Embracing Hope

The quote above is so appropriate for this post because it was love that gave me the courage for what I was about to do seven years ago today.  The days leading up to March 14, 2006 were filled with hope, excitement and relief for both of us involved and yet those other emotions of fear and yes, a little anxiety, were evident as well, at least for me since I can only speak for myself at this point.  And, yet, above all there was a sense of acceptance and while I embraced hope at this time there would be a day not too far from today that I would be on a quest to find my faith.   More on that in part 2.

Some of you by  now are wondering what I’m talking about, however for those of you who remember, you’re probably finding it hard to believe that it’s been seven years for I can hardly believe it myself.  There were intentions, goals, plans and so much more going through my mind.  When I decided  to write this I thought I would be able to share a few lessons that I learned from this experience and I’ve narrowed it down to 5 Life Lessons and by the time I share Part 2 there may be a few more.

Seven years ago today I added another ‘mission’ to my life’s story, which was to become a live kidney donor.   To be honest, this wasn’t something I thought about doing; it was something that life brought to me and there weren’t any questions about whether or not I would be tested because if I could help  save someone’s life, well, it had to be done.

When I found out that I was a ‘good match’ to the recipient, the joy I felt was overwhelming.  There were several important markers that created a good match and one of them was blood type.  Needless to say, we were hopeful that our ‘B+’ blood types  and ‘be positive’ attitude would help carry us through.  To be a match was a miracle in itself, however the bigger miracle was to be a wife-husband match.   The odds of being a match to a non-related live kidney donor are now more possible due to medical advances, however seven years ago it was a blessing to find out we were a match.   And surely it meant that everything would work out.  Right?  It had to because my husband’s life truly depended on it.

Lesson 1:  Control
If there was ever a lesson to be learned about control, this would be it.  I had no control over being a match other than being the one (in thousands) that had the markers (and good health) that would create this endeavor.  And, I absolutely had no control of the surgery itself or the outcome.  More about that in part 2.

Lesson 2:  Love
Love conquers all!  Or, as Lao Tzu brilliantly quoted (above), “…while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”  It was hard at first for me to embrace the idea about having courage as it was he who had courage.  The courage to go through everything he endured with diabetes….and I really didn’t want that ‘D’ word to appear here as I speak of love and courage, however it was the cause of so much pain and yet at this point in our lives this undertaking brought us closer together.   “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
That says a lot……..it’s exactly how I felt just before the surgery.  I remember being told (a couple of weeks prior), that if I didn’t want to do this it would be okay, however that wasn’t part of the equation.  How could I not do this?  It was meant to be so I saddled up!

Lesson 3:  Uncertainty
I remember someone telling me that the only thing we can be certain of is uncertainty.   I didn’t know what the outcome would be, all I could ‘be certain of’ was prayer, embracing hope and having faith that everything would work out.  There was a part of me that was confident it would…which brings me to…

Lesson 4:  Spiritual Surrender/Letting Go
One of the biggest lessons was to ‘let go’ and trust in God.  My spirituality is important to me and at that time it was more important than ever.  As we’ve heard, “If God brings us to it, He will bring us through it,”‘ and I’m sure that was on my mind as well as asking my sister to be sure I woke up after the surgery.  Since I’m human, that was on my mind too, however I was ready, able and once again, embracing hope.    Lessons 1, 2 & 3 were all involved here too.

Lesson 5: Anticipation and Expectation
This is still a tough lesson.  If we live with anticipation then we won’t be disappointed by expectation.  That is all I can really say right now for this lesson.  More about this in Part 2.

And I think the biggest lesson of all is Gratitude.  I can remember this day like it was yesterday.  My family and closest friends were there to support us with countless others waiting for the updates by phone.  We were so grateful to have their support and prayers.  One team, one day, one chance to see this through.  Love is powerful and it was certainly felt so deeply that day.  It was a day filled with emotions and “they just showed up with their big old hearts…” from the Tracy Lawrence song, Find Out Who Your Friends Are

Find out Who Your Friends Are by Tracy Lawrence

Closing thoughts for Part 1:
We often ask why when challenges arise in our lives and maybe it’s more empowering to ask what.  What can I do with this experience?   I wasn’t asked to consider being tested when finding out that a kidney transplant was his best chance of survival.  I chose to be tested and volunteered to be a live donor and would do it again. I knew that a kidney from a live donor would be the best chance for him vs cadaveric kidneys.

