An Insight into Instincts – The Forensics of Fate

An Insight into Instincts – The Forensics of Fate

You could argue that I'm not as dedicated to this blog as I once was.

Practically, you would probably win that argument. Theoretically, you probably wouldn't.

At this moment bluebird is sitting in a place I once used to call my nest (home, if you're not up on my over use of metaphors). The island of Manhattan, New York City. A place that I hung my hat eleven years ago - and it does feel like eleven years ago. 

This is the first day that I've had to myself in weeks, and I thought it would only be appropriate to pull out my laptop and start typing with all the other pretentious coffee-drinking- self-indulgent writers in this midtown coffee house. (Just to be clear, I'm drinking green tea).

Scene set? I hope so. Use your imagination if my words fail you.

Brushing my fringe off of my giraffe like eyelashes (that never get me out of trouble, despite relentless batting), staring intently at this screen -  I've decided to stop apologizing for my late, delayed and otherwise non-existent articles. 

My dedication to my art is now a well thought-out process as oppose to impulsive, indulgent rants. Meaningful as oppose to passive-aggressive or subliminal attacks/judgments. Thus, if anything - I'm putting more into this than I ever have before; a truer, less contrived version. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Maybe it's age, maybe it's experience, maybe it's balanced hormones. Whatever it is - I promise to provide you with writing well worth the wait.

SEGWAY - so, here we are, if you're still reading.

Have you ever thought about fate? Not faith, fate. That unrecognizable thing that is just going to happen to you no matter how hard you try to change or avoid it. Otherwise known as the opposite of control.

You can be the most organized, control-centric, informed, decisive, well balanced person on the planet; but despite all of these fork in the road decision making tactics - you still, really, don't know what the road ahead has in store for you.

Why do you meet the people you meet? Why do you end up in the work you end up in? Why do you make the decisions you do? Is it because of the way you paved your life out or would this all have happened in one way or another with or without your life plan firmly set in place.

Logically, we can come to the safe assumption that all things are a product of your path (where and if you went to University, which job interview you went to, which job you accepted, what clubs you attend, sports that you play, hobbies that you pursue, who you ask out on dates, who you say yes to) . But, what happens when no matter how much you alter your path, certain elements continue to re-appear on your route like a de-ja-vu.

Is that fate?

Is that one thing that keeps reliving through the years the same thing that life wants you to have so intently that it finds a way to give you a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th to infinity chance of catching it and not letting go.

We don't know why, but it's very probable that we make a subconscious decision to keep inviting that one thing back into our story; whether it fits or not. This could primarily be because as animals we are instinctive, but as highly evolved animals - we have learned to think more objectively and ignore our instincts. Our instincts would tell us to grab an opportunity at the first instance. Whether it be a special person, a job, a decision, an opportunity or a change. What happens when we ignore our instincts? 

We shelf. 

When we shelf, are we indecisive? Or are we fearful? Over-whelming evidence (me - listening, watching, analyzing)  suggests that the more highly evolved the person, the more fundamentally "intelligent", the more emotionally "aware" person, is the same person who is more likely to shelf. A person less inclined to analyze scenarios adapts a primal nature to just follow instincts, much like many other animals on the planet - simply narrowing options down to "yes" or "no".

Que, fate.

Fate, by this thought process, is actually more planned than a leap of faith or universal coincidence.

By shelfing, we put options behind us that we can continuously revisit. Therefore, carving out a future that includes things that on face value appear to have been rejected. So when we shelf, is it because we constantly want something more? Are in search of something better? Or do we fundamentally know that these things are right for us, and that we will come back to them, whether we want to or not? Our brains are telling us to reject, our instincts are telling us to pursue and the rest is left up to circumstance and heart.

Counter-acting that; those who follow their instincts are neither more inclined to succumb to their fait, but rather; rush into decision making. Therefore, creating complications and conflict with what could potentially be a very different future. 

So, what is the answer? Which way is the right way to do it it?

