on this planet - the Sati life community!

Sati Life was developed by Patricia Moreno for anyone and everyone looking to become more aware of their thoughts, words, attitudes and actions. Initially, the focus was centered around “intenSati”, a workout that was created to bring mindfulness to a cardio-based fitness class. 

Most of you know that I am a huge fan of coaching, NLP and sports - during my training to become an aerobics instructor, I thought that there must be a way to combine positive thinking with actions during the training! First thing I did was to research on the internet to find out if there are people out there who share my thoughts and I was so excited when I discovered Patricia Moreno's intenSati! And as destiny wanted it, I got accepted for an internship in NYC and next 2 things I did were: order the book "the intenSati method" (i think I read it 3 times already^^) and sign up for the leader training! Shortly followed by registering for the Workin'it Out event, which took placce on the day of my arrival (i remember posts on my FB wall about that ;))

I mentioned it already, it was the perfect KickOff for my time in NYC - being part of this event right on the first day was so wonderful and inspiring! This workout empowers you to challenge yourself; it energizes your body, makes you sweat, fuels your mind and positive thoughts and raises your sensitivity to what, how and why you feel or think certain things!

Additionally, I signed up to the Sati Life Warrior Training! Patricia creates monthly programs for all warriors, each embodying a different theme - in August we are UNSTOPPABLE (gosh, I'm actually in NYC - hell yeah I'm unstoppable^^) in September I am looking forward to be MAGICAL :) Each months warrior series encompasses a recorded workout, meditation, the chance to participate in community calls and special to do's to make it (your goals, dreams, desires) come true! 

Being a part of this great community I can only wholeheartedly agree to this: 

"We are a community committed to being a powerful force for positive change in the world. We are devoted to living happier, healthier and beneficial lives. Our intention is to continually train to be the change we want to see in the world and embody love in all that we think, say and do."

Have a wonderful day/night (from where ever you are following my thoughts from on this planet)!

Before I say good-night, I need to get this out: YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Thank you all so much for reading and following my blog! when you are so far away from home and you start sharing some thoughts here and realizing that you actually have an audience is a great feeling and it empowers me everyday! Which is why I will let my blog become a high priority again ;)

Have a great one :)

Love, xoxo 

730 hours...

or 2 629 743 seconds!!! That is the exact time that I have spent in NYC already and I can't believe it -  the time passed by suuuper quickly and I'm thinking "What one month is already over??? Only 6 more left :("

I know that blogging was not priority number 1 in the past 730 hours, but I guess I needed the time to see for myself, if I really like and enjoy living in this city - and with confidence I can say now that this city is amazing, and that I am very grateful to be here!

I have experienced so many fantastic things... NYC offers A LOT in terms of leisure time! A short wrap up of the past month: 

Rooftops - the view over the city is incredible 

Bar hoppings - 1. the beauty bar, where you can get a manicure for 10$ inside the bar, plus 1 free drink included (when you consider that you have to expect at least 5$ for a beer, its a good bargain i would say ;)) 2. a bar, where you get for every beer you order a free pizza :D
And there are maaaaany more, but these were (for now) my highlights^^

Department stores (Macy's, Bloomingdales, Century 21,...) I guess I can save the lines about shopping, casu we all know it is awesome to shop in NYC ;)

Culinary adventure - NYC offers an incredibly enormous amount of culinary delights! Especially in Hell's Kitchen the density of foreign restaurants is a pleasure for every thai, mexican, japanese, french, local food lover :)

Summer Stage in Central Park - in Summer the TV channel ABC is present every friday morning (7am) with their show Good Morning America and the specialty about these events are that VIP'S from the music scene are performing for free!!! So far I have seen Neyo and One Republic performing - next week the Backstreet Boys are on :D 

The fabulous trip to Lake George... but I will do an extra blog post with pics for that ;)

The concious life-style - Since I arrived 730 hours ago, I continued and even intensified my sportive routine and activities! Be it running in Central Park, going to the gym for Spinning (with which I totally fell in love with here^^) or another aerobics class either in the gym or somewhere outside! Also I really enjoy to eat healthy here - the rage of healthy restaurants is incredible (especially for lunch)
Most people would think, omg its NY you have to eat burgers and fries every day - b***sh**!!! Of course, I also indulge myself with a cupcake, ice cream or burger from time to time but I try to control thos temptations - Sporty regards ;)

Oh, I could go on for another hour or 5 about what I have been doing in the past 730 hours ;) but most importantly, I am super happy in this city and I embrace every moment I spend here!!!

Yesterday someone asked me if I already consider myself being a New Yorker; and I asked him what is needed to qualify - and here is the answer: "1st: You avoid Times Square, caus ou cannot stand the crowds of tourists! 2nd: New York is a very fast moving city, so are its inhabitants - so slow moving people, like tourists on the street are the worst! and 3rd: If you enjoy doing sports, you join the running crowd in Central Park!"

I had to check for each of these requirements ;)

Again, I can't believe that 1 month of 7 is already over! You can't imagine how much I look forward to the next 6 :)

I'll be back soon - promise ;)

XOXO