Twenty Eight and Grateful

Thank you so much to everyone who sent birthday wishes. You all touched my heart and made my day so special. This past birthday was probably the most awesome one to date. As the day unfolded, I thought about a few things including the following:

1. The power of Facebook is unreal and no act of kindness or thoughtfulness is too small. It may have only taken someone two seconds to send me a happy birthday wish but when hundreds file in, I spent my entire day opening messages and birthday wishes.. it was so much fun to recieve that round-the-clock love. Just something to think about - take that moment and opportunity to send your “one” small gesture because that “one” gesture coupled with many others could impact someone tremendously. You never know how awesome you can make someone feel and to make someone feel great is priceless - for you and for them.

2. In regards to the “No Expectations trial” - (It’s something I’ve adopted and I’ve written about it a few times now. Let Go Of Expectations - When you have expectations of something – you put it in a predetermined box that has little to do with reality. You set up an idealized version of the thing (or person) and then try to fit the reality into this ideal, and are often disappointed. Instead, try to experience reality as it is, appreciate it for what it is, and be happy for what it is. - Leo Babauta) — I kept my birthday expectation free - I had no expectations of people, the day, events or plans and it wound up being the sweetest birthday to date. I found that without expectations, I was able to see and appreciate all the small things the day had to offer. The day never “fell short” and I didn’t miss anything because I had my eyes and heart set on something grand. The grand things came into the day as well, but that’s probably because I was flex and open to recieve them. It really warmed my heart and made the day so fun.

3. I love where I work. I didn’t have to train but a few clients on Friday and wound up spending my entire day at work - yes, from 8:30am to 5:30pm. That says a lot when I’d choose to spend my free time at work. I feel fortunate to have a great time with my colleagues and clients - they are all my friends and extended family. It also helps that I can walk next door from the gym and find myself in a pedicure chair, then getting a manicure and capping the day on a massage table but the bottom line, I love my job! Thank you, FX

4. Again, as I recapped 27, I concluded that it was an incredible year for change and growth. If you had told me on my 27th birthday, what 27 had in store, I probably wouldn’t believe it.. but as it evolved, it really was a year for development in every way possible. I am excited about how it has positioned me to begin 28 and also excited for the unknown 28 has in store.. all I know is what knowledge / tools I have collected to handle this next year even greater than the one before - more direction, more accomplishments, more confidence, more peace - and I hope that I have that kind of growth with every year.

5. Lastly, thank you again for being a part of my day and my life to whatever capacity. A few years ago, when a special strength coach very close to me died - it amazed me what kind of impact he had on his world. I read so many wonderful things people had to say about him and it inspired me to carry his torch and make the same kind of difference in people’s lives as well. Your notes made me feel like I’m doing what I set out to do. That was a tremendous gift to feel.

Cheers!!

P.S. Moving forward on training…

Carter and I are about to begin our 4th block of training since the Arnold Classic prep wrapped up. I am tentatively scheduled for an upcoming photo shoot with the phenonemal Marc Serota again. I cannot wait to work with his incredible eye and personality! but that means I must turn up the discpline and get to work on this physique!!

Also, Music Makes My World Go Round, Volume 2 will be coming out soon!