Reasons

So we've all heard it, "Everything happens for a reason". I am an avid follower of this belief. Not sure where it steams from or even if that truly matters in the grand scheme of things. Numerous books have been written on the subject and rightfully so. What author, writer or publisher wouldn't jump on the chance to exploit such a known prophecy. Too bad I didn't think of it....damn.

Let's get back to those five simple words. No matter who first uttered them or where you first learned of the wise saying, everyone has an opinion on the meaning. Now, yes everyone is entitled to their opinion and many will argue with mine. I, however, am not here to argue. More power to those who stand up for what they believe. Perception is nine-tenths of reality.

I repeat those five simple words over and over again on a daily basis. These words help me take a step back, think, rethink and stop thinking. Without the power I have given this saying I would be a train wreck. Well, okay, running obsessively helps. One thing that we all should be able to agree on, is the power of positive thinking. The act of engaging in optimism has been proven to create an environment that breeds a general sense of wellness.

"...optimism has demonstrable benefits, and pessimism has drawbacks." He goes on to say, "...optimism...has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to perseverance and effective problem solving; to academic, athletic, military, occupational, and political success; to popularity; to good health; and even to long life and freedom from trauma." - Dr. Christopher Peterson, PhD.

Do not misunderstand me, I do not in anyway believe I have no control over the choices I make or feel these choices do not have consequences. I do firmly believe that each day I do have the choice to be happy. By "thinking happy thoughts" it is pretty hard to not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have to constantly remind myself that yes, everything does happen for a reason and even if this reason is unknown for years, it only lead to other circumstances, choices and made me who I am today. So, be proud of who you are. Make the choice to be happy. Decide that there is a reason why you can't find a job right now or your car got stolen or a tragedy has happened. Choose to make the life you have count. Choose to trust in yourself, build steps to make your life more satisfying if you feel it just plain sucks.

"It's never too late to be who you might have been." - George Eliot

"Never, never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.
You have to catch it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin

“You become what you think about.” - Earl Nightingale

“The first step to becoming is to will it.” - Mother Teresa

"You cannot travel within and stand still without.” - James Allen

“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.” - Winston Churchill

When is the last time you met a happy pessimist? Just sayin...

Oh Time...

Considering I have a whole LOT of free time lately, I found myself watching more television. Well, let me clarify, ESPN. I rather go for a second run of the day then sit in front of the boob tube, but I seem to have a little voice in my head saying, "Natalie isn't there a game on?"!! Thus, I mean I DID just graduate with my master's in sports management, it is perfectly alright for me to waste time watching sports. After all, it's considered work. I must immerse into the industry. I truly believe this will only help me actually get a job. Hopefully one that no longer has me chasing after customers who may or may not be intentionally trying to stiff me. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the past decade or so I've been dependent upon the food & beverage industry to pay all of my bills. Hell, if it wasn't for alcohol I would be swimming in debt from my undergrad.

I love talking to people. Let me clarify again, mainly in person. You know when I can actually see their facial expressions. Body language speaks louder than words. I love making people smile, seeing their joy. One day I will have my own foundation. A non-profit dedicated to those less fortunate than I. Despite my boredom, my excess time, my recent openness to watching EVERY single game (besides baseball....sorry, so boring on t.v.), I know I am blessed in SO many ways. At least I HAVE TIME. At least I HAVE A TELEVISION. I never go hungry, without water, without people to talk to. So, I am thankful. I am fortunate. I will continue to watch every game I can, because I enjoy it and we've only got one life to live!

With that said, did you see the WNBA Finals!? Whoever said girls can't play basketball or no one will pay to see them play, clearly needs to get back in touch with reality. I know the WNBA may be having some financial setbacks, it's a recession people, but the Seattle Storm fans were in the building tonight! Let me tell you, Lauren Jackson CAN ball. Well, they ALL can ball! The Storm lead the series 2-0 against the Atlanta Dream. I have to admit, I RARELY watch women play sports, it's honestly just not that exciting. I think I'm the one who needs to get back in touch with reality. This game was awesome! Besides that, the Dream have the Miller twins who've played together since they were kids, including college and overseas. Talk about genetics! My question is, why aren't these girls in the media more?! Thursday night, you know where to find me. Sitting at home with my ESPN family!

