Yoga and Running

May marks the start of a few things for me.  This is the month I go to France for a yoga retreat (Yay!) and it is also the month I start training for the half marathon in September.  I must admit that I am pretty comfortable with my kind of exercise routine right now and the thought of really starting to work out again is uncomfortable.  However, I had signed up for both and now is the time for me to start.  I will be doing yoga everyday until I leave for France and I will be running 3-4 days a week starting this week.  I just had to share since this is forcing me to go outside of my comfort zone.  :).

Birthday Fun

Last weekend we celebrated the birthday of one of my good friends.  I will be honest, I did not feel like going out this night.  I got up early for work and just wanted to stay home and relax.  However,  I had made a promise to go to dinner and out to celebrate, so I stepped out of my comfort zone (staying at home in comfy clothes watching TV) and had a great time.  We went to a new restuarant I had never been to before and then went to a relaxing bar after that.  There were 12 of us out that night and it was nice to celebrate with good friends.  At the end of the night I was glad I pushed myself to go! 

Take it Easy

Sometimes the best days are the days spent doing nothing.  Today was a beautiful weather day and I had the day off.  My boyfriend and I slept in, went to a casino, grilled out for dinner, had rosemary sparkling lemonade, had an ice cream taste test and watched a movie.  It was a nice relaxing day. 

Wedding Fun

Last weekend I went to a super fun wedding for one of my friends.  Sometimes it is nice to just let loose and enjoy the night.  That is exactly what we did.  Here are some Photos. 

Taking a Risk

One of my friends is running for City Council here in Columbus, Ohio.  I really admire his ability to take a risk.  He just decided a few months ago that he wanted to do this because of his involvement with the community.  The odds of winning are not in his favor, but he is putting all of his energy into this and taking a risk.  I feel that this is what makes us stronger, the ability to do something that scares us or makes us question if it is a good decision.  I like the idea of just going for it and doing what feels good.  I have had many jobs in my lifetime and I am sure I will have many more.  I could be depressed that I have not fully figured out what I want to do, or I can embrace the fact that I am constantly changing and just go with it. 


I hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

Life Lessons

Below is an article that I submitted to MindBodyGreen to be published on their website.  Since it did not get selected (I am totally ok with that just submitting it was something I would never have done before this blog), I am going to share it with you.  :) I titled it Life Lessons.

I strongly believe that I have a good work ethic. I graduated college, climbed the corporate ladder for a while, started my own business and worked in a high level position at a hospital. All things that I am proud to say I have "achieved". However,  all that changed when I went on a yoga retreat to Italy from a website I found through [https//Mindbodygreen.com] called [https://eat.pray.move.com] Before I went on the yoga retreat, I wasn't sleeping at night, I was depressed, anxious from the constant worry of work, and had recently been put on high blood pressure medicine (at 31). At night I would just sit on my couch consumed with worry about work. I was an unhappy girl and I had no idea what to do. 

At first, I booked the yoga retreat because it was in the south of Italy, the pictures were beautiful, and I needed an escape. What came of it was life changing. The trip was exactly how I pictured it to be, beautiful scenery, fresh food, Yoga by sunrise, Yoga by sunset, shopping, wine, and good connections with the others that had signed up for the retreat. I was reminded that this is what life is all about, feeling good. I was finally starting to let go,listen to my inner voice, and to actually enjoy myself and my life again. 

On day 4 of the retreat I woke up with a major Ah Ha moment. If I am unhappy in my job, stressed, not sleeping, on medication, and depressed, then why do I stay in a job that does not serve me. Why am I keeping this job? Was it for the money? Was it for the status of my position? Was is because my friends and family were proud of me for my recent promotion and I did not want to let anyone down? The answer was Yes, to all of the questions. That is when I realized that I was keeping my job for my ego and for everyone else. I was not doing this for me, I was doing this because this is what I felt like I was supposed to be doing. 

