The Love List

Doesn't this really say it all? I think I may have to blow it up, hang it on a wall, and refer back to it daily.

Do you ever find yourself thinking about and planning for the future? Do you always have your eye on the next accomplishment? It could be graduating from school, your next career move, marriage, starting a family, settling into a new home, joining a class, learning a new skill, starting a business.

I've always been programmed this way. I get something in my head that I want to succeed at - I do it, and quickly move on to the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing. I'm a planner and always have been. Always striving for the bigger and better.

Physically, I'm here, right now. April 1, 2013. But mentally? I'm out there. I'm in the midst of planning our wedding (23 days out! When did that happen?!), I'm thinking about life by the ocean, I'm searching for our next home, and I'm already thinking about the next steps after that. Where will we settle down? Where do we want to travel next? I wonder when we'll decide to have a family? What about this, what about that?

And then I think to myself - whoa, whoa, whoa.

What happens when we're so consumed by thinking of the future that we actually forget to live in the NOW? Time has this funny way of zooming right past us, and before you know it, BAM! You're there. You're in the future that you had spent hours upon hours dreaming about.

Think back - did you soak in those moments? Did you really live those days? Steal the extra kisses, smell the flowers, search for shapes in the clouds, dive into the words of a book whole-heartedly?

You don't need to know all the answers right now. You are exactly where you need to be. Live the moments. Ask yourself: What can I do to start living in the present? How can I make the most of this day, the right here and now?

Remembering the little things, that's what life is all about, isn't it? Which is exactly what Things I'm Loving is all about, here's what's been filling me up with happiness lately...

SPRING, IS THAT YOU?

Toronto keeps flipping and flopping all over the place while it tries to decide on which way it wants to go during the transition into Spring.

Case in point: Easter weekend was gorgeous. We parked ourselves on patio furniture and let the sun soak our faces. Today? It's snowing off and on. Not a very cool April Fool's joke, Mother Nature. Not very cool at all.

Each and every time the sky decides to clear itself of clouds, and the sun shows its glowing face, Sebastian and I book it for the front door and stay outside as long as possible. (Even if our eyes aren't accustomed to the brightness quite yet... although, I must admit, sometimes I decide to forgo the sunnies and close my eyes and let the warmth hit my face just to soak in as much vitamin D as I can, secretly thinking, PLEASESUNDON'TGOANYWHERE! INEEDYOUINMYLIFEALWAYS!)

GREENHOUSE HAVEN

There's something that feels so magical about stepping into a greenhouse. I yearn for the day when we find our new home and can fill it up with even more luscious plants and flowers. The kind of stuff that makes you stop dead in your tracks and just gaze at the beauty.

As I drove around the city one afternoon, I passed this nice little spot, and couldn't resist stopping in for a quick look.

I wandered up and down the entire greenhouse (I swear, I couldn't spend hours in there!), soaking in the unmistakable aromas, carefully picking out the perfect selection for our home, with the help of a gorgeous cat who - I must admit, scared the bejesus out of me! I ended up choosing three gorgeous succulents and am in the process of wishing for a better green thumb to help them thrive.

EXPLORATION

This is one of my favourite shots from our day out at the museum. A day that reminded me so much of last summer - days spent exploring the city, ending up wherever the wind would blow us, creating our own memories, laughing, biking, spontaneous little adventures...

I'm itching for days like this.

 ENERGIZING WORKOUTS

(hello, sun-deprived legs, nice to see you)

HOT DAMN! I know I've mentioned this maaaaybe a few times before... but the LiveFit program is so, so fantastic! I'm definitely seeing and feeling results and have already had a handful of people tell me how much of a difference they can see! High-five to THAT! Aside from the physical (slowly saying GOOD-BYE to the dreaded muffin top, hahaha): more restful night sleeps, more energy all day long (which is especially good for this non-morning person), feeling stronger, more rejuvenated, and just all-around goodness! Which may have resulted in more than a few dance parties in my living room.

It feels freaking awesome to be really taking care of my body, and it is certainly showing me the love in return. Here's one of my favourite workouts - it's challenging but after driving through it - leaves me feeling on top of the world!

LEG WORKOUT:
Leg Extensions
Wide Stance Barbell Squat
Walking Barbell Lunge
Single-Leg Barbell Deadlift
Lying Leg Curls
Seated Calf Raise
Standing Calf Raise
Finished it up with 30 minutes of cardio. (Bike, treadmill, elliptical)

Instead of using a barbell (which I don't have), I used dumbbells instead. It's a KILLER workout (there are tons more, here, if you're looking for inspiration - targeting different parts of the body - I highly recommend it!)

LATE NIGHT RELAXATION

Nights to myself are spent with a little pampering. These days it involves a solid workout, a dip in the hot tub, and cozying up with a good book to end the night. (Such a party animal, I know!)

It's in these little moments, where you can sit back, and think "ahhhhh, life is gooooood."

GUIDING WORDS FROM THE UNIVERSE
Sometimes, the words you need to hear the most, fall ever-so-slightly in your lap, and you suddenly realize that the weight of the world has been perched on your shoulders. Then, it's time to take a deep breath in, and just let it go...

Do you know what it sometimes means when you feel a bit bummed out and aren't sure why? When you catch yourself looking back over your shoulder and wondering? When you feel doubt, sense uncertainty, and experience fear? When you sometimes wonder what's taking so long?

It means you're normal.

Yeeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaa!

+ What's going on in your world, gorgeous? Anything been on your mind? Have you been tackling any goals lately? What are you most grateful for these days? I'd love it if you'd open up and share in the comments, sweet one!

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