There is no right way. It's fate, it's going to happen whether you like it or not. There might be very different types of people, very different types of decision making processes - however, I think it's extremely important that we take note of certain patterns that develop in our lives. Life is throwing you curve balls and it's up to you whether you want to play or not. How quickly you get to where you are supposed to be is based on your own observation skills. Don't be the fool who jumps at chance number 10, get in early, get in and enjoy it for the rest of your life. Notice co incidence,  NOTICE. Look around you, because one day, those things could be your future. A happy future, the right future. 

Fate may have it, but it's up to you to see it. 

Bluebirds Birthday

Bluebirds Birthday 

"It's that time of year again", I tell myself - cushioned in a mountain of pillows in a pitch black room with only the light from this post gleaming on my face. 

In just over a day, I will be another year older. This blog will be almost 4 years old. Flicking on the "back" arrow of this now, heavily outdated web page; I ask myself how much I recognize and relate to my words from years gone by. 

I am still "The Bluebird". And boy, has this bluebird been through a lot since it took flight. Success, failure, illness, health, evolution, devolution, good decisions, bad decisions, moving, settling, moving again and everything in between. 

Fundamentally, deep in my inner most core- I don't actually think I've changed. At all. 

Maybe I'm a little less confident, a little less cocky and I've made a few minor adjustments based on caution; trial and error. But the soul inside this bruised body has not much changed. I am still an adventure seeking, fiercely independent spirit with a bug for thrills, travel, intellect and art. I still hold on tight to the idea of romance and love in its truest embodiment adjoining with a passion for lust, spontaneous moments and the journey that life is.  

I'm not sad. I'm reflective. Reflective of the people that came in and out of my life; and left pieces behind. I'm reflective of take offs, landings, sun, snow and cities. Reflective of late nights, early mornings and long afternoons. Reflective of the moments of celebration and the moments of remorse. 

Yes, sometimes - I really do feel alone. Alone in my thoughts, in my desires and even in the literal physical. I used to be afraid to admit to that. But, now I accept it - I accept that it's okay and that it might not change. 

So, on the brink of my 29th Birthday. Yes, I do recognize the words of that 25 year old. Yes, I feel every memory like it were earlier today. No, I don't regret a thing - not even the mistakes. I want you to know that it's okay. We are all different. You don't need to be understood and there is no prerequisite on what direction to take next. The road I will take will be the one that feels right, in that moment. Where it will lead is anyone's guess - but I'm ready, I always am. I have been blessed, I have been cursed - but I have LIVED, I have lived more lives, more feelings and more adventures than some people thrice my age. And that is the greatest gift that I could ever ask for. 

The good, the bad, the in between. It will all be worth it, one day. State the obvious-  but fly Bluebird, fly. 

A Living Long Lost Letter

                                       

A series of events have led to the release of this letter.

To those of you that follow my scribing, you'll be fully aware that you can expect anything and predict nothing with every new post.

To those of you whom are new, hello. 

I have described myself as a poet.

Sometimes, a philosopher.

Begrudgingly, a preacher.

and...unwittingly, an analytical writer with a filthy sense of humor.

The Blue Bird, as you know me - is always full of advice and rhythmic power phrasing. 

Often, it's quite obvious that my subject matters play on personal experience. 

This doesn't differ to any other art. Most great works are created by means of innocence, experience, hardship, successes and failures. 

And those that don't - are unapologetically forgettable.

For this reason- it is understandable that you, my dear reader, may think that you know me.

To an extent, this is true. But, much like any other human being,what you think you know is quite superficial.

I have all the answers, I'm good at everything, I have a firm grasp on life and perspective, I work hard and I care about people.

These are all wonderful, fulfilling things to be associated with.

But realistically -  It flows a little more like this:

I have all the answers; because I never stop thinking. I'm good at everything, because I'd rather master everything then focus and commit to just one thing. I have a firm grasp on life and perspective but despite my efforts it rarely goes in the direction I would like it to. I work hard but often with no reward in the foreseeable future. I care about people -but sometimes, too much.

