You Asked - Now Receive

I would like to start with a thank you to all who have visited, read, and commented. I extend my appreciation to those of you who have checked in faithfully and given your feedback.

THANK YOU!

Also, I would like to mention that there was a great response to the survey I posted on interest in specific or customized meditations. Most of you said you would love to have that and were curious how to obtain such a thing.

You Asked - Now Receive.....

You may send an email to me with your request. Tell me a little about yourself and what you specifically would like to achieve through meditation. Remember that with calming of the mind and connection to the true inner self, we can achieve greatness.

I was reading this weekend and I came across the following statement. "Most people live lives of quiet desperation". This left me thinking....... if this is true (and I have no doubt that it is) Why LIVE this way? It is inevitable that such times may arise. But to LIVE in desperation? That is not living. That is existing.

We can choose to give into to desperation and remain part of the problem. Or, we can choose to LIVE and create solutions to the problems, healing our desperation.

Try meditation - End desperation.

I look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you.

Breathe in ~ Breathe out,
Erica Rae

erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com

NO EXCUSES!

Hello!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and gearing up for Christmas Day!

I have been asked by several of my clients and by a few who have written in to me for advice on the holidays and how not to cheat or overeat...... Are you kidding me? I asked one of my clients. You stay on track and do what you have been doing. That's how you handle it.

If you can't take one bite to taste something or choose one day during the holiday to indulge a little more than normal.... then don't do it. Remember everything in moderation. I realize there are so many wonderful things to eat and drink. But you need to decided what is most important to you. You can have a good time and not eat for four can't you?

Hold on to your mind set. You have a choice and it's either yes or no. I think we are starting to over think things. Looking for ways to get around hard work because it is a holiday. Holiday ends in "day" just like Monday, Tuesday, Wedsnesday.....

If you choose to indulge some, then just be smart about it. No rationalizing and no excuses!

Also make sure you are getting a little more exercise than usual. I know that many of you are buried in snow. It as been snowing here in New England for 3 days, and it's still coming down. You know what I'm about to say don't you.... thats right; I say NO EXCUSES!!

You either want it or you don't. You are either going to do it or you aren't. I'm not going to baby anyone here, and not because I am trying to be rude or mean. It's because I CARE and I know you can do it!

Here are a few ideas for you if you can not get to the gym. (or choose not to go)

1. Go up and down the stairs in your house (if you have them) for 5 minutes quick pace, every hour.

2. Good ol' fashion jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers, push ups, crunches, lunges, tri dips on the coffee table.... see where I'm going with this???? A workout does not need to be missed.

3. Dig out those old videos and blow the dust off. Come on you know you have them. Get busy!!

4. If you have cable... join in a session with fit t.v.

5. Don't over think it, just do it. Either you want it or you don't. I think you do want it, so get up and get busy :)

I have attached a video for you. This is what I did this morning before my legs and shoulder work out. Again, I am no nonsense. I want you to succeed. Babying you is not my style and isn't doing you any favors! I would like to hear what kind of "in-home" creative things you have done to keep in shape.

Email me: erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com I will answer all emails within 24 hours.
Now get busy!!! I am waiting to hear from YOU!

Happy Fitness!
Your Personal Trainer (the one that cares ;) )
Erica Rae

The Holidays

Happy Holidays to all of you!

What will you be doing this year for the holidays? Having people come visit? Will you go to a family or friend's home? Maybe you will attend several parties and events thru out the duration of the holidays?

I have attended a few holiday get togethers that friends have put on, and will attend a few more before the end of the year and the start of the new.

The reason for my post today is because of the party I attended last night. We were asked to come in character. Character of our favorite time period, or celebrity, person of power, etc...... There were people dressed from the 70s era, there were rock stars, George Washington, somebody was even half Marilyn Monroe and half Marilyn Manson!!! Anyway, what a good time that was! I sat and chatted with many of my disguised friends and watched them in silence as well. It occurred to me just how good of an idea this party was for us to express ourselves and learn about the others. The way we chose to "dress up" said alot about who we are deep inside. Knowing so many of the attendees the way I do, I began to notice how well the character they chose actually fit who they REALLY are. This made the night even more appealing to me. We were like little kids playing in dress up clothes. Living and expressing, laughing, and bonding.