Today, March 14, is World Kidney Day and maybe it’s serendipity, however I didn’t know this until today and also find it interesting that it’s taken me seven years to write something about this experience.  I think once I get through part 2 you will understand the why (okay, had to use that reference here).  For me and for today, I celebrate the gift of love and courage and ponder the idea of ‘what’ else I can do with this experience.  Surely it will come to me if I continue to embrace hope and hold on to faith.  My other hope with writing this is to spread awareness of  the living kidney donor program and to take care of your kidneys.  There are a few links included here that have more information.

Part 2 will be posted on March 26.  Thank you for stopping by and stay well.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu
Photo Credit: Donna Adinolfi (c)

Mii Amo

When I think about Mii Amo, which is the Yuman (Native American language) for “journey, to continue one’s path, moving forward,”  so many words come to mind for me like Intention, Sacred, Balance, Renewal, Contemplation, Self-care and the list goes on.  There are many reasons to fall in love with this top destination spa  including personalization,  the stunning background of  Sedona and the peaceful setting of such an intimate resort.

I think what I love most about Mii Amo is the Native American influence and traditions reflected in their program – the Crystal Grotto is a personal favorite, this is where you can go each morning to set your intention for the day.

And, because Mii Amo is more intimate (14 spa guest rooms and 2 spa suites), you have the opportunity to truly make this as personal an experience as possible from planning your activities in advance (which differs from some other spas) to narrowing down the journey you’d like to experience.  There are Five Journeys offered at Mii Amo for  a 3-, 4-, or 7-night stay beginning with either a Sunday or Thursday arrival.

The Five Journeys include:
- DeStress Mind, Body & Spirit (leads you to a more centered and focused life)
- Healthy Body in Balance (focus on exercise and nutrition)
- Spiritual Exploration (focus on your inner self, insight and balance)
- Rites of Passage (assists you in embarking on a new stage in life)
- Mii Amo Master (based on past guest experience and focuses on current needs)

Each customized journey includes your room, meals, spa treatments, consultations, activities and more.

Mii Amo is a magical place – full of beauty – where you can hike at Boynton Canyon or enjoy outdoor yoga; where you can enjoy healthy and delicious cuisine; where you can relax and take care of ‘you’ either in the spa, at the pool or in your private room; where you can immerse yourself in the abundance of activities offered daily, stargaze, and enjoy the stunning Red Rocks that surround you and where you are taken care of throughout your stay.

When you go:
- Fly into Phoenix and you can either rent a car or request private transfers (additional fee)
- Arrive early as it’s about 2-hours to get to Sedona
- Once your Mii Amo reservation is made you’ll receive a questionnaire and this helps the spa coordinators personalize your stay

Healthy Living at Home:

- Implement what you learned and enjoyed at Mii Amo
- Continue to journal each day
- Meditate
- Set an intention each day
- If you loved the cuisine (and I’m sure you will), consider getting their cookbook:
Journey of Taste: Favorite Recipes from Mii amo Spa in Sedona

Have you been thinking about going to Mii Amo?
If you’d like more information on Mii Amo, feel free to e-mail me directly at donna@mindfuladventures.com and I’ll share more insight and details about Mii Amo.
(You’ll also receive an additional gift from me when I make your Mii Amo reservation).

Facebook Fan Giveaway:
- ‘Like’ the Mindful Adventures page on Facebook
- Look for the Fan Giveaway announcements
* One of our giveaways was the Mii Amo cookbook, Journey of Taste
Additional monthly giveaways including music, other healthy spa cookbooks, journals and more will be offered as well as inspiring quotes, photos, articles and special offers focused on a healthy lifestyle.

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Red Rocks of Sedona

I hope you find joy, love, great health and a lifetime of dreams come true on your journey! ~~ Donna

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu

Photo Credits:
Mii Amo – Mii Amo Spa
Red Rocks Sedona – Donna Adinolfi

Simple Summer Pleasures at Mohonk Mountain House
Are you still thinking about a summer getaway?  Let’s look at something in the eastern U.S. with an amazing history, plenty to do (if you choose) and an award-winning  spa.  Mohonk Mountain House is an enchanting Victorian Castle located about 90-miles from New York City.  This location reminds me of the simple pleasures of a summer vacation in the Catskills.  A time to relax, enjoy a cold lemonade and time by the lake or hikes along the mountainside.