I'm not a genius. I get it wrong, a lot.

Apparently, this is what being an "artist" is all about.

To have a beautiful mind, hear beautiful things, write beautiful words, create beautiful masterpieces and speak beautiful tones.

But all with a dash of pain.

Without the pain, there is no art.

Only empty creation.

Here is my letter.

To those of you who take the time to read,

When you feel your hidden heart begin to bleed,

Remember that this is the pain that you need,

To make something beautiful, and plant the seed. 

We have our skeleton secrets,

Buried in a grave that we consider the deepest,

They only devour us when we are at our weakest,

And blossom a masterpiece, wiping our souls to their cleanest.

I wish I could have written it better,

These are the words of a long lost living letter. 

The Twisted Truth about Honesty

Oh,  I know what you're thinking. 

"What a contradictory title, she must think she's really clever."

Fear not - readers, stalkers, ex boyfriends, ex boyfriends new girlfriends, friends, family, random followers, perverts, internet trollers; all of your assumptions and questions are here to be answered and elaborated. 

To begin, the title of this blog is not a contradiction, but rather a subject. 

The twisted truth about honesty. "You can't handle the truth", yet "honesty is the best policy". Through time we have been thrown opposing sentiments on how to best address such a temperamental action and reaction. Every religious chapter and verse preaches the importance of honesty and morality. Without getting too controversial, I think we can all safely agree that followers of all religions tend to slip up on that fundamental value more often than not. It's not just religion, it's culture, it's manners.

Or is it?

By definition, the truth symbolizes actuality. The state of a subject as is; without distortion or further outward interpretation of any kind. In other words, a fact. 

Honesty, differs. Honesty is often used as a verb to describe the action of being honest with ones self or a receiver of said honesty. 

Simple. 

So, why is it so hard for us to be entirely truthful and honest with each other?

A common misconception is "what they don't know will not hurt them." I can speak for most people when I say, what we don't know will hurt us. It is exactly that insecurity that surrounds the mystery of secrets and apparent dishonesty that diminishes most relationships, friendships, businesses and even ones relationship with themselves. 

Our excuse, to which most of us are guilty to at least once in our lives - is that we don't want to hurt anybody. And the truth can be hurtful. Yet we still demand honesty from those around us. 

Double edged sword. But, had we been truthful and honest from the get go - we could have avoided hurt all together. Alternatively, the truth might be frightening to tell - even if it has positive connotations. So basically, we are cowards.

Fear of reaction and consequence is the catalyst that can lead to twisting, embellishing, hiding and sugar coating truths - separating them from the now hidden fact they once started as. Unfortunately, this same action will almost always deliver an identical result with the only differential point being that it draws out the process longer. Ultimately, we end up hurting each other more by not being honest. With some truths - even positive ones, we may fall into a lingo of "never knowing", unknowing of which direction the reaction may go. Instead we choose  to live a lie in order protect our own feelings. 

 That makes us selfish. 

Before we all start brutally throwing home truths at each other, it's important to note that being truthful is not the same thing as being blunt, or for lack of a better word, mean. Painfully blunt individuals use truth based on their own opinion as a method of self promotion and as an otherwise diluted bullying tactic. Being honest is not about having an inherent superiority complex with the purpose of being belittling, patronizing or over all insensitive. 

That is why we have to pick our truths carefully. Not every situation is owed honesty or action. This is why honesty, when used correctly; is so valuable. 

Honesty is used when you are ready to be truthful with yourself and any other party involved. If it is not crucial to the wellbeing of the recipient that they know the truth, then leave it be. The truth you tell is not based on opinion, remember, it is actuality. It is exactly as is - without any twisting. Being upfront for whatever reason is a somewhat horrifying, nerve wracking difficult task. You do not know what you may lose or gain as a result. What you will almost always gain, is respect. A recipient will respect your courage to be honest with them as an indicator that you do care about them and their future. However negative or positive the news might be, it will inevitably be beneficial. You may not feel great after, or  alternatively you may feel wonderful, relieved even - but try to understand it's the best thing for you as well.