It's a nice feeling when the need to be happy is stronger than the need of the ego. I went home, put in my notice at work and started looking for other jobs.  I changed my outlook and went after jobs I thought would be enjoyable, instead of what I thought I was supposed to be doing. I am now proud to say I work at Whole Foods Market. Sometimes this means I am the one in the parking lot getting grocery carts and you know what, I am just fine with that. It is a happy place that is very health focused and has provided me with many opportunites. I recently ran a half marathon with a team from Whole Foods. Working there has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone.  I have become a vegetarian, improved my diet, started a blog, and I am working on my own all natural hair care line. All things that I would not even have considered in my old state of mind.  

I have come a long way from the unhappy girl that used to sit on the couch each night and worry about work.  I am very grateful for signing up for that yoga retreat when I did. I am thankful that clearing my mind and body with yoga  allowed me to listen to my inner voice and make necessary changes. I am also happy to say that I will be attending another yoga retreat this May in France. Who knows where my life will go after this one!


Bio:Leigh-Ann Houchin is a big believer of yoga, healthy eating, postive thinking, and loving everyone equally.  She currently works at Whole Foods Market, has created a blog that is all about living life outside of your comfort zone [https://outsideofyourzone.blogspot.com] and is working on an all natural hair care line.

Yoga Retreat #2

I am leaving for a yoga retreat in Provence, France in a little over a month.  I am soooo excited to go on another yoga retreat.  The first retreat was so enjoyable and really opened my eyes to living my life to the fullest.  I am going to share some information about this retreat and I strongly encourage anyone who has ever thought about attending a yoga retreat to do it!  It just might change your life!! 

The retreats that I attend are throught this website www.eatpraymove.com. All activities and most of your meals are included in the cost. 

Here is a little information on what is in included

INCLUDED*:

• Villa accommodation (spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, linens)
• Daily Breakfast
• Daily Dinner (at Villa and restaurants)
• Lunch on selected days
• Welcome cocktail party
• Transportation to/from day trips
• Ferry to Porquerolles Island
• Bike rental to nearby village market
• Daily meditation and yoga classes
• Use of estate premises (hiking trails, pool, art room, etc.)
• Wine, Aperitif, Cheese Tasting
• Spa day
• Day trips + entrance fees
• Tips & Taxes

DAY TRIPS:

• Aix-en-Provence
• Spa Day
• Countryside tour + bike ride to village market
• Provencal Tasting Tour (explore the special nuances of different wines, aperitifs, and cheeses in the French diet)
• Porquerolles Island + ferry

Washington DC

Happy Monday!  I just got back from a quick 4 day trip to DC with my boyfriend.  It was extremely nice to get away for a few days and explore a city that I have not been to before.  Plus, we went during Cherry Blossom festival!  It was an amazing few days and I just wanted to share a few picks from our trip. 

Us by the water enjoying the sunshine and warm weather

Star Spangled Banner

At Martin's Cafe on their 80th celebration.  This is the Tavern that JFK supposedly proposed to Jackie O. 



Our Friend, who is a pilot, was in town for a few hours and we had lunch.

Cherry Blossoms!

Pretty Day!



Detoxing

I have said that I am doing a 3-Day juice cleanse and I am planning on doing this soon, I promise!  However, for now, I am going to go 5 days without a drop of alcohol.  I know to some of you that might not sound that hard, but I enjoy a glass of red wine almost daily, sometimes two, and occasioanlly 3.  I just got back from a quick trip with my boyfriend and have had more alcohol than normal.  I am stating right now that I will not have a drop of wine for 5 days, starting today.  My reason for this is that I need to give my body a break for a few days.  Instead, I will be drinking a detoxing herbal tea.  I will report back to you on this in 5 days!

Healthy Recipes Part 1

One of the very first things I did "Outside of My Comfort Zone" in terms of health was to change the way I eat.  I have been a vegetarian for two years now, partly for health and partly because I am a little indifferent to eating meat.  One thing that has kept me motivated to eat  healthy, is to have a list of websites and blogs I like and the direct link to their recipes.  I am going to share with you my go to recipes for making healthy choices.  Hopefully, you will enjoy them as much as I do!