Like I said, leave it to baseball.

Its the Simple Things

Found myself hitting the ground running at dusk again tonight. Felt AMAZING! Once in awhile it feels pretty damn good to change up my normal routine of running in the Cali sunshine. As a matter of fact it felt SO good tonight that I just kept going. My legs had much more in me, but I stopped at 8.2 miles just under 70 minutes. Water was a necessity!

The power of a smile is astonishing. Around the 4 and a half mile mark I passed a gang of firemen enjoying a nice bowl of frozen yogurt. One just happened to sneeze as I neared the path between the pack. Without a second thought, I responded, "Bless you". Now that I think about it, I probably was screaming considering the power of Eminem literally pushing my pace. The power of music is another topic. But hey I still heard them laugh.

I smiled the rest of the way.

Moral of the story, SMILE, it's contagious.

A Single Day

A single day is not enough. A few moments spent remembering the 2,998 fallen nine years ago on September 11th, is simply not long enough. Perhaps I felt this yesterday. Perhaps, the side of me dreaming to help those less fortunate twinges at the thought of one day set apart from the other 364 days of the year to remember the victims, the heroes.


No, I do not know one of the 2,998 who were grasped from the earth too soon. No, I do not know any of the thousands injured or the hundreds of service men selflessly thrown into the remains. But, yes, I do remember where I was, what I was wearing and who I was with. Yes, I do know those who have given up their lives to fight for those lost. Since the fall of the World Trade Centers too many have been lost, too many have been grasped from this earth. Too much fighting for peace has occurred. How can we honor the fallen by setting aside more and more single days for remembrance. No, I do not think those who caused the events of 9/11 should be set free, allowed to continue. Yes, I believe in justice. I also believe in peace. Too much hate has risen from the ashes. Too many perceptions have grown from the remains. Peace does not allow for hatred. The War on Peace. Stop and think about it. Stop and think what "they" want you to believe. Stop and think about the victims then. Stop and think about the victims now.

Today is a day forever engraved in the minds of the world. Today is not the only day we are all affected by the events of 9/11.

Please Stand Up

I was honored to be a guest of the Primetime Emmy Awards a few weeks ago. This experience was a first, quite possibly the last, but one that opened my eyes just a little wider. No, not because the audience was comprised of A-Listers, producers, writers, visionaries and the who's who of television, but because of the recipient of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Mr. George Clooney. I was never close enough to be in awe of his appearance, this can be done from a distance, nor to have the priceless opportunity to shake his hand in pure admiration.

This man has conducted himself as all of those as fortunate as he should. He devotes his time and resources to give aid, give hope and build awareness for those less fortunate. His words hit me like a ton of bricks. He was humble, gracious and once again paid homage to his quest. As someone who would love to have the ability to devote my days and life to help those who are without, I share a bond with Mr. Clooney. He asked his fans, friends and colleagues to create a way in which we never stop thinking of or assisting those who are so desperately in need. Yes, there are events. Yes, there are charities to donate to. Yes, we unite when a natural disaster strikes. The problem is the lack of consistency. I know a constant reminder of those dying of starvation, cancer, lack of water, malaria...is not an escape we long for with the myriad of problems we allow to enter our minds. Imagine a day when this reminder makes your worries seem trivial. A day when we are made aware we are the ones who are blessed. We're alive.