History:
First. a little history as I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this with you.  Mohonk’s history goes back to 1869 when Albert Smiley visited Shawangunk Ridge, the northern end of a long ridge within the Appalachian Mountains. What we see today at Lake Mohonk (situated on Sky Top Mountain, one of the highest peaks of Shawangunk Ridge) is much of what he saw back then.  He and his brother visualized a peaceful retreat where others could enjoy this stunning natural setting and that is what they created when they purchased 280 acres and a small inn.   What they envisioned grew into what it is today and what many have enjoyed for over 125 years spanning from the 19th century to the 21st century.

Present Day:
Today, Mohonk Mountain House is still owned and operated by the Smiley family, and with what started with a 10-room Inn has now become a 259 room Victorian Castle.    Inclusive overnight rates include accommodations, meals, afternoon tea & cookies and most resort activities.

Spa & Activities:
Let’s get back to ‘Simple Summer Pleasures‘ as Mohonk Mountain House offers everything you can imagine for a relaxing getaway including the natural beauty of a deep-blue lake, acres of pristine forest, winding trails and their stunning mountain-top gardens.   Activities such as hiking, yoga, Pilates, dance, meditation, wellness classes and more are all available.  Mohonk’s award-winning spa is a must with 16-treatment rooms, a solarium, an outdoor heated mineral pool, a fitness center and a relaxing list of services (check out Signature Elements of Nature – Mohonk Red Massage or The Indigo Poultice Massage).

Golf anyone?
The Mohonk Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in the U.S., with 115 years of continuous use.  Designed with a Scottish influence, it has also received high accolades as one of the “Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Courses in the U.S.” by Links magazine and Cooperative Sanctuary Award from the International Audubon Society for their environmental-friendly practices.

Specials:
Currently, Mohonk Mountain House is offering a ‘Spa-tacular’ through December 2012. Guests on this package will receive a $150 spa credit, unlimited access to the Spa (steam and sauna rooms, outdoor heated mineral pool, relaxation verandas and solarium), three delicious meals, and most resort activities.**
** Based on availability, other restrictions may apply and tax/gratuity are additional.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re considering a getaway to Mohonk Mountain House, feel free to e-mail donna@mindfuladventures.com with your dates and we’ll review the best options for you.  In the meantime, relax in the comfort of your home and enjoy this guided meditation from Mohonk’s Nina Smiley.

Guided Meditation (you can do this mini-meditation at home)

A Spa Getaway offers opportunities to focus on healthy living – engage in new fitness classes, improve your Yoga or Pilates practice, meditate, relax and reconnect with yourself.  Anything is possible at a destination spa.

Below is a sample of the summer promotions being offered at several of the top destination spas in the U.S. (and one just across the California border!).  If you’re ready to take the next step, please see the contact info below and let’s get started!

Canyon Ranch – Tucson, AZ
Special:  Students and Grads
Travel Dates:  Through August 31
Brief Details:  The first person pays the regular single occupancy rate and the student/grad stays free.
Spa/Services:  A spa allowance is included for the full-paying guest and may be shared between both guests.*
* Allowance varies based on number of nights and package chosen.

NOTE: Canyon Ranch offers other promotions including one for new guests (two sharing a room) as well as for Teachers, Nurses, Solo Travelers and local residents.
Promotions based on availability and subject to change.

Miraval – Tucson, AZ
Special:  Discover Miraval Package
Travel Dates:  Through September 19, 2012
Brief Details:  If you’re new to Miraval or thinking of returning and enjoying more of the activities vs spa services, then this is a great value for you.  Double occupancy rates start at $299 (plus tax & resort fess) per person per night and Single occupancy rates start at $349 (plus tax and resort fees) per night.
Spa/Services:  A spa allowance of $50 per night of stay is included.

Note:   Additional promotions including the 5-th night free is offered through 9/19 – based on availability.
Promotions based on availability and subject to change.

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
Special:  Family Weeks
Travel Dates:  August 4-11 and August 11-18

For Families with children 7-17 years of age – Your promotion:
Brief Details:  The rate for adults is $3000 per person (plus 8.14% tax) and the rate for children (ages 7-17) is $500 per child (plus 8.14% tax)*
*Each adult can bring up to two children for $500+tax each, staying in the same room. The third (or more) child per adult is $1000+tax each. Some restrictions apply.
Note: The regular schedule will be available as well as additional classes/activities for children.

