​I shared something on Instagram today I wanted to be sure to share here as well--

You know when you are at the top of the day? I mean ‘top’ as in pinnacle, you got there, you are flying high, things are going your way. Then out of nowhere, the clouds open up, rain is falling, and you are sliding down the other side of the mountain. 

Whether it is something as simple as being on time for an appointment then suddenly being behind a tractor on a one-lane road en route, or if it is major...I'm not even going to go into the potential examples, I'm sure just thinking about them brings up enough anxiety!  

But what is so needed to remember in those times, the ‘raining’ times, is that the sun will indeed be back out.

Sometimes we can push through the rain-- it’s just a little bit, it’s not too strong, and we can keep pushing until the sun arrives. Other times we need to find somewhere to wait a bit, observe but get out of the downfall...take a dose of self care rather than pushing and just getting soaked so to speak... then as it gets lighter or clears completely, we continue on.

What’s that song Alexa seems to get onto every playlist recently? “Sunshine after the rain…”

Or as my fav gal Annie says, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow.”

These songs never say, “well here’s the rain, it is here to stay, it is never leaving, the end.” 

And they are onto something, aren’t they?  

Even when the rail is full-out hurricane, eventually, somehow some way, the sun will shine again. It may not be bright blue skies all day everyday, but it will be there peeking through somewhere…

Here’s to finding the sun behind the clouds,
Kate

We spend a lot of time thinking about the work we need to do, are doing, or did... be it regarding working out, our jobs, or everything else in our lives.

But do we think enough about rest? 

Today I felt so 'off'. Do you know those days? You're not sure if you're 'just' not motivated, or maybe you didn't sleep well, or maybe you're fighting something, or cue shrug emoji you're just not quite right...?

I went through the checklist of possible reasons, but it just seemed that with the really busy schedule and general feeling of overwhelm that's been present recently had gotten to me, and my body was making it really clear that a day off was needed.

But on paper it didn't look like that was needed...Sometimes it is beyond the physical exertion.  Mental and emotional stressors, lack of good sleep, how we fuel our bodies-- there are so many more ways we get run down. Sometimes it is the physical, sometimes it is not, but the body knows when it needs a break and has various ways of making that known to us, if we are ready to listen.

You are not a failure for not going 100% every single day.  We need to refuel and recharge. We were not made to go at 100% all day every day. Even God took off Sunday! 

So I challenge you to work hard, but to also listen to your body. Is it telling you something?

Today mine was "speaking to me" regarding working out, not in my normal cues of being super sore or about to fall asleep standing up, but rather a general "off" feeling. I tried to press forward but my body kept saying NOPE. So I finally I agreed, turned around from my destination, and walked along the water on this glorious day.

Yes, I take days off! Body AND mind-- they each need their rest. 

How have you recognized the need for rest? 

If in regards to work and personal life, how do you create those pockets of time for rest?

Would love to hear your thoughts. And if you don't feel like sharing, just promise me you'll check in with yourself and ask if your are ready to push or in need of a moment's rest :)

30 minutes to crush it! 
Yes, 'only' 30 minutes, but wow are we going to work!
Rock soundtrack to keep us going (if you look for this one on Insta, it was deleted due to the music, oops!)

Enjoy, everything at your own risk, and let me know how it goes!

This is a very short post on a rather long topic, but getting right to the point:

Overall, we want limit the inflammatory foods as much as possible, and increase the anti-inflammatory ones. (Notice that they correlate with foods in general considered ‘healthy’ & ‘unhealthy’)

What we put in our bodies affect us in so many ways.
The nutrition world is confusing, it is, but we can all try our best to take steps in the right direction. Try adding in/taking away a few on the lists to start 🥦🍅🍉🥑

Questions? Comments? Is this new news, or have you been paying attention to inflammation?  Let me know!

It's true, I love planks. I don't know how it came to be. But I do remember screaming in jazz class in college when our instructor used to make us hold them for what seemed like AGES.  She'd ask us questions about what we were going to be doing that weekend and such to keep us going longer.  Who knew then I'd play that same trick on my class participants just a few years later ;-)

You don't have to feel the same way I do about planks.  But two things I must point out-- 1, see above. I used to despise them.  and 2, our thoughts are very powerful so be aware of what perspective we're putting forth (that's a whole other post I'll get to soon!) regarding our dear planks.  The more we tell ourselves they (or insert any exercise or task here) are awful, the more our whole being believes it. 

So even if you feel you can't quite bring yourself to change your self talk to 'I love planks', perhaps we can at least bring a more open and kind mindset, deal?  <3

Why do I love planks?  They hit a lot at once, and they don't agitate the neck or back like some other exercises might at times.  In addition to your abs, you are building strength in your back and arms.  It is such a great no-equipment-needed toner for that upper body.  There are also so many variations, and that is the main reason I am writing here today.  I did a series on Instagram @be.bykate, so I want to share it here, too.  See below. 

But first, my quick ''plank checklist'':

Would be thrilled to hear from you over on Instagram with how planks are going and any questions you may have!

Sending a hug,
Kate

Welcome to episode 11 of Some (More) Good News with Kate Cherichello!

Life is about having fun and being happy, while helping others throughout it all-- That is one of my main takeaways from today’s passionate, heart-filled guest, Andrew Parks.  

An example of how one person can make a difference through their daily habits and awareness of what is going on in the world around them, Andrew shares his story of being an actor, teacher, advocate, and overall compassionate human (well he won’t say that last one outright, but I will!).  He has followed his passions throughout his life, never having to take a job “just to pay the bills”, and that has led him to NYC with his family, where he is a bright light to all he encounters.  

For performers out there, this episode is filled with nuggets to affect positive change in your mindset and audition skills.  For non-performers, these are lessons for many moments in life. 

(There’s also an incredible story about a female runner in Central Park who picks up trash as she runs that you have to hear…)

Andrew also asks the tough questions and truly seeks to be a part of solutions.  “We have to be advocates,” he states. He applauds all the people speaking out and working to better the entertainment industry and the world.  There is a lot of change that still needs to come, we don’t know how/where/when, but we can all work each day to take steps in a better direction. Ask questions, share people’s stories, spark conversations...all of this and more in my conversation with Andrew Parks today.  

“We only get one shot at this.  It’s one time through.  And the people make the party...And being around people is important for all of us...Ultimately, we collaborate.  We feed off of each other.”  

And as we all work to get back to a place where we can all be together again, let us be inspired by people like Andrew and ask the questions and make the positive changes we need to come out stronger and better than before. 

Follow Andrew Parks:
agparks dot com
@agparks

We need all the good news we can get.
This brings me to Some (More) Good News, featuring mini interviews with people following their passions, even if that means leaving behind a potentially more comfortable career path, and making people feel better along the way.   

S(M)GN episodes released each Friday.  Follow @positively_kate for more. 
And please share if you enjoyed this episode!

Have stories of good news you know should be shared?  Send me a message!

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