Today marked another event touched by Mr. Clooney that made my eyes widen and head shake. I shake my head at my own self-pity, my own trivial self-proclaimed problems. Broadcast in 195 countries, millions tuned in to watch the Stand Up To Cancer telethon. Hundreds of journalists, entertainers and athletes united under one roof to plea for assistance in the quest to further cancer research now. A tear-wrenching plea from Patrick Swayze was just one provoking moment in the hour long event. With facts scrolling across the screen it became quite clear, cancer can be related to each and everyone of us. Sixty people die from cancer every hour in the United States. Without much thought at least one victim comes to mind. Without a cure, more victims will fill your thoughts. This single event raised over $100 million dollars in 2008. Imagine how much could come off a weekly reminder....



As a global society we have been doused with epic disasters dating back thousands of years. These catastrophes have taken lives and still, to this day effect those who live in the remains. The past fifteen years alone have left North Korea damaged by floods, 12 South Asian Nations shook and washed away by an earthquake and tsunami, West Africa hit with an outbreak, New Orleans abandoned by Hurricane Katrina and most recently the earthquake in Haiti. Lives cut short and devastation claiming conquest do not allow for Sunday afternoon walks in the park or late night beer runs. After we help today, tomorrow is a new chance to show care.

It is estimated that Malaria takes between 2 and 5 million lives each year.

There are so many ways we all can help. Sure, we are all not in a position to donate in dollars and cents, but we all have the power to build awareness, devote time and create a way in which each and everyday we are made aware just how meaningful our troubles truly are. Together we can fight back. Fight against cancer, disease, mother nature, poverty. United we can stand.

Think. Become. You.

Went for a late night run today. I just couldn't stop my head from spinning. The voices kept asking, "What are you doing with your life Natalie?". This is a question I know I am not alone pondering.

We are asked this question from the moment we blow out those candles leading to the glorious adulthood we so desperately longed for. What we want to be when we grow up has so many possible definitions. For instance, when do we really stop growing up? Is there some key age I am not aware of that you suddenly feel as if, ok I'm grown. Growth continues to happen everyday. We are constantly transforming, learning, experiencing, watching, listening. Sure the ways in which we process this ongoing stream has adapted over the years, but the process never ceases to exist.

I am ok with this. I know I will never stop "growing". Hopefully my waistline does, buy my mind does not. Everyday it seems I have a new idea, a new thought, a new challenge or answer to the proverbial passage into adulthood inquiry. What keeps me awake at night, besides the years of late night obligations to pay my rent, is the voices telling me to act on this process. Just pick one. Pick one idea and go with it. Do not be afraid to fail, do not be afraid to speak out loud, do not be afraid to allow this idea to grow. A psychologist would have a field day. Self-talk evolves from self-confidence. Maybe this is the area I need to work on. If I am not confident in the process, confident in the idea, confident in my ability to allow growth, I will get no further than my own mind begging for questions.

So as with my very first attempt at the blog world, I once again vow to continue to grow. A phase I am ok with. Now I simply need the confidence to not prematurely cease.

Thank God for my ability to run, otherwise I feel I would be certifiably crazy.

The Trouble With California Is....

I find myself surrounded by non-stop entertainment. This is not the problem. A friend who just landed here in the City of Angels said it best, "I love it that there's always something to do here!".

This is the problem. The sport industry is one, if not the only, industry still maintaining a profit during this economic climate. The multi-billion dollar wonderful world of sports still remains to be an escape for those seeking to put their troubles away if only for a minute.

The trouble with this is, the competition in Los Angeles for an escape is overwhelming. Not to mention the endless avenues to take your troubles away, it's the lack of avenues to pull you back to reality. Too many here are way above the ground. Too many here are caught up in the glitz and glamor. Too many here can't pay their rent, but in their pursuit to be the next big star are dropping benjamins. I am all about following your dreams. I am all about being true to yourself, going for it, living life to the fullest. Los Angeles is not filled with those who are being true to themselves. The city is overpopulated with those who don't even know who "they" are.

Hollywood's appeal has prevented so many with potential to benefit from living. No, I don't mean materialistically. Material possession is not the problem here. The yearning for it is. People don't go to the gym to look and feel better, they go to be perceived to look better. Come on ladies, you do not need to get ready to go sweat. I'd say every other person is comprised of plastic and if not, they want to be. It's practically a crime to not drive, stay in on a Friday night or eat meat.

