Inspiration

Happy Monday! I've been lucky enough to be able to get some relaxing in this past weekend on top of the usual homework and work at home that never ends. I was also happy to see a bit of sunshine and really hold out hope that spring weather is here. I think that like many people, when the warmer weather finally arrives, I start to get more energy and feel more optimistic than I have in the last few freezing and torturous months. It seems that while my mood changes as fast as Michigan's weather, my responsibilities do not follow suit.

So how can I possibly keep the momentum and energy that the first signs of spring provide me with? To absolutely sound redundant, creating a routine and always keeping in mind you are your actions, are so important to me. Making sure that I do not rely on motivation alone to accomplish my goals helps me to succeed. I've seen a lot of "challenges" on Pinterest to get people "ready for summer" and more so "ready for bikini season". Where it is great to utilize these plans to keep you on track, it is also important to keep the ultimate goal in mind. For me, that goal is to develop life long habits of wellness. What are your goals?

I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite tools, motivation, and inspirational people that have helped me in this pursuit.

• I will say first and foremost Steven Covey's  "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" has given me the foundation that I have to even be aware of how to achieve my goals. I would seriously recommend it and if you have read it tell me what was the most poignant habit for you. Personally, I will never forget to begin with the end in mind.

• With my incredibly busy schedule I've found that trying to get to a yoga class after work is absolutely impossible. It's ok, but it means I've had to take a different approach. I found this site that has free yoga instruction that I can do at home when I do have time and energy. Oh and did I mention they are FREE? If you like the instruction I would suggest making a donation as 100% of the proceeds from some classes go to a great cause, the Give Back Yoga Foundation!

• Last but not least I have been following Yoga By Candace ever since I discovered her on Pinterest some time ago. I find her to be incredibly knowledgeable and inspirational. Her videos are also fantastic. I use her 15 minute morning yoga to wake up and it drastically changes the direction of my day.

I really hope that some of these tools can help someone as much as they've helped me. There are so many other inspirational people and ideas that I've become a spokesperson for that I don't think I have enough room for them all but I am always happy to gain more! So tell me what tools have you found that inspire you?