Oh the Possibilities..

As a self confessed self help addict, I subscribe to a plethora (< FUN word)  of excellent self improvement sites and blogs.  I simply can't control myself.  I LOVE possibilites.

Dream 1 - Start dancing again ( credit )

Today, I read this excellent post over at The Zen Mama's blog about becoming a "possibilitarian".

Dream 2 - Visit Paris (credit)

It came at a good time.  While I adore possibilities, I frequently lack direction.  I like to cram as many experiences in as possible, which can sometimes lead to burn out and a lot of half finished projects and ideas.  It can also cause me to get a bad case of the "can'ts".

Dream 3 - Build a wardrobe based on my Signature Style Project (Credit)

"I can't do that, I don't have time!"

"I can't do that, I have a family and responsibilities!"

"I can't do that, I have financial obligations!"

Dream 4 - Design a line of ConstantlyAlice Clothing and Accessories

The can'ts are just awful.  Besides being terribly irritating to The Man (he's a problem solver.  When I come at him with a "can't" he counters with a "do what makes you happy, I'll support you".  Kind of takes the wind out of my tantrum sails..) they frighten me into maintaining the status quo.

Status quo (<NOT a fun word).

Dream 5 - Open a physical location for ConstantlyAlice (credit)

I firmly believe the universe wants us to succeed.  That things are put in our paths when we need them to remind us to follow our hearts, dream big, fear less, act more.  The post about possibilitarians was like a road sign reminding me that life is short and I need to live it.  Stay tuned for some new adventures...

Dream 6 - Write a book (credit)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Pin up Plan Workout

I once read that you should write down all the activities you found the most joy in as a child and try to work them into your adult life.  (I'd love to source that little bon mot for you, but I'm afraid I'm a self-improvement book junkie and at this point there are all sorts of little jumbled bits of wisdom floating around in my brain that I can't quite place ;)

Gil Elvgren

I've decided to apply this to the workout portion of the Pin up Plan.

So..what did I love to do as a child...

Gil Elvgren

• Hike and climb trees - I spent 2/3rds of my day in the woods when I was a kid.  I loved exploring, building forts and planting flowers.  I had a backpack full of field guides (I had every Audubon book ever written on trees, plants, mushrooms and birds), snacks, and a sketchbook.  Doesn't that sound fun??  
• Dance - I was born into a family of dancers.  I started my first dance lessons at 2yrs old.  I danced my way through my childhood and into my teens, which was when my grandmother retired.  Then I became a cheerleader and danced some more.  In my 20's I got my dance fix by going out to clubs with my girlfriends two (sometimes three) nights a week.  At some point, after having my first child, I stopped.  Clubs did not feel appropriate for a new mother and there did not seem to be another venue for me to "get my dancing out".
• Swimming - I grew up on a lake, so we spent a good portion of our summers in the water.  I loved (and still love!) being at the beach.

Gil Elvgren

Now..how to apply these to the Pin up Plan.  My objective with this workout is not to become "skinny", but to create a more defined shape.  I have the bare bones of a 50's silhouette (A bust!  A waist!  Hips!!), but I would like to create a stronger hourglass shape by narrowing my waist, and shaping up my shoulders and bottom half.  Toned, but not muscular.

Hiking will be a great way to tone my lower half.  We are lucky enough to live close to a few mountains, so I have some weekend adventures planned with the kiddos.  I've also purchased some pilates and ballet workout videos and books, along with some fun burlesque workout videos.  I plan to fit in a ballet style workout two times a week and try a new video once a week (an excellent way to build up your "core" muscles and create a defined waist!).  It's a little cold to start swimming in the lake, but there's a pool at the YMCA near my work that will do nicely!  Swimming will help to keep my muscles lean instead of bulky.

What about you?  What did you love to do as a child and how can you work it into your life now?

Hugs and Smooches,
D