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Lighten Up

Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is.

Today. Now.

SO that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.

 

“What are you giving up for Lent?” someone asked me last week when I returned to work after having a 7 day stomach flu. “Food,” I jokingly said, then quickly gave my real Lenten project, “Judgement, especially self-judgement. That crushing, self-doubting, destructive kind.”


Yeah. That’s me. Silly, but serious too. I’ve given up all sorts of things in years past: alcohol, chocolate, swearing, interrupting, t.v. a few nights a week, my time to help others, etc. But, last year I tried something new. I decided go more internal and in the hopes it would make my external life happier and healthier. I gave up worrying.

I didn’t overthink it. I just heard this good ‘ole Irish saying and thought, hey maybe I’ll try that for real.

 

So, for 40 days I did my best to give less time to worry, to quell the noise of my mind when it went in to panic response mode over little things. Slowly, slowly, I loosened my grip on how I thought things should be day to day and began to embrace the way things were without my need to control them. What happened? An unexpected, tremendous relief! I had no idea I was causing myself so much tension and strife. Soon I felt I could breathe more deeply and easily.

 
The way Brian's face looks is how I found myself feeling more and more each day. Simply serene.

The way Brian's face looks is how I found myself feeling more and more each day. Simply serene.

 

Before I knew it I found myself feeling lighter and brighter, and even sleeping better. Something I had struggled with for years. This letting go of worry thing worked so well I continued to practice it well after Lent was over. More often than not, what I realized as my days played out was that things worked out just as they should without any assistance from the opinions of my overly concerned mind. In fact, many days and events went even better than I could have imagined, even when they took unexpected turns. The best part of all of this was I was able to be more present, fully enjoy each moment and even laugh at just how amazing life really is.

So, with that frame of mind I embark this Lent on another internal journey to drop judgement. I’m not sure exactly where it will lead me, and that’s okay. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s just about lightening myself up, and in doing so hopefully bringing more light into my world and those of others too. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

Is there anything in your life you feel you could drop that would help make you lighter and brighter, or perhaps set you on a more productive path? Or, have you worked to let go of something in the past that was holding you back? If so, how did it go?

Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to be inspired by your stories and cheer you on with your new endeavors.

Cheers to judgement-free, worry free, lighter, brighter days!

Here’s to enjoying your life & ALL GOOD THINGS my friends!

XOXO,

Mary

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On Top of the World

"When it's over, no regrets."

- Randy Peeters


This guy literally has! Well, almost. His name is Randy Peeters, a rocket scientist who’s climbed the highest point on each continent and reaching both poles. This includes summiting Mt. Everest at age 57. At age 71 he still actively enjoys and goes on extreme adventures. My husband, Brian, and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife of 51 years, Doris, on an Amtrak train this past summer.

Climbing Everest

Climbing Everest

Needless to say this filled us with overwhelming inspiration. Not only because of Randy’s extreme sports adventures, which he still goes on, but because of how Randy & Doris approach life. They're an amazing couple who make the most of living. Randy's motto: "When it's over, no regrets." Over the course of the day we became fast friends and learned a lot about one another.

Sitting on top of the world!

Sitting on top of the world!

One thing I learned from Randy is anyone can make their dreams come true, in all areas of life, no matter how impossible, how insurmountable they may seem. Really. He's done it many times in his outdoor adventures, and in his work, family and spiritual life. Another thing I learned from Randy and Doris is that your perspective and commitment to the people and events in your life determines the quality of the experiences you have. These two are living examples of true positivity and loyalty. They are committed to one another and to living lives they love and it shows.

Randy & Doris in Alaska summer 2016

Randy & Doris in Alaska summer 2016

Randy now shares how to find a life of fulfillment and conquer all types of goals with people all over the world. He's written a book called Journeys to the Edge, which puts into writing the energy, excitement and lessons Randy has experienced. To read more about his book or order your own copy go to you can visit Amazon.com and search for Journeys to the Edge.

