COLORADO

Free. Free from the stress of the world.

Looking out across the mountains I didn't feel small, I felt big. I felt as though even though I was one person, I was one person who mattered. I was one person who could make a difference.

A couple of years ago my friend Dana and I decided to go on a very spur of the moment road trip to Colorado. Three days before we left we started to talk about it, but did not have any actual plans. We had no idea where to go, where to stay, or what they heck we were doing, but we just went.

It wasn't until we crossed the Colorado border that we decided we should probably find a place to stay. The two places we decided on was Gunnison National Park and Estes Park. While Gunnison was an absolute wonder, Estes Park stole my heart. We were right by the Rocky Mountains National Park and I was blown away.

Deer walk right up to you, the mountains envelope you in adventure, and your lungs thank you for the fresh air.

The reason I am sharing this story is to tell you to jump in. Don't hold back from the things you want to do because more likely than not there is not a better moment than right now. Don't let excuses like "I have no money" or "now's not the right time" stop you from doing ANYTHING YOU WANT. Take a chance. You not going to regret going.

ANYWAY TO FEEL GOOD

If you don't know by now, I will pretty much do about anything to improve my mental health. Here are some events coming to the Chicago area that will help improve your mental health as well.

1. YOGA & WELLNESS WORKSHOP: Health and wellness specialists, Dr. Jim Lopez and Jodie Baudek, are coming to Athleta for a yoga, breathwork, and wellness workshop. This workship will help you to understand the importance of mind, body, spirit connection, mental and physical self-care, and the power of intention. Now is the time to change negative energy into positive energy with this workshop. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat! Sunday, July 16 // 9-10:30 AM // Athleta - 3415 North Southport Ave, Chicago. 
2. HEALTH AND WELLNESS DINNER: What's better than learning about your health WHILE indulging in a great meal?! I can't think of anything better. Jameson's Charhouse and Lifesource health & wellness will be partnering for a dinner conversation about 5 key ways to elevate your health.  Monday, August 7 // 6:30-9 PM // Jameson's Charhouse - 94 Stratford Dr Bloomingdale. 
3. STRAIGHT TALK ON WOMEN'S HEALTH: Sorry guys, but this one is for the girls. TASH wellness is hosting a movie and discussion group about the film Hungry for Change. This is a complimentary event that brings women together to explore the health, wellness, and fitness issues we've all had questions about. If you are interested in learning more about the diet and weight loss industry, then this is the event for you! Monday, September 11 // 7-9 PM // TASH Wellness for Women - 8816 Bronx Ave., Skokie. 
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A LETTER TO A DAUGHTER'S MOTHER

A letter to a daughter's mother,

There's nothing stronger than a mother-daughter relationship. Growing up your mom is your hero; she's beautiful and funny. Your mother is a strong bad-ass woman who can conquer the world.

But words hurt.

Words hurt especially when they come from this strong influential woman who you thought was supposed to protect. A mother is supposed to lift her daughter up, not drag her down. Not give her hope, then crush it with negativity.

Words hurt and damage self-esteem. Harsh comments and critiques make me think twice when trying on a strapless dress or a swimsuit. Looking in the mirror is always rough because your voice is in the back of my head telling me to "suck it in."

Words hurt when I'm killing myself trying to impress. Staying up extra hours to study for an A on a test, so I could get some kind of an acknoweldgement, only to be dismissed. You used to be a star athlete and a jock, so I tried out for more sports than I knew I could handle because I had something to prove to you: I wasn't a disappointment.

Words hurt mom, but they have made me stronger. Those words broke me and crushed me and ruined our relationship. I have scars and demons from the verbal attacks you thrusted upon me, but I thank you. Those words have made me realize that a daughter does not deserve that.

A daughter deserves love and kindness.

A daughter deserves to be welcomed with open arms no matter what.

A daughter deserves to be told she's beautiful, smart, intelligent, funny, confident, silly and loved.

So, to a daughter's mother, please let your words be full of love. Let every word that crosses your lips send nothing but positivity. This world needs a woman raised of love, not of hatred.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE CONFIDENCE?

How do you define confidence? Is it based on your intelligence or how "pretty" you are? Could it be confidence in the work you do or how many adventures you've been on? Technically, we're all born with confidence.

Think of yourself as a young child, or think of a kid you know. They don't seem to care much what other people think. They do whatever, whenever, and feel not an ounce of guilt for their silly actions. Kids don't look in a mirror and think: "I wish my hips weren't so wide" or "Damn my nose is huge" or "These stretch marks are HIDEOUS". Kids don't do that. I didn't as a young child and you didn't as a young child.

So, what changed? Who allowed us to think so un-highly of ourselves and why are WE allowing ourselves to be afflicted by their comments?

You are born with confidence, so don't let it diminish. Don't let someone or something let you think you are less than you are. Be proud of who you are and the accomplishments you have made. Be proud of your mistakes; own up to them and learn from them. This is what makes me confident, and this is what should make you more confident in yourself.

Everyone makes mistakes and everyone is always going to have something to say about, but be confident in who your are, the things you've done, and the answers you provide.

How do you define confidence?