HAPPINESS

This summer is magical. I dedicate a lot of time to me. I surround myself with positive, happy people. I spend time in nature, exploring, relaxing, and working out. I nourish my body with healthy food, and still allow myself to indulge in my favorites. I don't dread working, because I love my jobs.

It's all about happiness.

As I'm getting older, I'm learning a lot about myself. I watch people stress over issues that they create, and I naturally want to help them. I want to explain to them that life doesn't have to be hard. I see life differently than most. This quality is hereditary, but can be passed on to all.

My mom used to say, "You're as happy as you want to be." I understand it now.

You decide how to handle each situation.
You create the life you want to live.
You choose who you associate with.
If something doesn't feel right, you have the power to change it.

Because the future is unpredictable, it is important to live the life you deserve. Nobody deserves to be unhappy, unhealthy, or unsuccessful. Make time for yourself. Discover your aspiration. Chase it. Work towards your goals, and enjoy every step it takes to get there. There will be setbacks, but you must overcome them with a smile. If you do not invest in yourself, in your happiness, nobody will.

My aspiration? I plan to own my own gym.
But that's a while from now. I am working towards it, taking baby steps and enjoying every second of it. I have gotten myself into the fitness industry, and will use this coming year to achieve more certifications. I plan to expand my services to a few more gyms, teaching an array of classes and meeting individuals who will help me grow in many ways. I plan to continue my beach boot camp into the fall. I plan to smile the entire time.

Whatever dream you have, you will get there. All it takes is a good attitude, a great support system, positivity, and perseverance. You will get there.

AERIAL

Last Monday was Russ' 22nd birthday. 

As his girlfriend, it's my job to make sure his day is absolutely spectacular. 

After four years, there's not much we haven't done together, and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to come up with something that would top his previous birthdays (Splish Splash, private safari ride, ballroom dancing, surprise party in NYC). Then, his wonderful mama suggested zip lining at Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. I knew he'd love it.

Adventure Park opened on June 21st, only nine days before we went, so we were thrilled that it wasn't crowded. We got harnessed up and began our journey into the trees. As personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, we were excited to push ourselves to see if we could complete each course. There are eight courses that are set up like ski slopes, ranging from least difficult to most difficult. We had a 3.5 hour time slot to complete as many as we could. 

Each course took about one hour. The obstacles required a lot of core strength (thank you, bosu ball!) and upper body strength (thank you, pull-up bar!). We encouraged each other and strategized the best and fastest way to get to each platform. After two hours of hard work and depleting energy, the birthday boy was ready to tackle the double black diamond.

Just looking at the course made me nervous, but Russ encouraged me to try it. I knew I'd regret not attempting it, so I followed my 22-year-old on to double black diamond. The second obstacle required you to walk on spinning, wooden wheels. I took two steps and instantly fell onto the wire. My arms were scraped and slightly bleeding, but I followed Russ' voice and finally met him to continue onto the next one. After he completed it, he coached me through. That one was even worse. I don't even remember doing it. I couldn't feel my hands, and didn't know if my bruising arms could handle any more pressure. They said the course gets harder as you go, and that freaked me out. Russ calmed me down and looked ahead, we decided that there wasn't a shot I could complete the course with aching hands, so he called for one of the employees to come rescue me. What a guy.

I watched my superman complete the double black diamond. I have no idea how he did it; the obstacles were insanely difficult. They said this course was used for military and police training, and half of the guys couldn't even complete it. I was so impressed with and proud of Russ!

After using up all the energy that our 10 a.m. egg sandwiches gave us, we traveled to Hempstead to get Russ his favorite sandwich: The Coyote. I'm talking chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella, bacon, waffle fries, and ranch on a garlic hero. CHEAT DAY! We ended his birthday celebration with a present (a new bike which deserves its own blog post), seeing Transformers, and eating homemade fruit pie. It was a beautiful day.

Give Adventure Park a try!