Always be honest. We aren't mind readers and people only like good surprises. Do not be afraid. You could make someones day or you could break someones day - but either way; you will make someones life happier, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day. 

my last sentiment

"If you don't lie, you never have to remember anything."

and remember, if you love them, tell them.

Happier, Healthier, Heartier : The Truth About Getting Older

They always say you grow wiser with age - most of the time to lighten the blow of yet another passing year and maybe a few fresh wrinkles.

If you had asked me 10 years ago - at the tender age of 18, where I would be and what I would be doing on my 28th birthday it probably wouldn't nearly resemble the reality of what has just passed.

That isn't a negative sentiment. Things do not always go to plan and most of the time - with growth, our opinions of what we want out of life change. It's what we learn from experience, and if we don't learn; well - we haven't really lived.

So on the back of that thought - aging is not something to be afraid of rather than something to look forward to. It means we are, hopefully moving forward with ourselves and collecting stories that make up the chapters of our lives. We evolve and deal with problems in a more positive light, because without positivity we don't have anything. 

I can aptly say that I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been - not without obstacles to get me to this point. So maybe I have become more wise with age, learning to apply negativity to creating something positive and proactive. To no longer obsesses over things that cannot be, and to be fair and logical to those around me. To be mindful of my health. To know myself and be okay with it. A more interesting person than the girl from 10 years ago. 

That's my birthday message to you. Bring on the years and all the life, surprises and lessons they have to offer. They will make you a better person. 

Rose Tinted Glasses: How to live Romantically - Realistically.

Rose Tinted Glasses: How to live Romantically - Realistically. 

Romanticism and realism in one sentence - it sounds like one ridiculous contradiction. 

Romanticism isn't just something for  the people lucky enough to fall madly, deeply in love with each other- it is a concept of how to love life even with it's great obstacles, negativities and cynicism's. 

Ever listened to a Jack Johnson song? Suggest if you haven't got at least one on your itunes; take a trip over to youtube and find yourself one to listen to right after you read this. If that doesn't suit you; The Beatles - "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", "Norwegian Wood", The La's "There she goes" or; if those still doesn't tickle your fancy - last but not least, early Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras "I'll be seeing you". But honestly, keep it simple. Jack Johnson has the answers.

Rose Tinted Glasses; a phrase pinned on the back of 1960s revolutionary hippie "lovalution". Mostly because people did in fact, literally wear rose tinted sunglasses. At the time, a cloud of drugs and free-love. Understandably, we can't exactly call a life of living in a complete "ignorance is bliss, make love man" state of mind - realistic. So, lets take the rose tint to a more practical, reasonable way of day-to-day functioning. Not to mention; attempting to recreate a bygone era - no matter how hard you try, is contrived. 

There are many reasons to look at this world with a cold, heavy exterior. And whether most people know it or not - most people do. We live in a time where relationships (love and otherwise) are considered commodities, breakable and replaceable. An entire generation of people who, add, approve, like other people based on an online appearance and presence - whether it be hand held, laptop or desk top. For every one person - there are twenty others to turn to in their absence. Loyalty is hard to find as there is a fine line between what is ethical and and what isn't. Work hours get longer, true - love becomes rare and being honest, open and kind is considered a weakness.

So really, what is there to be romantic about?

Well, you don't, we don't, have to be that way. Ever just think; "no"? "I refuse". "I will not lose the fundamental qualities that make me human - I will not devolve." 

When we wake up in the morning. Wake up, for one - remember how lucky we are just to be breathing. Then, instead of turning to your phone to check any one of your various social media feeds; call the first person you thought about when you woke up. Say good morning, tell them you were thinking of them. How will it hurt you? It won't. If you have someone in bed next to you - hold them, kiss them, make them breakfast. When you get to work everyday. Say hello to everyone. Smile, even on a bad day; life isn't that bad. When you walk down the street; look up, look around you. Notice things; take photographs with your mind. 

On the weekend; it's ok to miss a day at the gym. Spend that time with someone you care about. The gym is always going to be there. The people may not. Tell them everything you're thinking. Let your guard down, why do you need a shield? What are you protecting yourself from? Do not push good people away. 

Spend time outdoors; whenever you can. Connect with nature. As sexy and moody as it can be to be in a club. It's smoke and mirrors. You want to feel the clear light of day and what we were put on this earth to experience. Develop a relationship with the earth and you will respect it and appreciate it for everything is has to offer. Don't be pretentious about it. Take care of the earth and the earth will take care of you. 

Learn to live a lifestyle totally non reliant on anything. Realistically, money is required to live in this day and age. But do not let money dictate your worth, behavior or the people you attract. It could all be gone tomorrow. Do not spend time with people because of their clothes, looks or belongings. Spend time with people based on how they make you feel. Learn to feel again. It is hard to feel when we live in a culture that is hell-bent on creating technological distances between us. Take risks. They may not work; but you tried. It's better than playing it safe and never knowing. And hey, it's 50/50. It may work out perfectly. Nothing is impossible. You want your dream job? You want to make a difference to the world? You want to invent something? Why can't you do it...throughout history and present time people are doing those things; as I type. So do it. BE SPONTANEOUS. You want Love? Start living Love. 

There is no cookie-cut rule book, "how to" live life romantically. But it is quite simple. Simplify yourself. Find happiness, joy and warmth from attainable actions, emotions and people. Once you start doing that..you'll notice a rose tinted glaze over a world that yes, in many ways has been tainted - environmentally, politically and within humanity. But for all the negatives, there are small pockets of romance; and they are all within you.

"Peace and Love" starting with you. 

Bluebird is Back

The Bluebird is Back

It has been well over a year since my last entry - I offer you no explanation; but I will give you this.

I was a hatchling of twenty-six, sidetracking life and my own advice.

Now a bird, nearly twenty-eight, I have taken flight, not once - but twice.

Building a nest - it took some time,

Even when I knew it would never truly be mine.

My body broken and my mind a little bruised,

But in that process I learned more about love, and I was amused.

So I shed all of my feathers,

And here I am, ready to share with you through the good and the bad weather.

The Bluebirds Plea: End the Death of The Bookshop, Why the Romance of Billowing Shelves Should not Die.

The Bluebirds Plea: End the Death of The Bookshop, Why the Romance of Billowing Shelves Should not Die.

This will be short and simple.

We are in the age of ipads, kindles and multiple forms of electronic reading. There are few things in this world that I am more passionate about than wonderful writing and stories; therefore, books. I might be old fashioned but over the years I have found it very difficult to warm to the idea of storing anything from classics to modern literature on a touch screen device. Perhaps I am a romantic.

I understand the practicality of these devices; in fact, I am probably the target market.  I travel a lot, move a lot and very often run out of space for my books. Recently, I packed up a flat – of 15 boxes, 11 boxes were entirely books. To me there is nothing more beautiful than a hardback, first edition book with an enthralling history behind its momentous writing. I know it isn’t environmentally ethical or space efficient. But, what about the rest.

From a young age I have always taken solace in bookstores and libraries. There is a comfort in being surrounded by not only your greatest past time, but by other people who must, in one way or another – feel the same way. I’m not talking about megastores or soulless chain businesses. I’m talking about real bookstores. The kind that will allow you to sit down; breathe in the scent of the pages, and read.  Floor to ceiling filled rooms run by people as passionate and inspired by their surroundings as you are. There is a romance about these places that cannot be replicated by an online amazon order for your kindle.

Without books, there will be no bookstores. Just novelty stores, with a few books. There will be no defining page thicknesses, no separate type fonts, no scent of papermill. There will be no beautiful book covers. You will not find books in markets in 50-100 years time with notes from loved ones inside. Literature will lose its personality, its history and its future.