I went to bed feeling great (except for the 1 too many margaritas) about who I am and who my friends are. About my choices and my place in this world. I was grateful that I am able to help others and for all of those who have helped me. For those who have truly touched my life. I could see the beauty in all people... how unique and fantastic each soul is.

I decided to post today to tell you this.....

Let your light shine! Let who you are show regardless of what you think others may think. This is your life, and you need to make it count. When it ends, let there be no regrets. Only memories that you truly lived. Begin today creating your legacy so you may leave your mark on the earth when you go. So you may let the world know YOU WERE HERE AND YOU WERE GREAT!!!!!!

Love who you are always; no matter what. You are beautiful and you matter!

Happy Holidays and may the new year be the beginning of living to leave your mark!

Peace, Love, and Laughter!

Yours in light,
Erica Rae Redmond

Thoughts Become Things???

Hello to All!!!

I have to been wanting to write more on the Universe and the power of the mind since I created the post titled HAD ENOUGH?

I have to admit I wanted to make it a good read for you, something that would be worth your time (because I do value you and your time). I guess I also wasn't quite comfortable telling you what goes on in this head of mine, (or a glimpse anyway... it's a KA-RAZZZY place up there sometimes.) Anyhow... I decided that you will either find you and I are much alike and be entertained by my thoughts; or you will think I am completely nuts, and be entertained by my thoughts :)

I was born in 1970 and raised with theory much like the "secret" is teaching people today. The power of thought. The power within, communicating with the Universe, etc.

However, my Mother was not one to say thoughts become things, so think and sit around and wait for it to happen.

You must take action. We need to do the leg work here on earth. My Mom's exact words to me, "Act as if it already is Erica Rae, and so it shall be."

Ok, lets cut to the chase here.

I play this game... ya'll know what a slug bug is? Or a punch buggy? It's a VW bug... when you see one you have to say punch buggy and hit the other people playing (except we don't hit, not good to do to the driver :>) Well, I have started using punch buggies as a way of communicating withe the Universe. I have attached a category to each color. For example Yellow is business. So, one day at the beginning of the summer I was super stressed about money, and wondering if I was ever going to get to the other side with this business planning and learning.. Will I be stuck working for someone else and hating it for forever?? I found myself saying out loud, "Universe I need you listen and I want answers. I cannot worry today about all of this. I want to know if things will turn around soon? If you hear me show me a yellow punch buggy."

I laughed at myself. This is crazy, I thought.

I was driving on 95 South and I was just about to go under an over pass. I looked up, at there was a yellow punch buggy crossing it. Again I laughed, So I said, "ok that was funny, (I raised that there is no coincidence, but this was so crazy. I needed more... Proof I guess). I said, "Ok, show me another yellow one and then I also want to see a green one after that. Before I see any other color, I expect to see green". I laughed again because I thought I was pulling a fast one, and I was so specific that this could not possibly happen in the next 4 minutes before I got to work.

But sure enough a yellow one drove by me as I was almost to the exit. Are you ready for this? No word of a lie.......the car directly behind that yellow buggy. The very yellow buggy I ordered. YES! yes, it was GREEN punch buggy!!
I screeched with laughter, "HOW COOL WAS THAT!!!??" I yelled out loud.

So now I do this all the time. I have found that if I am really focused on a topic (one that matches the various colors) that color ALWAYS drives by. If I say I want to see a certain color or colors in a certain order; they come.

The more you use the power of your mind, the stronger it becomes.

The Universe is always talking to us. Go back and read my post titled HAD ENOUGH? We will receive the messages in many forms if we pay attention, if we stay open and are ready to receive. Remember you are being taken care of in the most perfect way. There really is so much more to life than what society dictates. Color outside the lines..... Live it up and be the best you can every day, every moment...
The Universe has your back!!

Thanks for reading. I enjoy sharing with you. Feel free to post your comments, I love to read them. You may contact me my email erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com as well. I would dig hearing about your "punch buggy" stories.

Think it, Believe it, Live it, Breathe it, Make it Happen!

Peace,
Erica Rae

911 Fitness Challenge Crusade PART II

Hello again, Thank you for checking in for part two of the Fitness Challenge Crusade. I am still on my mission for the challenge and I am receiving some positive interests and some awesome feedback. I think this year is going to be the best one yet!! Here is a look at the rest of my documentation from this weeks venture. I will continue with the journey and making the stops to promote the challenge.