For Adults traveling without children during these two special weeks – Your promotion:
Brief Details:  The rate is $3000 per adult (plus 8.14% tax) and includes -five- 50-minute massages*
* Not valid with Four-Hands massage

If you’ve been wanting to go to Rancho la Puerta on your own- this is a great opportunity for the summer since it’s open to all, not just families.  The regular schedule will be available.

Note:  If these dates don’t work for you, we can review other possible opportunities for other dates through 2012.
Promotions based on availability and subject to change.

Red Mountain Spa, Ivins, UT
Special:  Last Minute Savings
Travel Dates:  Through August 31, 2012*
Brief Details:  Midweek rates begin at $200 per person per night for double occupancy ($230 per person per night (Thursday, Friday, Saturday).  Single occupancy rates begin at $230 per night/midweek and $250 per night (Thursday, Fri, Sat).
*Based on availability and may not be available between 8/5-18 due to limited space/high occupancy
Promotions based on availability and subject to change.

“The journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Let’s get started!

Contact:
donna@mindfuladventures.com for more details and to inquire about your travel dates.
You’ll also receive our bonus for stays of 3-nights or longer (7-nights at Rancho la Puerta)

Life is a journey…travel!

With that thought in mind, I’ll keep this post short and let you in on a special week at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ where you can do all of that and so much more.

Looking to work on improving your golf game?  Check!
Looking to improve your Pilates practice?  Check!
Looking to just unwind and say Ahh!? Check!
Looking to start a new activity like Tennis?  Check!
Nutrition, Weight loss, stress management, better relationships, and the list goes on.

My personal experiences at Canyon Ranch have been profound and that’s one of the reasons I’m bringing this special reduced rate to my readers.  It’s for the week of June 10 so it’s approaching soon and just in time for summer!  If you’ve been wanting to experience Canyon Ranch, this is a great time to do so.

As always, e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com if you have any questions and if you’d like to get in on this reduced rate for Canyon Ranch (stays can be for 4-7 nights).

Have you been wanting to go to Canyon Ranch and maybe thought you’d wait for a great offer? This could be it and I thought I’d connect this -A- to -Z- list with something special for the Week of June 10.  Mindful Adventures has a few rooms available at a lower than usual rate for the summer.   Check out the flyer for the full details and connect with us asap to get in on this reduction and kick off the summer with a healthy getaway that may get you from where you are to where you choose to be!

Let’s get back to that A-to-Z list!

A is for Aquatic offerings. 
B is for Burdenko Land Exercise. 
C is for Cooking Demos.
D is for Dance! 
E is for Exercise.
F is for Fabulous Facials. 
G is for Golf (conditioning, clinics, lessons and more!) and the Gyrotonic system. 
H is for Healing (and Hikes in the desert). 
I is for Inner Wisdom and Integrative Medicine Consultations.
J is for Joy! 
K is for Vitamin K and the many delicious ways Canyon Ranch prepares high K veggies!
L is for Life Management. 
M is for Meditation, Mindfulness and Muscle Function Assessment.
N is for Nutrition.
O is for Optimum Health. 
P is for Pilates. 
Q is for Qi Gong.
R is for RELAX and Reconnect!
S is for Sleep, Sexuality and Stress Management. 
T is for Tennis. 
U is for Unconditional surrender! 
V is for Vitality. 
W is for Watsu.
X is for…..  
Y is for Yamuna Body Rolling. 
Z is for Zipline!

There is so much more available at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ.

You’ll notice one letter is incomplete.
Any ideas?  Leave them in the comments section and I’ll choose one for a follow-up post.

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When I refer to ‘Getting Unstuck,’ you know I’m referring to a state of being.  Whether it’s ‘Analysis Paralysis’ and yes, my hand goes up for that one or wanting to get from ‘Here to There’ and wondering what to do first.  These are examples of being stuck in a moment or series of moments that have become days, weeks or maybe even months.   Perhaps it was one event that caused us to get here or a series of events that pushed us further down the rabbit hole.  Whatever it is, I hope some of this will get you to a place of getting ‘unstuck’ and moving forward.

1. Identify what is holding you back.
Maybe it’s a few things and if that’s the case, take a few minutes and start listing what comes to mind.  Perhaps there’s a project you know you need to finish and it’s so overwhelming that you don’t know what to do first.  Break it down into smaller projects, baby steps!