I could talk about how great authors, poets, historians, scientists and philosophers would be horrified at how the world is losing interest in literature, its original form and the inner culture that is inherited with it. Or, how we live in a society where most "reading" happens on Facebook and Twitter. But, I won't.

So all I ask – is this Christmas, buy a book for someone. Support your local bookstores and the passionate people who run them. Teach your children, or remind your friends and family what there is to love about turning a page and reading a book. Bookstores are dying businesses. Ask yourself if this is something we really want to disappear. 

Tending to your Temple. 5 steps to a proven happier, healthier, stronger body and brain. Fitness to Food. (Practical)

Tending to your Temple. 5 steps to a proven happier, healthier, stronger body and brain. Fitness to Food. (Practical)

Most people who know me know that I am a keen but quiet physical fitness and mental health fanatic. These people also know that I am a cooking and food enthusiast. I like to push my own limits and continue to evolve  in the way of physical and  mental development.

If there is anything I have learnt in the last 4 years that I started truly taking lifestyle choices seriously it's that it really does make a difference. I can honestly say that I have never been what could be classified as over weight or unfit even when I had some truly laughable eating habits and questionable lifestyle choices in my very early 20s and late teens. For that, I was lucky; this being said, I was always reasonably physically active; even when I was eating rubbish. But aside from the fact that I have a good metabolism - my eating and fitness choices have long since changed and with it so has my core strength, flexibility, endurance, physical form, agility and mental ability.

So, in this modern world full of trends in the physical fitness and "dietary" realm - how do you self motivate yourself to become the best version of yourself?

We'll narrow it down first.

First, the word diet. Remove it. Replace "diet" with lifestyle. There is no quick fix or temporary solution. If you make a change the change is made to be maintained and ingrained into your everyday. "Yo-yo" dieting is dangerously bad for the health of your body and brain. It leads to thyroid problems which will affect your metabolism and all those days of starving yourself will suddenly be pointless. Restricting yourself from a particular amount of calories everyday will also have effects on your brain health. If you don't have energy, you don't have fuel - your brain will not function productively without fuel. The point is refilling yourself with the RIGHT fuel.

Secondly - Exercise is not a scary word. This being said, it is also not used correctly. Exercise is not so much about weight loss as it is about strength. If you want that Victorias Secret body ladies, or Ryan Renolyds' temple boys - you're not going to get it by just walking for hours on a treadmill shedding fat and "burning calories".  Fitness should be your new word - keep fit, keep building, keep strong. Don't simply "loose weight". If you don't turn remaining fat (that your body requires)  into muscle, your over all body composition will be poor. Adequate excerise involves versatility and change in regime in order to sculpt you in the most prominent possible way. I have always said - as unappealing as it sounds "if you feel like you may vomit - you've just done enough."

Now that we've cleared that up. The points!

1. MONITOR YOURSELF. Invest in one of these. The Nike Fuelband. These are great, you can track all forms of your daily activity. This way you know if you're generally doing enough on a daily basis. Whether you are an avid fitness freak or you just want to maintain a certain amount of physical movement and action everyday; this will keep you in the loop as to what you are really achieving: from heart rate to calories to kms per day. The fun side is that you can join an online community that shares, compares and competes.

2. SLEEP MORE. No, don't take naps all day. But give yourself a full nights sleep as often as possible.  If you are at risk of or prone to injuries - A lack of sleep can worsen this due to a higher rate of inflammation throughout the body. Forgetting things lately? That's probably because you're not sleeping enough or properly, sleep deprivation impairs cognition through the lack of ability to process and store information correctly. Stressed and Weak? Not sleeping enough raises the levels of anticipatory reactions, this automatically affects anxiety: in turn your natural time clock goes out of balance which leads to a poor white blood cell count; white blood cells control physical stress weakness responses; which could lead to infections and poor immunity. High Blood Pressure and Hypertension. Not having enough sleep at night (under 6 hours) increases the risk of hypertension . Not sleeping enough doesn't allow our blood pressure to drop enough or for long enough and because of this hightens our over all blood pressure. Midnight Snack? Sleep maintains healthy levels of hormones. Gherlin levels change when your body does not experience enough sleep. Leptin levels become higher and your body cheats you into believing you are hungry when you don't actually need it. So maybe log out of Facebook, Twitter or Instagram an hour earlier than usual (computers are hideous for your brain before shut eye) and prepare your body for a healthy sleep instead.