While I strongly recommend his book, there's nothing like meeting an author in person. As I mentioned Brian and I met Randy and Doris on the train. From the moment of introducing ourselves we were captivated. Randy and Doris really are very special people to be in the presence of and talk with. Their abundant and vibrant energy is infectious.

Base camp

Base camp

You can meet Randy in person too!

Whether it's attending one of his inspirational workshops or joining him on his next extreme sport adventure you'll be sure to be inspired. Randy is great at guiding others to clarify their life's vision. Brian and I had the pleasure of attending one of Randy's workshops this past January in Chicago (our hometown). We left energized with a deeper sense of purpose in our work, and clarity and connection in our relationship with one another. Find out more about Randy's talks in this video:

Like the Amtrak conductor announced as we road the rails back home, "Everybody's somebody on the train."

Indeed. Everybody is somebody, and taking the time to get to know another's story can lead to such enjoyment, inspiration and new adventures.

We continue to keep in contact since that train ride and plan on visiting with Randy & Doris again soon! I simply cannot wait to hear about more of their new adventures and I'd love to hear about yours too!

Add to the inspiration and share stories about your own life adventures! Let me know what you do to reach new heights in your life. Do you have a motto that shapes your work, relationships and how you spend your days? If so, tell me about it in the comments below!

Until next time, keep embracing and celebrating all of the adventures of your life!

Here's to enjoying your life & ALL GOOD THINGS my friends!

XOXO,

Mary

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Make Everyday a Good Day!

If you want to be happy, you have to be happy on purpose. When you wake up, you can't just wait to see what kind of day you'll have. You have to decide what kind of day you'll have.

- Joel Olsteen

Gotta love Snapchat!

Gotta love Snapchat!

So, when we wake up that's what Brian & I do. One or both of us will say soon after blinking our eyes open, "I'm alive. I'm awake and I feel great!".  Truth be told, some mornings it's easier to say than others. And, that's exactly why we make sure to do it. Because life, is well, life. It has ups and downs. We've lived through enough of both of them individually and as a married couple to know we must decide what kind of day we're going to have.
This day started out completely crappy, but also included tears of joy and some amazing hard-earned smiles. Full story in my previous post: Turn Frustration to Elation.

This day started out completely crappy, but also included tears of joy and some amazing hard-earned smiles. Full story in my previous post: Turn Frustration to Elation.

We're both generally pretty happy people, but like anyone else we can get down, discouraged, questioning ourselves or each other. We're human. We're just very cognizant of when that happens and like a gardener we watch and tend to the landscape of our minds and moods. Working to clear the way, plucking out negativity, tossing it out like the weed it is and replacing it with the seeds of more fruitful, positive thoughts. It helps us individually and as a couple.
Although it can be work and we're well aware that negative feelings have they're place, we just do not allow ourselves to dwell in them too long. If we find we are we do something about it, especially at the start of our day. After all, we like to take charge and make the most of our days and lives. And, we know you do too!
So as cheesy as our little morning mantra sounds, we love it and stick to it. Saying those words is part of our morning routine along with putting on upbeat tunes and even dancing.  Being silly & fun in the morning sets us in a good mood. We work to keep it there throughout the day too.  And, surprisingly as I have learned over the course of my yoga studies, there's actually some ancient wisdom behind it. Yoga Sutra 2.33 from Patanjali (that's the traditional yoga text) says, "When disturbed by negative thoughts [doubt, uncertainty}, opposite [positive] ones should be thoughts of."  Sounds a little like something Yoda would say, right!
With that, I'd like to know - What do you do to get your day headed in the right direction? Are there any morning mantras or mid-day Jedi mind tricks you have to keep you focused, happy, calm and productive? If so, share it in the comments or email the details to me at mary@marybosak.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers to good mornings, and so many more good days of 2017!

Here's to enjoying your life & ALL GOOD THINGS my friends!

