I'm not sure to whom to attribute the photo quote I chose for this blog, but I really love it.  Intuition, spirit, guide... whatever we wish to label it, we all have it.  That little voice of "reason", of goodness, of love.  The trick is to quiet the mind, focus inward and tune out the noise of our outer world.

I've been studying different forms of meditation, though I feel I've only just scratched the surface of each.  I have yet to fully delve into any one method, because I feel I'm most helped by dabbling in several methods and forms, thereby creating my own unique meditation style and practice, and learning how to listen to my own inner voice, rather than constantly relying on an outer source.

One meditation with which I have truly fallen in love is this: http://amzn.to/UnCyM5

I have tried a few other of Kelly Howell's guided meditations and really enjoy her style.  No paid advertising here, no promotion other than my own personal experience with the product, by the way!

Back to that inner voice.  You know the one.  The one we often ignore when we allow our minds to convince us otherwise.  When we choose what we want 'now' rather than what we want most.  When we allow ourselves to react to a situation rather than taking a moment to breathe, to center and focus our attention, that is when that little voice can be very much overshadowed.  This, I believe, is where a regular practice of meditation can come in very handy.  Meditating, focusing inward for even just a few minutes a day, can give us the discipline to do so when faced with difficult circumstances in our lives.

There are many free guided meditations on YouTube for beginners.  That's a great place to start!

Also, if you haven't entered the big SparkYourMotivation Thank-You giveaway, now is your chance.  It's ending soon!  Go here for details: bit.ly/TjzDyk

Keep on listening to that inner voice!!

Until next time,
Chandra

It was barely a year and a half ago that I started my SparkYourMotivation Facebook fan page.  It has really grown into something pretty major since then!  I never, ever expected that the page would be approaching 20,000 fans.  I was honored to reach my first 1,000, so this current number just blows me away!

Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm not focused wholly on the numbers.  Nope.  I love to interact with each of you, no matter how many of you there are.  I love to hear how the things I share and post help motivate you to live your best life.  I love positive chat and banter.  I enjoy reaching out to so many and sharing what I find interesting, useful, helpful and intriguing.

A little about me, since I've not yet fully introduced myself to all of you:

My name is Chandra.  I'm nearly 33, and married with 2 boys.  We homeschool our eldest son and I hold down multiple part-time jobs.  My husband is a musician/game developer/amateur chef & beer brewer/inventor/creator.  I've been working to lose weight and get fit since February 2010.  I've successfully lost 50lbs, gained 32lbs during my pregnancy and lost that weight again after my youngest son was born in February of this year.  I am currently working toward getting to my goal weight/size, mainly by running, practicing yoga, and using Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper workout DVDs for strength training.

I am assistant to Regina at Romancing Your Soul, as well as a part time legal assistant at a local law office.  Add to that being a full time mom and homeschooler, well, you get the idea.  BUSY!  But, I love it.

My favorite color is purple.  I love to read (currently reading "The Return of Merlin" by Deepak Chopra).  I enjoy helping others become and stay motivated in any area of their lives.  I simply love to help!

AND SO, that said... in honor of such GREAT numbers of amazing people gathered together to send, receive and recharge their Motivation, I want to give something away.  To show my appreciation for all of you, and to help motivate you to take steps toward your goals, whatever they may be... I have a New Balance Via Base+ pedometer for one lucky SparkYourMotivation reader!!

Here's a great article to read for tips on how to get the recommended 10,000 steps a day for health and fitness: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/cardio/walking/how-to-use-a-pedometer-to-get-10000-steps/?page=2

It's so easy to keep track of your daily steps/distance with a pedometer... enter below to win!!!

Simply follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form below to enter: