Daily Inspiration

The good dreams always take a long time to accomplish.  Ya feel me?  Maybe you want to speak fluent French.  It will take awhile to learn but the invested time will be so worth it.  Or perhaps you want to write for a magazine in New York City, learn how to play the piano, make a movie.  Dreams don't happen overnight.  However, work your ass off and you can do whatever the fuck you want.  Never give up.  Never, never, never.  

xx,

E

You're Stronger Than You Think

Six months and one day ago, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  In other words, I couldn't stop drinking and I was miserable, hopeless, and ashamed.  I may not have been clear-headed but I knew for certain that I was on a destructive path.  In fact, I realized that I ruining my life.  I was actually ruining it.  And for what?  A drink?  That realization was terrifying.  I don't have any issue with my friends or family drinking, but I despise what it does to people with alcoholism.  I was in deep denial about my addiction for a few years.  Fortunately, I hit an emotional rock bottom and was able to have that pivotal moment of clarity.  I want to live to my potential so I had to make a change.  It was obvious.  I could either live a half-assed life of an alcoholic, or I could quit drinking and live the life that I've imagined.    

If you had told me that I would be sitting in Tahoe this afternoon, with six months of sobriety under my belt, I would have thought you were high as hell.  But here I am.  Getting sober is the smartest thing I've ever done and I never want to go back.  Life is so much better today.  

xx,

E

Until Tomorrow...

Happy Monday evening, everyone.  I'll be on route to the airport at 3:30 am, so excuse me while I retreat to my bed for a few hours.  Who am I kidding?  I'll probably be up all night.  Excitement plus procrastination = sleep deprivation.  It is what it is.

Fortunately, I'll be bringing my blog with me on my adventure so I'll talk to you then.  As for now, it's time for me to take my last sip of green tea and attempt to hit the sheets.  So, dear reader, I'll leave you with the following quote by Cecil Beaton.  Sleep well and kick some ass tomorrow.  [But first, coffee.]

Bon voyage.

xx,

E

FUCK YES

It's time to shake things up.

I, Elin Marie Van Atta, resolve to say "Yes" [more] to life.  Alright, that sounds like I'm some kind of house plant.  I have a life.  Truth is, I just feel like I've been missing out on some real exciting opportunities lately.  Things have become too predictable for my liking.  

For example, when asked to see Papa (two weeks in a row by two different people) perform in LA, I said "No, thank you" both times.  What?! Alright, one of those times I had to take my mom to the ER.  But the other time?  I chose to go on a run and get some sleep.  While taking care of oneself is important, I regretted missing out on the show.  I love live music!  And it still bothers me that I didn't go to my friend's birthday party on Friday because I wasn't feeling well.  I don't want to look back on my 20's and wonder what I missed out on.  And hello, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT. 

Conclusion:  I resolve to make more time for random rendezvous and spontaneous parties.  Even if I would rather start reading A Passage To India, I resolve to say "yes" to the unplanned.  Why?  Because regrets suck and I can sleep when I'm dead.  Do I need any other reason?  Let's go out.  

But like, on a budget.  I'm between jobs.  

xx,

E 

Elle Woods and Endorphins

Elle Woods is right.  Those who exercise are less likely to kill their spouse.  It's just science.

Endorphins also act as a(an):

1.  Pain reducer.  

2.  Stress fighter.

3.  Anti-depressant.

4.  Sleeping aid.

5.  Euphoria maker.

6.  Sex enhancer.

7.  Appetite suppressant.

Natural ways to increase endorphins:

1.  Exercise.  Duh.

2.  Laugh.  A lot.

3.  Take deep breaths.  Meditate.

4.  Eat spicy food.  Or chocolate.

5.  Dance your ass off.

6.  Listen to live music with friends.

7.  Jump out of an airplane.

xx,

E

Blog Meets Pinterest

With the Surf City USA Half-Marathon just one week away, I am in need of some serious fitspiration.  Therefore, each daily entry this week will be dedicated to health, fitness, and kicking ass.  If there is a specific area you'd like me to focus on, let me know in the comments below.

Today, some visual inspiration.  Sometimes a motivating slogan attached to a photo of let's say, Ryan Gosling, can be enough to get me moving.  It worked for me today and I hope the following images do the same for you.  Work it out, ya hot tamale. 

xox,

E

 P.S. I apologize for the foul language...but doesn't it kinda work?