I made this from a blog I like called www.mynewroots.org a few weeks ago and it turned out great!

http://mynewroots.org/site/2012/09/whole-roasted-tandoori-cauliflower-with-mint-chutney/

This Chickpea Dip is amazing from www.purevege.com

http://www.purevege.com/2012/10/chickpea-dip-spelt-crackers.html

Whole Living has a great recipe for a Rosted Spaghetti Squash with Herbs.  http://www.wholeliving.com/184981/spaghetti-squash-recipes/@center/185179/fall-recipes



Another blog I really like that has great recipes is www.willworkforfoodgirl.com and one of my favorites from her blog is her Sweet Potato Chips http://willworkforfoodgirl.com/sweet-tater-chips-that-arent-cookies/

  My most favorite blog of all time is www.cupcakesandcashmere.com and one of my favorite recipes, hard to pick just one, is the Pea Pesto Crostini http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/pea-pesto-crostini/ 

Lastly, I love Gwyneth Paltrow and her blog www.goop.com has a great recipe for a Chia Seed Pudding, here, http://www.goop.com/recipes/breakfast/chiaseed-pudding

I have a lot more to share and have just decided I will do a Healthy Recipes Part 2 in the near future. 

Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

The Simple Things

I just came across a magazine that I absolutely love and wanted to share.  It is called "The Simple Things" and it has inspired me over the past few days.  While reading this on Sunday evening, I was inspired to meet a friend for afternoon tea this coming Thursday, cook an exciting new meal for my boyfriend, and plan an outdoor brunch with my sister and cousins for Mother's Day.  The thing I appreciate most about this magazine is that it truly is about appreciating the simple things and making the most of what you have. 

Here is the link www.thesimplethings.com

Today I Did Something Way Outside of My Comfort Zone

Today I submitted an article to one of my favorite websites called www.mindbodygreen.com.  This was a huge leap for me.  I typically would only think about doing something like this but would not actually follow through with it.  The article was all about my experience on my first yoga retreat and how it changed my life.  It was very personal and normally not something I would share.  However, I felt inspired to do this because the webiste and the yoga retreat have helped shape my current outlook on life.  This outlook is much more positve and happy compared to my outlook a few years ago. 




Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Weight

I do not enjoy talking about weight, I like the idea of just eating healthy and enjoying my body.  I have struggled to lose my last 20 lbs for the past 2 years.  I have lost 20+ lbs in the past 5 years but still have 20 lbs to go to get to my ideal weight.  I have decided that I am going to really kick my eating right into high gear.  I am a healthy eater for the most part, however portions and chips are my weakness.  I have vowed to start planning out and prepping my meals for the week.  I feel that this alone will allow me to just grab a healthy meal, that is ready, instead of gravitating towards chips and hummus, my usual.  I am putting this out here on 03/18/13 that I vow to lose 20lbs.  I do vow to do this in a healthy way.  The main thing I will be doing is starting to run again, continue yoga for 3 days a week, and tweak my healthy eating to be a bit more healthy.  Below are some photos of me now and me before I lost my 20+ lbs!

This is me on my 30th birhtday at a party in my store/business I used to own.  I think I was at my heaviest here.

Another picuture at my heavy weight. 

Me on my 34th birthday this past January.  Things are improving, I just have a little ways to go! 


Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Vision Board

I have had a vision board for the past 6 years.  Some of the things on my vision board have manifested and others are on the way.  I love having this board though, just looking at the pretty pictures I have put together puts me in a better mood.  They are very easy to do, you just need a cork board, a few magazines, and scissors.  If you like a picture and it makes you feel happy, cut it out and put it on your vision board. 

Here is mine

Treasure Yourself

One person that I think is doing amazing things with spreading positive energy is Miranda Kerr.  I love that she has created her own organic skin care line called Kora Organics http://www.koraorganics.com/, she is very into healthy eating and has attended school for natural health, she is a Yogi, she has a great blog http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/, and she has written a book called Treasure Yourself.  I believe the title says it all, but this book is all about appreciating YOU.  I have just started reading it and I am looking forward to having something positive to read at night.  It also reminds me why I am doing this blog.  I want to motivate myself and anyone who may happen to stuble across it to be postive, take care of yourself, and do what feels good.  One big goal I have is that I would LOVE to meet Miranda Kerr.  I am putting this out into the universe becuase she is such a role model for me. 

