You'd think that because I've worked in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years that I'd be full-on into my workout routine 24-7. Well, think again. I find it tough to fit it in too! After altering career paths, changing houses, two kids, and dealing with a killer commute everyday, I'll admit my training regimen hasn't been up to snuff lately. Yikes!....... So there's no time like the present to get back on schedule — No more excuses!

4 tips to help you get into the swing of things:

1. Stop procrastinating! Working out and eating healthy are essentials to a good life. You have no one else to blame if you're not getting to the gym. Do your own groceries? Buy clean. Spend too much time at the shops or online? Pour that time into a workout or prepare your meals for the week. Don't allow your friends and family to have more energy than you.

2. Find a workout partner. If you're flying solo, no problem! Take up a Yoga or Pilates class with a friend or go for a fast walk three times a week with a neighbour.

3. Set a specific time to work out and stick to it. After the kids are in bed, after the lunches are made, after homework is done, after you've checked your email. Instead of watching the finals of your favourite reality show, DVR it and watch another time. Believe me, you'll probably lose interest anyways which means more time to exercise.

4. Have fun! Need I say more? If it's not fun then it's not going to last.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

One of our annual rituals at Life Class is to ring in the New Year by reflecting and sharing our lists of accomplishments and letdowns for the past year. Letting go of the past, celebrating all that we’ve done, and embracing new challenges for the future is so liberating. After we all had a chance to share, cry and inspire, we burned our coveted lists as a symbol of shedding the past and looking forward to what’s to come in 2014. 

Although we don’t know what will happen for sure (especially as many of us take on new adventures in amazing new places) we do know one thing, and that's that we’re all grateful for what we have and what we’ve done over the past 12 months. Therefore we will pull from that energy and look forward to what comes next. To be honest, all we really can hope for is peace and happiness, which is what I wish for you!

Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2014!

Kerrie-Lee 
xo

Why do we always equate New Year's resolutions with things we have to change or improve upon? Why can't we just celebrate what we've accomplished and look forward to what's to come?

I prefer to look at this time of year as an outlet for inspiration to soar. For us to appreciate all that we have and who we have in our lives. To reflect on the last 12 months and not revel in what went wrong, but rather what went absolutely right!

Last night I saw my favourite girls at Life Class and we did just that. WE SOARED! We’ve been getting together for almost two years now. But it seems like we’ve known each other forever (maybe we have in a past life).

At first I wasn’t sure how close our little group would become given that I only knew one of the ladies in the beginning. But the very first time we met there was a special connection between us that I know will last a lifetime. Not to toot our own horns, but all of the women are talented, motivated, intelligent and extremely ambitious both personally and professionally – so as you can imagine, I was honoured when asked to join.

Every time we get together, the originators Jen and Janey lead us through meditations, reflections and some of their stellar coaching techniques where we share and inspire one another. I love the fact that we are all equals and no one is left to feel alone. Being able to connect, really connect, with other like-minded women is truly a gift – and I will always thank them for how they have inspired me to pursue similar great things (stay tuned!). I couldn’t feel more comfortable and at ease with myself each time we are brought together. And I can’t believe how much I’ve grown just knowing them. 

Reflection Work:
Do you have a group of friends that make you feel like you can do anything when you get together? If it's been a while, call up a friend and grab a coffee or a bite and catch up. There's no better reinforcement in life than a great convo with a BFF!

Kerrie-Lee
xo

You want to know what's liberating? What will make you feel good, relieved, and less stressed? 

Every once in a while, go through your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin profiles) and get rid of any unnecessary news feeds, connections, or friends that are adding additional stress to your day. Some examples may be ex-flames (unless you have an OK relationship with him/her and you want to stay in touch for some reason); ex-husbands (unless there are children involved, so that's up to you); ex-mother-in-laws (self-explanatory); annoying friends you weren't even friends with in high school; and old colleagues that you "liked" because you thought at the time they may be good connections for future jobs or you felt obligated when you worked with them. I know all too well how cumbersome news feeds can get when they are littered with stuff you're not interested in. Who has the time?

So stick with motivational sites (like this one!), inspirational people, products and services that you want to learn more about, causes or organizations you support, and of course, close friends and family. Also, a word of advice: Set up a separate business page if you want to spare friends and family from your self-promotion etc. Oh, and never feel obligated. The goal is to relax when you're checking your feeds because social media shouldn't be something you have to do — it's a place to connect with friends and family, or network with professionals in your field. Just be aware of what sites you're on and why you're there. And lastly, remember to support those people you like; and that those you're connected with respect what you have to say. So pay it forward: Be informative (when necessary), stay current, and, above all, have fun! 