I really believe the lack of support for the sport industry has been formulated from all the emphasis on the arts. As in everything in life, there needs to be a balance. With sport comes well-being, athleticism, proper nutrition, leadership, teamwork, goal achievements. Athletes have been degraded by the entertainment industry. We rarely hear about their philanthropic endeavors, but about their love life, arrests and extravagances.

If it wasn't for a Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles might not even know what hockey is. Can you imagine what the NBA presence would be if Kobe wasn't a Laker. I shouldn't even say that aloud. And football, there isn't a professional team for miles. My issue isn't with the sport industry, it is with the lack of acceptance for alternate forms of entertainment in LaLa land.

We want our children to be grounded, healthy, educated and future leaders, than provide them with a well-rounded environment that exploits these characteristics. Throwing hundred thousand dollar birthday parties, giving breast implants as presents and continuously pushing to be famous will only bring the city down in flames.

Then again, the state did vote for a actor.

Spice It Up

Pass the salt. Add a dash here, sprinkle a bit there. Just a pinch. The problem with these age old traditions, is the people of today are not the same as the people who created these habits. The salt and pepper shaker posted in the center of dining room tables, transported to restaurant tops and in arms reach of chefs everywhere has created new traditions of high blood pressure, dehydration, fatigue and hypertension.

Using salt to add flavor and preserve canned foods has cut the shelf life of us. Unless we all start to examine just how much sodium we are consuming on a daily basis, the unhealthy side effects of salt intake will continue to live up to its tradition- a heart attack waiting to happen. I firmly believe most Americans just do not know how much salt they really are consuming. Our taste buds have become immune to the excess taste of salt. The quickness of popping in a frozen dinner, eating out excessively, cutting down on preparation time for every meal and repeatedly placing orders through a speaker is normal. The economy does not help and neither does the reality television hype. Top Chef's do it, why shouldn't I?

Well here's something to taste. Excess salt consumption has been proved to be the cause of 92,000 deaths annually due to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Ninety percent of adults develop high blood pressure which leads to a whole lot of problems. Toss in the lack of water intake, couch potato lifestyles and dependency upon Pepsi, no wonder the pharmaceutical industry is booming.

Think you're in good health. If you eat out daily, you are well over the recommended sodium allowance. Eighty percent of the daily maximum is consumed in one meal. This doesn't include beverages, snacks and the other two meals. It was a New Years resolution to stop eating out so much, lose weight, lead a healthier lifestyle, pack a lunch, stop drinking soda...this can all be acheived by keeping track of how much sodium you consume. It's not you you're worried about, well what about your children, your spouse, your family?

Manufacturers help create entire generations who crave salt. I even know people who add salt to their salad. By cutting back on salt, it can reverse the chances of you dropping dead before you get a chance to see your first grandchild or finish your bucket list. Research proves that blood pressure is down 60% in just six weeks of eliminating excess salt.

I started monitoring my daily salt intake 3 years ago. I practically can smell salt now. I don't crave it, I don't feel bloated and I drink water to hydrate. I don't know about you, but this is simply not good enough. My father, sister, loved ones all need to be brainwashed into believing that salt may be the death of them.

The Danger Zone

• Lunch Meat
• Baked Goods
• Breads, Crackers
  
• Canned Foods
• Salad Dressing
• Sauces
  
• Cheese
• Soda!!!Soda!!!

Easy Fixes

• Read Labels
• Ask Waiters for dressing and sauces to be on the side
• Choose grilled over breaded or fried
• Season with lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs
• Increase potassium
• Drink more water
  

These easy fixes can be done by anyone. Your waiter is not going to tell you no, their tip depends on it. Many packaged foods can be found in low, less or no sodium versions. Potassium is a natural substance that will only aid to your healthy lifestyle. Increased water consumption will help rid your body of toxins and excess pounds. Now who doesn't want that!