40 Days of Yoga Complete

It feels good to have decided to do 40 days of yoga.  Part of the reason I wanted to do this blog is so that I can hold myself accountable for things I say I am going to do and push myself to actually do them.  This is something that I easily could have stopped doing, but I am so glad that I finished.  I am slowly coming along in my yoga practice and feel that with each passing week I am getting a little bit more flexible.  One thing that helped me to stay motivated was to attend the free yoga classes at Lululemon on Sunday.  Again, attending these classes is something I always wanted to do but never actually did, until now :).  Now I can say that I am a regular at Lululemon Sunday yoga and I have completed 40 days in a row of yoga.  This is an awesome feeling!! Here is where I attended and will continue to attend free yoga classes:
http://www.lululemon.com/columbus/eastontownctr

6 am Yoga

Friday morning I did something waaaay out of my comfort zone.  I got up at 5 am and attended a 6am morning rocket yoga class.  This is something I would always think about doing, but would never actually follow through with.  I must say that it felt very good after and the class and showed me how far along I am coming in my 40 days in a row of yoga challenge.  There was also a bonus, my friend Jenna taught the class!!  Very proud of myself for this one and I will be doing this again. 

www.growyogacolumbus.com

Yoga Retreat #1

I absolutely love traveling and when you put traveling to Italy, staying in a villa, eating food right off the land and yoga all together in one week, I am there!  I just wanted to share with you a few pics from the absolutely amazing yoga retreat I went on to Ischia, Italy.  Please let this inspire you to do something amazing or take that trip you only talk about taking! 

P.S.  There is another Yoga Retreat on the  books!  I will talk more about this as it gets closer. 


Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Juicing

Do you juice?  Does it make you feel amazing?  Have you done a juice cleanse?  I juice about 6 mornings a week.  I do this as part of my breakfast, but I have never done a juice cleanse.  This is on my list to try and accomplish.  This is waaay out of my comfort zone because I have a very intense relationship with food.  I usually eat every 2-3 hours all day long.  Granted what I eat is healthy 70% of the time, I have never gone a day without solid food.  I am preparing for a 3 day juice cleanse.  I say preparing because I am currently only gathering healthy juice recipes.  My goal in doing the cleanse is to see that I can survive on 3 days of juice and that I just might enjoy it.  I also think it is a good way to reset your system and clean out some of the toxins.  I will post an update once I start this and let you know how the process is going!


This is what I currently juice in the mornings:

My 3 favorite recipes

Recipes #1



Ingredients:

• 1/2 Pineapple
• 1/2 Papaya
• 1 Kiwi
• 3 Handfuls of Kale
• 1 Cucumber
• 3 Cups Watermelon
• Juice of 1/2 Lime

Recipe #2

Ingredients:

• 3 Celery Stalks
• 1/2 Cucumber
• 1 Apple
• 2 Handfuls Romaine Lettuce
• 3 Handfuls Wheatgrass
• 3 Handfuls Kale
• 2 Handfuls Spinach
• 1/2 Cup Coconut Water

Recipe #3

Ingredients:

• 1 Pear
• 1 Apple
• 2 Handfuls Spinach
• 2 Handfuls Parsely
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 2 Cucumbers
• 1 Inch of Ginger



Pursuing Your Passion

Last night I attend a showing of Dave Grohl's Documentary, Sound City.  In watching this film, I was reminded of how wonderful it can be to follow your passion.  We get so caught up in our routine that we don't always think about what we are truly passionate about.  Dave talked about driving across country in a van that could break down at any moment to pursue his passion of music.  This really resonated with me.  There is so much I want to do in life and so much to appreciate.  Whatever you are doing, make sure you take time to do something you are passionate about!

http://buy.soundcitymovie.com/

My Year Of Goals

I am going to list my goals of how to start living Outside Of My Comfort Zone.  These are things that I want to accomplish or at least attempt to accomplish this year.  I am not going to put major stress on myself if something does not happen, I am just going to give it all I can and let the pieces fall how they will. 