Reflection Work:
What do you do to clean out the clutter in your loves?

Your cyber-friend, 
Kerrie-Lee
xo

Do you ever wish there was a secret pill or magic potion that could strip you of those last few pounds with the snap of a finger? Something that could give you perfect curves in a flash? 

Or a beautiful new look, femininity galore, legs to die for, and amazing muscle definition, oh yeah, by tomorrow? 

Think of the increased confidence you’d have if this were only true. Imagine, instant change without picking up a weight, changing your schedule, or eating wholesome foods. Sound too good to be true? Well, it is!

We all wish for fast “no-brainer” solutions to our diet and training dilemmas at some point in our lives. I bet, most of us can agree that it’s tough making it to the gym in between classes or when you’re away on business — and it’s equally rough trying to swing by the health food store when you’re late for an appointment or picking the kids up from school. Just trying to make the right meal choices for ourselves (let alone our families) is difficult enough when junk food is so accessible on our way home from work.

But the great thing is that there are numerous resources out there to help us out. 

We all dream of having the perfect body, but yet at the same time, we want to get there without putting in any effort at all. But it’s not going to happen overnight — so enjoy the journey and reap the benefits in the end.

We have to prioritize the activities in our life. Here's how:

Make healthy meals and exercise part of your daily regimen. Drink lots of water and get enough sleep. I'm working on these things myself and it is a tough road to change direction at this point in our lives. But we can do it because the truth is that everything in life is a work in progress.
​“Work” being the operative word.

Stay strong. Stay healthy. Stay fit.
Kerrie-Lee
xo

Tuesday was the first day of school. Sigh…A time for parents to get their kids back to a much-needed routine after the long, lazy days of summer. Well, not so lazy around our house as we were at the dirt bike track every weekend for races and the kids were practicing all week long leading up to the national championships; but nonetheless, fall is a time for change — a new beginning, heavier traffic and hockey season! Yay!

My son Connor, 9, entered grade 4 “on the second floor of the school!” he so proudly reminds me every minute – and my 4-year-old, Brock, started junior kindergarten. Holy smokes, where did the time go? Not only was this a big day for both of them as they met their teachers, picked lockers, and strut down the hallway in their newly pressed uniforms; but it was a big day for me as well. No, I didn’t cry (those who know me well know I’m not a crier) but I am a happy snapper. Yes, I’m that mom: I couldn’t stop snapping photos of them with their backpacks and grins from ear-to-ear.

I don’t know how many shots I’ve gotten of the kids with either their hands in front of their face trying to avoid my "just one more photo, guys pleease!"My kids know me all too well... if I don’t feel I’ve got enough shots on my regular camera, I’ll take a few on my phone as well for quick upload to Facebook. I know, I know, there are much more important things in life than showing off my gorgeous little boys to my friends and family who already know what they look like, but, do you blame me? 

As if the million pictures I took just the minute before weren't enough to showcase this special time in their lives. Hey, they'll thank me when they're older. And yes, I'm sticking with that. 


Reflection Work:
What's your most memorable first-day-of-school moment? Take a moment to think about how you felt and how you made it special for your family.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

I just love this photo that I took one morning at our farm. It makes me feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the day with positivity and freedom. 

Unfortunately we're all constantly bombarded with sad news—terror attacks, bullying, shootings, wars, bombings, backlash, cruelty to animals—therefore it's nice to wake up to a little bit of beauty like this and enjoy a moment where nothing else matters. 

So as you enjoy the view, I'd like to share this quote with you that I live by every day:

"The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions—the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitesimal of pleasurable thought and genial feeling." -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Have a wonderful day!
Kerrie Lee
xo

Over the years I've come to realize it's not what you do for a living that makes the difference, it's how you apply what you've learned along way. 

I've also learned that my personal strengths are what make each day more meaningful to those around me. They are also what make me feel most fulfilled. 

But of course there have been hiccups along the way, but they soon transformed into incredible opportunities. (After all, if it's the journey that counts and not the destination — then shouldn't the journey back home be the most valuable?) 

My ultimate lesson I've come to realize I've come to learn is that by leaning in (really leaning in!) and utilizing your true talents, ambitions (and whatever makes you tick) you can actually help others lead happier and healthier lives. And in turn, you will too. What a game changer!

So with this in mind, my wish for you is that you STAY TRUE to who you are and live every day with PURPOSE. I am and it feels AWESOME. 

Reflection Work:
What have you realized about yourself over the last 2, 3, 5 years? Was it something new and exciting? Have you ever had an 'A-ha' moment where you felt like you finally had a new purpose? Take a moment to write down your thoughts in a journal and revisit them every few days.

Kerrie-Lee
xo