3. EAT CORRECTLY  - GLUTEN, WHEAT, ADDED SUGAR AND DAIRY FREE DOES NOT MEAN BORING!

I'm Paleo (see more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleolithic_diet). After several years of being a Vegetarian (for ethical reasons rather than health) my digestive health was impeccable - but in terms of over all, I was very clearly missing nutrients that could not be mimicked in supplements. After a few health scares earlier in the year I made the decision to become an Omnivore again. My fall back during vegetarianism was often dairy and complex carbohydrates (gluten and wheat). So the days that I wasn't just eating fruit and vegetables but in tern filling myself with starch, breads, pastas and rice -  I  found my over all energy levels to be incredibly low, at the same time my brain became very prone to depression: which after some research is a 100% side effect of consuming these "man made" goods in all people. Dairy is my own mistake. I am intolerant and have been since birth so the results are endless from headaches to nausea. In a regular person dairy is also not ideal - as humans, we were not built to digest dairy other than that of a human during nursing. So, any unexplained bloating after a few pieces of cheese or a latte can be blamed on our systems inability to break down dairy quickly. Sugar! Stay away from added sugar. Unnatural, added sugar will give you the boost you require..for 30 minutes. Natural glucose - found in fruits does not only not saturate but gives you the energy you desire for longer, the sweet kick you needed and is a high source of fibre and often anti-oxidants. The tube of smarties will, for lack of a better expression - just go straight to your ass. I have found a great range of bars called nakd http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/nakd-fruit-and-nut-bars/ for those who require that snack feel in a healthy (and delicious)  form.

Aside from generally feeling better mentally and energy wise - you will also look better. If you clean up your food you're going to find a lot less edibles that saturate and layer around your muscles. Animal fat is not bad!! The old mentality that fat is bad has long since been proven wrong. Sugar is bad..not fat. Animal fat is extremely crucial to full body muscle health (we are natural born omnivores, this is why we have K-9s in our jaw). Animal fat, not unlike most fruit and vegetables - is a brain food. We've come a long way since apples. Add flaxseed to your meals, thank me later.

So, what is left to eat? Well, I adore food, I love food and I am (people say) a very good cook (training to be a classical french chef). I would not, under any circumstances sacrifice my love of food if it meant a life of dull salad and chicken. Be creative. You have the choice of essentially all meats and all vegetables (barring the high starch consumers - Potatoes), you do not require man made grains to accompany a meal or a cream to create a sauce. You can use coconut milk, coconut oil, avocado oil, almond milk, spices. If you prefer, there are also many "free from" alternatives. There's nothing wrong with a steak and veg, but here's an example of how you can get creative and make something delicious that people wouldn't associate with "Paleo". I avoid using onions and garlic because both of these are water retaining therefore can affect energy and mood. (Though I obviously make exceptions as these are two core flavors AND I believe nobody should deprive for life: one cheat day a week for everything never hurt anyone). 