Goals for 2013

1.  Complete 40 days in a row of yoga and use this to deepen my practice
2.  Continue to write this blog and hope to inspire/motivate people to live Outside of Their Comfort Zone
3.  Get my business up and running ( I will talk about this in a later post)
4.  Complete and practice the "May Cause Miracles" book by Gabrielle Bernstein that I cam currently reading
5. Continue eating a vegetarian diet and reach my ideal body weight of 135 lbs.
6.  Do a 5 day Juice Cleanse
7.  Attend the yoga retreat in Provence France through eatpraymove.com, I just signed up.  :)
8.  Run the Chicago Half Marathon in September http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/
9.  Attend this wonderful event that Gabrielle Bernstein is hosting.   http://kripalu.org/program/view/RRSL-131/may_cause_miracles
10.  Slow down and appreciate life daily.
11.  Journal

These are just some of my goals.  What are some of your goals that you are working on for the year?


Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

40 Days of Yoga Update

Today I am on day 23 of my 40 Days in a row of Yoga.  First I want to say that I am very proud of myself for sticking with this goal.  This would be an easy one to stop doing, especially on busy days.  However,  I am proud to say that I have stuck with this and here is what has changed with my body over the past 23 days: 

1.  I can almost touch my toes without having to bend my knees.  I am much further along in this process than I ever have been. 
2.  I have had pain in my right shoulder for the last 5 years.  I can feel my shoulder starting to relax a little.  It has been so stiff for years and it is slowly letting go.
3.  I can hold a crow pose for 5 seconds.  Before doing this challenge, I could not lift off the ground
4.  I can do a backbend for 5-10 seconds.
5.  I am learning to truly appreciate the art of yoga.  Before doing this challenge, I just wanted to hurry and get yoga out of the way for the day.  Now I am starting to feel how good it feels when your body transforms into being stronger.  I have a long way to go, but this is such a good start. 


Crow Pose

Backbend

Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Positive Thoughts

I just wanted to share with you how quickly postive thoughts/law of attraction can happen.  On Valentine's day, I was in my car driving and listening to my favorite radio station when the DJ annoucned about an upcoming event.  I thought to myself, that event sounds fun, I would like to attend that.  Right after I thought that to myself, the DJ announced that they were giving away two tickets right now to caller five.  I visualized myself being caller five, picked up the phone, dialed and it started ringing.  The next words I heard were you are the winner.  :)  Just like that.


Here is the event:

http://cd1025.com/event/reelin-rockin-the-gateway-2

More Goals

I'm going to this, I'm going to this, Yay, Yay!!  This is another goal I have set.  I am going to sign up for this right way.  Attending is a little outside of  my comfort zone, but I have a feeling I will be really glad I did it. 

Are you ready to work miracles? Best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein believes that simple, consistent shifts in thinking and actions can lead to the miraculous in all aspects of daily life, including your relationships, finances, body, and self-image.
In this inspiring workshop, Gabrielle offers an exciting plan for releasing fear and allowing gratitude, forgiveness, and love to flow through you without fail—all of which ultimately leads to a breathtaking life of abundance, acceptance, appreciation, and happiness.
Awaken a miracle mindset in a weekend from which you can expect incredible transformation—simply by incorporating subtle shifts that create miraculous change. Gabrielle combines Kundalini Yoga, the principles of A Course in Miracles, and meditation for a fun program with practical applications and useful take-home tools. June 28–30, 2013 Friday–Sunday 2 nights

Here is the link:  http://kripalu.org/program/view/RRSL-131/may_cause_miracles

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I will be attempting to bake a dessert (I will post pics later), going to dinner, and watching a movie.  I hope you have something awesome planned for today!! 

Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Goals

I am a big Goal setter.  I think I like to plan the goals more than I like accomplishing the goals, but none the less, part of my "goal" when creating this blog was to push myself to do things I normally would only think about doing.  I have many goals I am going to talk about on here becuase I feel once I put them out there, I have even more of push to complete them.  I stated in my introduction that I ran a half marathon (this past October) and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it.  Guess what?! I am now going to sign up for the Chicago half marathon in September!!  This absolutely puts me outside of my comfort zone, but that is what this blog is all about.  Setting goals and sticking with it, no matter how much is pains me.  :)  Anyone want to join me?