Xoxo,

Mary

P.S. - ALL GOOD THINGS is going on a brief break. We'll be recharging over vacation and ready to bring even more goodness to you on Tuesday, February 28th.

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Super Snacks!

I'm not a big sports fan, but I do love celebrating fun times like the Super Bowl with my family and friends. Trying to eat yummy snacks that won't make me feel bad (emotionally or physically) can be a challenge. Which inspired this Super Snacks for the Super Bowl post today!

I'm giving you my 2 faves. They're winners for your tastes buds & health. Enjoy!

This recipe is a riff off of what you can order at The Protein Bar. Costs way less (about $2.50 per serving) and tastes amazing!

Here's what you need:

4 carrots, 4 stalks of celery, 1 cup quinoa, 1 chicken breast or 1-16oz extra firm tofu, Frank's Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper. Optional: Blue cheese crumbles and chicken or vegetable bouillon cube.

Directions:

Cook quinoa according to directions on package. Basic instructions usually are to bring quinoa and water to boil (add bouillon cube here if you like more flavor). Give a stir.. Cover and simmer. Simmer times can vary.

Heat toaster oven to 400. Place chicken breast on baking sheet. Rub a little olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 5-8 per side depending on thickness. (If you're using tofu, cut into cubes, toss with teaspoon of olive oil & half teaspoon salt & pepper. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Flip and roast another 15 min. When done toss in a bowl with 1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Wings sauce. Set aside.)

Meanwhile, peel and chop carrots into bite-size cubes. Chop celery into bite-size cubes as well.

After the chicken cools a little dice it into bite-size pieces. Toss in large serving bowl with 2 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Wings sauce. Stir in carrots, celery and cooked quinoa. Add another 1/4 cup (or more to taste) Frank's Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce. Mix together. Optional: Add blue cheese crumbles and stir lightly again. I like to set them on the side so guests can add as desired. 

Bonus: This makes a great prep ahead lunch on regular days too! My hubby and I love to make a batch on Sunday and split it up in small containers to go for the rest of the week. Stays good for up to 3 days.

Quinoa is the secret healthy ingredient here! it has loads of goodness packed in it. From protein, to fiber, to iron - it's definitely a superfood!

Now to wash it all down!

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The Hail Mary Cocktail

Ok, I'm aware alcohol & health and fitness don't really go together. And, honestly I'm not much of drinker. But, when I do choose to partake it's likely going to be a shot of whiskey or this refreshing concoction. The only connection to football is the name here- and that's actually a stretch. Anyway, it originated on a Caribbean cruise. In an attempt to make a beverage keep me both happy & hydrated I asked for the following: Bacardi Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum & sparkling water over ice. It was perfect. It tasted like a piña colada without all the heaviness. Soon new pool side friends were ordering it too. Servers not sure what to call this blend blamed me for the fun and dubbed it the 'Hail Mary'. And so the week went -  sunshine, fun and Hail Mary's all around. Who knew they'd be such a hit! Not sure if the name and cocktail is still cruising around the Caribbean Seas, but rest assured you can make your own following the recipe above, or this even simpler one below:

IMG_4807.JPG

1 can LaCroix Coconut Flavored Sparkling Water chilled or over ice

1-2 shot(s) your favorite rum.

Add a slice of pineapple for garnish if you want to get fancy.

So, go ahead and celebrate! Watch the game or just enjoy the company and the snacks. Either way, give these recipes a try & let me know what you think. Better yet, let me know if you have some fun yummies of your own! Share your recipes in an email or the comments below! I'd love to hear from you and try out some new recipes!

Cheers to good food, good eating and great health - (funny commercials, good entertainment. & oh yeah, football too!) Yay, sports!

Here's to enjoying your life & ALL GOOD THINGS my friends!

Xoxo,

Mary

P.S. - Stay tuned for next week's ALL GOOD THINGS. It'll have you making every day a good day!

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