A Thai Yellow Chicken Curry by me. Using no dairy, no gluten, no starch, no added sugar and no water retaining vegetables - paste made with fresh herbs and spices.

and one of my more "typical" Paleo Meals (with themed table of course)

4. EXERCISE BENEFICIALLY 

Stretch more, there's a good reason Yoga and Pilates didn't just fade in and fade out. It's fine to say you do weights and run for hours but if you don't learn to fully extend and tone all of your muscles you will soon be a walking cripple old beyond your years. Increasing flexibility in your muscles is a form of exercise for the core of muscle tensing, toning and tightening. This means you have the composition of a well toned set of muscles with the flexibility to be able to expand without actually loosing any strength or softening the muscle tissue. Extending our body fully also encourages a  better posture, which has a knock on value of lessoning back problems (and it looks better). People also try Pole Fitness but I find although testing your strength, you end up with more injuries than anything else. Yoga has the added benefits of mental wellbeing as it is a form of meditation - please see my other blogs to read more about meditation and inner development.

Examples of my bridge and lower body hold that help maintain full body flexibility, agility and endurance. 

Run in Endurance and Sprinting patterns: The big mistake most people make, myself included in the past - is thinking purely endurance running will have a long term benefit to your over all fitness. Yes, obviously if you can run marathons you are a fit person - and I will continue to do so for as long as I can! But in terms of development, body composition and joint health it may not be the best idea. Developmentally, you have already pushed yourself as far as you can and you are no longer "surprising" the lactic acids in your body. This means your body will stop producing the adrenalin you require for good heart rate health, and because of the lactic acid, your muscles will be tested and your joints (knees usually) will come under scrutiny.  If you are training for both weight loss and toning/strength: intervals of sprints, distance and gradient are the best options for you. Not only are you toning different parts of your body accordingly - but you are not applying pressure to all of the same areas continously. In terms of the way you will look, and feel - training in intervals is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Row, row, row you can use a machine or if you're really up for it get on a boat. Rowing is one of the best forms of upper body strengthening and toning you can get. You must make sure to really stretch before and after as the neck and shoulders are prone to over tightening as a result. The resistance of weights or water pushes your upper body in both cardiovascular movement and weight training. So you are both "loosing weight" and "building muscle" at the same time. If you are doing it correctly you should be tensing your stomach muscles which will make your abdominal wall progressively more impressive. I personally enjoy rowing because I consider it an almost all in one. Girls, it will not make you "bulky"; this is a myth.

Cross Training. I mentioned the benefits of intervals and versatility earlier. Cross training is as good as it gets. It requires little explanation but it's a play on the old circuit training route of a crash course of ropes, rowing, sprinting, lifting free weights, jumping jacks, push ups and pull ups in fast movement to keep your adrenalin pumping. You've got everything at once and you're unlikely to get bored. You mustn't be worried about "keeping up" with everyone else, though it is a form of work out where you really do need to push yourself; not for the faint hearted.

If you sit around like a couch potato all day, you will more than likely look and feel like one.

5. HAVE INTERESTS ,The more busy you keep your body and mind the more you will see and feel the results. So if your idea of fun is playing or participating in competitive sports, then great! You're moving, your mind is focused and you have given yourself a "purpose". If you play instruments you are concentrating on achieving a particular goal - you are using the cognitive cells to remember, train and discipline yourself. The same applies to the painters of the world. If you are a reader - you are training your eyes and your brain to consume and store information. If you are a dancer you are maintaining both body fitness and memory. Trekking, climbing, swimming, martial arts, cycling, skiing, surfing - The list could go on but the most important point is to never be idle. I don't mean don't relax and switch off every now and then (that completely contradicts my beliefs about meditation and growth). In order to self-motivate most people require a "reason." Idleness can throw people into bad eating habits and sloth like behavior which quite obviously affects the body and catalyzes depressive mental health. Once in a rut it's quite difficult to get out. Try to veer away from un beneficial interests - i.e. interests that encourage an unhealthy (excessive drinking is not an interest for example) or unproductive lifestyle (hobbies that require little to no activity or mental stimulation).  Keep looking for things that interest you that your body and brain will thank you for. A stimulating life is an interesting life. 

I hope this was of some help. Although I know it can all seem quite daunting; small changes are very simple. In order to have an optimal life we must try and take what we continue to learn and apply it to ourselves; however remedial the subjects in question may seem.

Until next time,

Namaste.