http://www.chicagohalfmarathon.com/

I Believe

Let me tell you the first time I read the book "The Secret", I thought the book was a little crazy.  However, I read it again and again, decided to think outside of my comfort zone, and eventually it started to make sense to me.  I truly believe in the power of visualization and positive thinking.  I sometimes struggle to choose to think in a positive way and sometimes my mind goes on a negative rampage for awhile before I even realize I have been thinking negative thoughts.  One think I like to do is use as many resources as I can, read as many books as I can, and look for anything that motivates me to stay positive.  A community I joined a while back is a website called Co-Creating Our Reality.  You are surrounded by a community of other individuals that are all manifesting positive vibrations in their life.  It is a great website, please check it out if you  are interested.  www.cocreatingourreality.comb



I also started a group on this website called "I Believe".  Here is what I had to share

I believe that there is good in everyone, sometimes you just have to look for it
I believe that if you want to change the way you see a situation, change the way you look at it
I believe you can accomplish ANYTHING if you put your mind to it
I believe that the moment you let go and allow it to happen, it does
I believe that the power of the mind is very real and strong
I belive that this is a great community that we are involved in and it will only get better
I believe the universe is friendly

Since I posted this, many other people added their beliefs and positve thoughts.  Please share the positive thoughts you believe in below! 



Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Creating Miracles

Creating Miracles!  I am currently reading a book by Gabrielle Bernstein called "May Cause Miracles".  This book is all about being outside of your comfort zone and teaches you how to be aware of your innger guide.  This thought process is a little out there to some and makes perfect sense to others.  To me, it makes perfect sense.  I am currently on day 21 and am becoming aware of how mean I am to myself, how much I truly do worry, how the negative way I speak to myself creates negative energy, and most importantly,  I am learning what I need to do to change all of this and think in a loving, positive way.  I strongly suggest reading this book.  If you are someone who lives inside your comfort zone, do yourself a favor and try reading "May Cause Miracles".  It may motivate you to change your way of thinking and change your life.  At the very least, I encourage you to pay attention to the way you talk to yourself.  This was very eye opening to me.  I noticed on a daily basis the majority of my thoughts towards myself were harsh and negative.  Very seldomly did I think something nice about myself.  Just take one day and notice how you treat and talk to yourself.  Write about the experience at the end of the day. You might be motivated to change your thoughts! 

Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann

Go For It

One year ago last January I quit my job at a hospital in a high level position to work as a cashier in a grocery store. I came back from my yoga retreat in Italy (I mentioned this in the Introduction) and realized that I was not living my life, I was simply going through the motions.  My job at the hospital was starting to affect my health.  I was put on medicine for high blood pressure, started having floaters in my eye, and did not sleep at night.  I do not mean that I tossed and  turned all night, I mean I physiclly did not fall asleep.  I would walk into work in a trance because I had spent the entire night before worrying about the stress, blame and negativity I was going to receive when I walked in the door to work.  I had a very severe micromanaging boss that wanted to control my every move.  She was the type that would send you an e-mail and then run to your office to make sure you received the e-mail.  She made me nervous and I did not do the job I knew I was capable of because of this. 


So I went away on the yoga retreat and decided I was coming back and quitting my job.  When I first told everyone they thought I was crazy, especially my boyfriend, but I eventually convinced everyone that this was actually good for me.  I put in my 3 months notice and applied for a job at Whole Foods, that's right, the grocery store.  I felt that this was a much happier place than the environment I just came from, so I went for it.  I still currently work there, as a cashier, and I love it.  I sleep at night and also ran a half marathon with the help of the store (they helped me raise the money for the Team in Training Program)  There are days when I am scheduled to be the person that gets the carts out of the parking lot.  That is always a good challenge for my comfort zone.  I sometimes think that people look at me when I am in the parking lot feeling sorry for this 34 year woman who is getting grocery carts.  Little do they know, I chose to be there!  My advice to you, if you are in a job that you absolutely feel is not right for you, GO FOR IT.  Find a different job  and do something that makes you happy.  I am very into eating healthy and what foods can do for your body so Whole Foods was a good fit for me.

One of the perks of working at Whole Foods, visiting a local produce auction and touring Amish Country. 

Until Next Time,

Leigh-Ann