2. Breaking it down.
Perhaps this will help with getting from ‘here’ to ‘there’ and instead of looking at all that needs to be done, as noted above, break it down into manageable tasks.   I realize this isn’t new information, you’ve heard it before, however perhaps knowing that you’re not alone and that others go through this will enable you to do one thing at a time and before you know it you’ll be done and ready to move on to the next.
“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.”  – Lao Tzu

3. How do you feel?
So how do you feel right now? Is it possible that feeling overwhelmed led you to feeling stuck in life and unable to move forward?  Maybe that’s too simple and part of feeling ’stuck’ has to do with self-doubt.  Moving on…

4. Think Confidence over Self-Doubt.
There could be other feelings connected here, however let’s look at this one.  One way to overcome this is to think about past accomplishments.  If you’re going to beat yourself up over what you’re not able to do, stop right now. Consider all of the great successes from your past and write them down.  I like to keep a ‘Kudos’ file for this very reason – notes from others on a job well done , a thank you, a success in a previous task/job.
” I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within. It is there all the
time.” — Anna Freud

5. Focus on the Positive.
Think about all you can do and not what you can’t do.  You’ve heard this before, I’m sure of that, so that’s where you want to guide your thinking.    Imagine/visualize positive outcomes.
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

6. Change your Environment.
Go for a ride and listen to music.  Go into another room.  Get up and move around.  Stretch. Go for a walk in nature. Go to a cafe and feel the energy in that environment.  Breathe.  You get the idea!  All of these (and add more to your list) could help you gain more insight.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer

7. Don’t Think About it, Do it!
Simple, so simple, yet when you’re feeling ’stuck,’ this is easier said than done and yet it’s one thing that will lead you in a forward direction.  Once you start taking action flow can begin again and with repeated action you’ll continue to move forward into the ‘flow’ of your life.
“You have to ‘Be’ before you can ‘Do’ and ‘Do’ before you can ‘Have’.” – Zig Ziglar

8. Child like Wonder.
Do something fun (ah….there’s that ‘do’ word again!).  Think back to when you were a child and what you liked to do back then. Was there a toy that brought you joy? Perhaps a game?  Is there something you’ve been wanting to do and you keep putting it off?  Maybe painting? Maybe going to the batting cage?  Maybe you just want to dance!  This is about you – create your own list and take the time to do something fun.  That’s the point here.
“Never lose the child like wonder. It’s just too important. It’s what drives us. Help others.” - Randy Pausch

9. Reconnect to your Soul and Nourish your Soul!
A very wise person mentioned this to me the other day.  Being ’stuck’ has caused me to wonder what could be fun…what makes me happy and do I even remember what ‘happy’ feels like?  I often talk about connecting to that inner wisdom – you know, a ’soul’ connection and realized that much of what gives me joy has been put off.

Reconnect to that part of yourself and you’ll begin to get ‘unstuck’ and then continue to nourish it.  I’m giving you permission!  Maybe that’s all it takes is knowing that it’s okay to do something fun.  So many of us feel the need to work as a way of being productive, however what I’ve discovered is that working more and not taking the time to nourish my soul has caused me to become less productive and I know I’m not alone.
So take the time and think about this one – it could very well be the most important point on this list.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life’s about creating yourself.”  – George Bernard Shaw

Conclusion: I hope you found this post helpful.  If you did, feel free to pay it forward – it may only take one word, one thought or even one of the quotes above to help someone else in some way.

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Special Note: I have a special for Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ for the week of June 10 (for four-seven night stays).  This is a reduced rate and an opportunity to change your environment and reconnect to your inner self and so much more. E-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com for more details.

Promo:  The first person pays the single occupancy rate and the second person pays 50% of that rate.
The total rate is then split equally so both friends pay the same.

This offer is available for stays through May 17, 2012 and based on availability.
It is also based on the Deluxe room or higher and other terms apply.  There’s a lot more information at this link – check out the full details.

While at Miraval, consider some of my favorite activities like Reflect and Transcend with Coach Leigh; Cultivating Resilience with Anne Parker and any of Tejpal’s classes.   I actually love all of the Experts at Miraval…and the food…and the classes and well, I could go on, however this is about you going with your best friend.

For services, have you tried Spirit Flight?  How about Taiz Sensorium?  Two highly sought after services at Miraval that require pre-booking.

Questions?  Send me a note as I’m happy to offer my insight.

See you at Miraval.