I hope to be able to get video of the guys in their stations as they join, showing the way they look before hand. I also would like to do a monthly documentation of their progress as we go along through out the challenge and even some footage of the boot camps for those who decided to take it that extra mile. If you have any ideas or comments, you know the drill. I would love to hear from you!
Stayed tuned for the fun! Thank you for your support!


Keep Reaching Higher,
Erica

911 Fitness Challenge Crusade

Hello to all,

I have been on a crusade to get contenders rounded up from the local fire and police departments of RI. I want to help them build teams and get signed up to compete in the 911 Fitness Challenge starting in January, 2009. Proceeds will be going to the Shiner's Children Hospitals. The winning team will be awarded a prize; but, there is another benefit for our 911 personnel as well. They will be working to get themselves in better shape, build muscle and lose body fat. Being in better shape will benefit our 911 men and women endure the demands and challenges of the job. This will spill over into the civilian lives they are so selflessly dedicated to serve and protect everyday. They will also increase the quality and logevity of their lives both for themselves and their families.

I am here to help them do just that!

Being their contact, and having the opprotunity to coach and guide them is a great privlelage and an honor.

I am driven to help get them on track and into the best shape of their lives. Here is a look into the first 3 episodes of the start of my crusade roundup.
I hope that you enjoy the journey as much as I am. Thank you for tuning in. Your interest and support is much appreciated.


Headquarters was a good stop. Lt. is going to talk to the guys and I will be doing a follow up visit. On to Johnston......


That is the first 3 episodes.... Check back in and make a few more stops with me.

Questions and comments are welcome as always. You can send them to me here:
erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com

Please post your comments here on the blog. We love to hear what you think!

Be Happy, Be Strong, Be Up For the Challenge!

Erica Rae

Life, Death, and Letting Go

Letting Go!

Wow, not a topic I had thought I would be writing about any time soon. Nor would I have chosen something of this nature to put out there as "inspirational" However, it is something that takes a great amount of strength and power of the mind, heart and soul. Which is what the Fit MindBody Method is striving to help you with. It is also a very real subject and not healthy to just ignore.

Recently a client and also a good friend of mine lost his Mother to cancer. I too lost an Uncle only last month. Another friend of mine is dealing with his Mother's battle and getting through some kemo treatments. My younger brother has 4 female friends with cancer. I couldn't nor would I make this stuff up!!

It pains my heart so to see such suffering, such sadness.........

That is where I need to start this blog for you today. Death is a part of life. And living is a part of death.

We need to remember that all is temporary, at least in this plane of of living, this vibration of our humanness on earth. I am not talking religion here, nor will I get into that with anyone who responds to this. I have my beliefs and somethings shall not be debated.

So as I was saying, Death a part of life and living a part of death......

We know that eventually all things and all people will eventually have to pass. On a surface level we even except it. Until it happens. Then the acceptance and letting go become very difficult. That is where we need to remember that living is a part of death.

To my dear friends and to my loving family, and any of you reading this who has had or is currently experiencing a great loss. Hold tight to one another and remember you are still living. Take comfort in knowing that this is not the end. Grieve, but do not become consumed.

I read in my fortune cookie last weekend, "The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success." Profound I thought. Those can be two of the hardest in life..... Then I thought about how hard life (including death) can be for many of us to handle.

One last thing: I have written a meditation for you for comfort and strength.
Read it as many times in the day, as many days as you feel you need to refocus or you need comfort and strength. I hope it helps.
I am here for questions, guidance, comments and discussion.

In Peace, Love, and Inner Strength
Erica Rae
erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com

For this moment I will stop and allow myself to be human. To be open, raw, and feel. For this moment I will let go of my belief that life is awful, painful, and difficult. For this moment I will be free of all wants, needs, and thoughts. For this moment I will just be... and believe that I am right were I am supposed to be. This is divine timing; and in this moment I am and always will be; no matter what... alright!

De - Stress in 5 Min. or Less

As we move through our day, there are literally a million things occurring within and around us.

Do we take notice, or just automatically move through our day?

In my profession I deal with many people. Each individual is very unique in their own lives and challenges. However, I hear many of the same complaints no matter how different the person, their needs, or reasons for hiring me in the first place.

