Quantifying Workouts & the Human Machine

It's interesting to me how much we tend to quantify things at the gym. "How many reps should I do?" "How many minutes do I need to be on the treadmill?" "How many calories did I burn?" "How many pounds have I lost?" While the numbers do have a certain amount of importance, I find focusing too much on them takes something away from the experience.

Feeling my body moving and doing is exhilarating. Knowing all parts from the synapses firing in my brain and the fibers in my muscles making limbs move to the my heart pumping blood to provide more oxygen to my lungs and body is nothing short of miraculous.

So while it is important to keep track of one's progress, the “mindful workout," I try to practice, feeling ALL parts working in harmony, is incredible. It reminds me that I am a complex biological machine capable of infinite things.

Successful versus Satisfied

There's a difference between a successful life and a satisfied one. A satisfied one is better. Success is measured by others. Satisfaction is measured by our own soul, mind, and heart.

The Secret Mission of Dogs

Last week my partner and I brought home Rufus. He's a 4-year old, 23 pound, purebred, AKC registered French Bulldog. Within days my heart had been melted and I loved that little guy more than anything else in the whole wide world. I realized that's the secret mission of every dog; melt their owners heart with unconditional love and affection. Some days he's an obstinate little gremlin, but I wouldn't have him any other way!

A dear friend sent a box of goodies for him from chewy.com. Inside was a stuffed unicorn toy that he absolutely loves and can't be without. Watching him tear into it is both comical and heart-warming. Click the video above and prepare for snuffles and grunts of cuteness. Be sure to turn up the volume!

Third Act Wisdom

“When I talk about figuring out my Third Act I'm not talking about making plans. I'm talking about being disciplined enough to learn what my past has to teach me, brave enough to take those lessons into my heart, to own them, and commit myself to doing what is necessary to make them a part of my future.”
— Jane Fonda, “My Life So Far”