And, as if a new spa isn’t enough to ‘wow’ me this year, Miraval is also releasing their new cookbook, Mindful Eating.  The cookbook, also debuting in May 2012, is a long awaited tool for my healthy kitchen and for those of you that have been asking Miraval about a cookbook and awaiting this release, now is the time to pre-order Mindful Eating

If you’re looking for more information and insight on Miraval or another health-focused spa, feel free to ask a question in the comment section of this post or e-mail me for personal feedback.

As always, enjoy your journey!

Photo Credit: Donna Adinolfi  / Copyright 2010-2012

And,  I also believe that 2012 will be another year of reinventing and redefining who we are.  Our ‘to do’ lists will be different, however I believe we have a common goal of being the best we can be.  Have you started your creation list for 2012?  Each year I find there’s a bit of a ‘rollover’ from the previous year and then a few new goals.  I’m finding a greater sense of urgency to accomplish these goals the older I get and it sometimes feels like a 2×4 is hitting me to move toward the direction of these dreams vs getting stuck in just thinking about them.  It’s so empowering to reach even the smallest of goals and so with that said, here are a few plans I’m getting ready to work on for this new chapter, new year and what I hope will be an amazing journey moving forward.

1 Planning: This is an annual tradition – the purchase of a new day planner.  A place where I can enter as much as possible for the new year.  Birthdays, anniversaries, special dates, appointments and goal setting.  If it’s written down, I find the odds are in my favor.   I still have a book called, “Write it Down and Make it Happen,” and it works.

2. Vision Board: A must have moving forward.  If you have one, you can easily refresh yours with new photos and new words, phrases and/or symbols.  If you don’t have one, consider creating one that you can view every day.  It works and I’m excited to see how the new one will unfold.

3. H2O: Yes, every year I make an effort to drink more water and I have to say that 2011 worked out okay, however I must refocus on this one.   If this isn’t on your list, think about it.  Are you getting enough water to stay hydrated and healthy?  I picked up a water carafe to help me out – always keeping water on my desk ensures I’ll stay with this.  For more on the benefits of water, perhaps some things that you haven’t thought about, check out this article.

4. Spa Cooking at Home: Let’s face out, going out to dinner is fun, great for socializing (outside the four walls) and it’s relaxing, however this year I intend on cooking at home more.   Since part of my business is working with destination spas, I know how simple, healthy and enjoyable ’spa cooking’ can be and it’s really about cooking healthy – fresh veggies, organic products where possible and portion control.  With that said, I’m going through my Spa Cook Books and staying in more…and will hopefully shed a few pounds.  Check back here from time to time for some healthy spa meals, photos of my efforts and notes on how they turn out.  And with the help of my new KitchenAid blender, healthy spa-like smoothies are on the menu!

Here is one Spa cookbook to consider from Canyon Ranch, a destination spa:
Canyon Ranch: Nourish: Indulgently Healthy Cuisine

And, if you’re a fan of Miraval Arizona, their much awaited Mindful Eating Cookbook will be available in May 2012.

5.  Journal: This is always on my list.  I have a Gratitude Journal and another journal for ideas, and day to day entries.  I keep both the Gratitude journal and the Idea Journal by my bed.   Begin yours by entering what you’re thankful for each day – it could be one, two, five or more things.  A sunny day, connecting with an old friend, drinking your water, anything and everything you’re grateful for.  A Gratitude Journal is about awareness – reflecting on what we’re thankful for keeps us in a positive mindset and that is what will help us move forward.   Your journal can be a notebook, however if you’d like something special, consider this one Gratitude: A Daily Journal

If you’re looking for a journal that will help guide you to rediscovering yourself, this may be another to consider Soul Catcher: A Journal to Help You Become Who You Really Are

These are just a few of my personal thoughts, plans, ideas for 2012.  What is on your list?  Perhaps one of these will inspire you to Plan to Cook More at Home, Begin your Gratitude Journal, Create a Vision Board and Drink your Water.  And, a carry over for me from 2011 is to write my book…looking forward to taking the first step to chapter one.  (And, yes, exercise and moving more are always on the list!)

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu
What step will you take today to begin this new journey in your life?

May 2012 be a year of good health, joyful living, new adventures and much prosperity!  Believe in yourself, continue to have faith and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.  Happy New Year from Mindful Adventures.

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Photography by Donna Adinolfi.  Copyright 2010.