My life is so hectic -- I am so tired -- I had a horrible day (week) -- I hate my job -- I can't lose weight -- I'm so emotional these days -- I'm sick again, etc., etc.

You get the picture right? Many of you may find that you are giving the same responses when asked about how things are going? Sadly enough this is the vast majority of Americans today.

What is the underlying factor for so much misery????

STRESS

The longer we live stressed and out of control, the more power and control we give to the stress. It grows bigger and becomes stronger and it can consume us….. like a plague. Consciously and unconsciously we stress. Eventually we become prisoner in our own life. Moving from moment to moment, day to day, unhappy, and negative. Our sleep starts to suffer, we stop working out (or procrastinate getting started), and we stop laughing and playing and truly being ALIVE! Thus creating more problems for ourselves and bringing more stress! It becomes a vicious cycle.

Can you relate? Have you ever found your self wanting to stop the world and jump off?

You are not alone!

Here is a simple method to help manage stress throughout your day. Use as many times per day as you need to.

Let's break it down simply:

S -- stop the crazy spinning and step back from the situation.

T -- take several slow, deep and controlled breaths. Clear mind of all thoughts (focus is on your breath).

R -- regroup, refocus, and regain control and composure.

E -- Eliminate negative thoughts, feelings and or people that are contributing factors to the stress. Evaluate what truly matters, what is significant and what needs to be let go.

S -- step back into the situation only if completion of a task is a must. If not, walk away and let it go. Either way, stay with the controlled breathing.

S -- Smile -- Stay calm and in the moment. Don't go back and rehash the previous situation. Stay positive and focused. (Did I mention keep breathing?)

This is sometimes easier said than done, and it may require some practice. Stick with it because it does work. You may even customize your own little technique from the above guide. As long as you are working at taking control of an out of control situation, the better you will begin to feel and the easier it will become.

I would be delighted to hear that people are beginning to de-stress rather than continuing to stress! So, if you find this method helpful, let me know. I welcome all comments and questions.

I hope to find you here again, so we may continue together in managaning, combating and eliminating your stresses!!

Yours in Peace and Serenity,
Erica Rae


Erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com

HAD ENOUGH??

Had Enough.......

Then do something about it!

I saw this on a billboard on the highway yesterday. It was a white board with black print. Very simple, yet very powerful.

I noticed it just at the right time. I had been driving along in traffic thinking about some things that I am ready to change. Just as I passed the sign I looked up. I smiled for a long time after that because as I said, it came at just the right time. I knew at that very moment I was going to have to share this with you.

If we stay open and aware we will see signs everywhere. It will appear they are meant just for us. Well...... They are!

Focus your energy on the positive no matter what the cituation, believe you are capable of anything, and be ready to make a change. Let me remind you... I believe in you.

With that I will leave you a bit of a homework assignment.

First thing: STAY open and aware, be ready to receive information. It can be alot of fun and new inspirations can be brought to life. You don't have to hunt it down . Relax, Breathe and JUST BE. If you are open to it and READY to receive, it will come. When it happens, (and it will ) jot it down and send it to me. I would love to hear what messages find you and how they came to you.

Second thing:
Think about the billboard message. Make note of the things you aren't satisfied with. Are you ready to make a change?

I work with people who need stress management, people who need to get in better shape, and I coach people working through making life changes. One thing I tell all of them is you need to be ready. Want is not enough.

If you have had enough..... do something about it!

Namaste,
Erica Rae
Erica@fit-mindbodymethod.com

WELCOME

What is the Fit MindBody Method all about?

It is really quite simple. Fit MindBody Method is all about you!

Fit MindBody Method is about helping provide you with the knowledge, tools, support and inspiration to live the life you want to live.

To bring out and enhance that beautiful person you already are, both Mind and Body.

We will show you how to acheive balance in total health, Mind and Body. You will be able to conquer obstacles, achieve your life and fitness goals, and begin living life to the fullest!

The best life has to offer is already yours, you just need to be ready to take it!

Are you ready change your life, get your BODY in shape, calm the MIND and manage stress? Are you ready to truly BE ALIVE?

Are you ready to conquer each goal, step by step, level by level. It is a process and it will take commitment to yourself and your program. It takes more than just want, need or desire to make things happen. It takes ACTION!

Are you ready to take action?

Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't.....

EITHER way you are right!

Let's stop thinking about what we can change, and starting taking action now.