Ladies - by request I am putting in another order of tank tops.  So if you didn't get one the first time or you just have to have another one, now is your chance!

Let me know what size and color you would like.  The colors can be seen here.  Also let me know if you would like the design printed in black or white. 

$25/tank

My latest painting in progress!

I recently saw the book "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield referenced on Jeremy Thiel's blog from CrossFit Central.  I'm an artist so of course this book intrigued me.  When I got home that afternoon I happened to look on the bookshelf and saw that my roommate actually owns this book!  Funny how life works huh?

This book isn't just for artists.  It would be of interest to anyone who is struggling to get things done even though you know they are important to you.  Pressfield reminds us of the resistance we all encounter while trying to engage in creative work, start a diet or exercise

plan, or overcome a bad habit amongst other things.

I recognize this resistance in myself when I know that I want to sit down and paint but for some reason I end up watching TV or surfing the internet until all of my free time is gone.  Then I regret that I didn't do what I really wanted to.  I even feel resistance sometimes when it co

mes to exercise.  I know that I want to and that I feel much better afterward, but it takes an effort to get going sometimes.

I haven't even finished the book but just reading about and recognizing the different ways that resistance has held me back from what I want is enlightening.  I've gotten in the habit of asking myself at the end of the day if I gave in to the resistance.  Just checking in like that keeps me moving in the right direction. 

Are you taking action and moving in the direction of your desires or is resistance holding you back?

~ William James ~

I'm still searching for this place.  Not that I am completely comfortable during my workouts at all.  But there is a level of discomfort that my mind perceives to be too much and it tells my body to stop.  I am constantly trying to ignore this voice in my head.  My new tactic is to continually ask myself in the midst of a workout if I can do more; if I have more to give.  And generally I can and I do.  Previously I would ask this after the workout and think, yeah I could have done more.  I always felt like I cheated myself.

What are your tactics?  I'd love to hear them.

I have spent a lot of time traveling around looking for happiness, mostly where there are beaches nearby.  Of course I always knew but have now come to really understand that peace and happiness isn't about your location it is about your state of mind.  I believe I have come a long way from last year.  Mostly by focusing on relaxing, being in the moment and trusting that the universe knows what is best for me.  That has given me some peace.  My happiness this year has certainly been influenced by the amazing people at CrossFit Boston, who immediately welcomed me into their community and made me feel at home.  I feel lucky everyday to be a part of this community, thank you all for making it what it is.  I look forward to another peaceful, happy year here!

A verse I refer to often in times of doubt and stress:

"Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ."  Philippians 4:6,7

My New Years Resolution this year:  To find balance between my two passions: Fitness and Art.  I already have a new painting started and am thinking about getting back into pottery, something I really enjoy but unfortunately left behind at art school.

I continually ask more from my body.  I want to lift more and run faster and do everything better but for whatever foolish reason I refuse to give my body the fuel it needs to even attempt what I'm asking. 

Are you laying a good foundation for your progress or are you like me and expecting results to happen by some holy miracle? 

You're the Result of Yourself

Pablo Neruda

I am thankful that I do not sit in a stuffy office and move paper around for a living.

I am thankful that I pretty much get to wear my pajamas to work everyday.

I am thankful that I have good health and have never broken a bone or had stitches.

I am thankful to be living near my family again.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be a coach at CrossFit Boston.

I am thankful for the amazing friends that I have (near and far).

I am thankful for gocery stores (I don't think I would make the best hunter).

I am thankful to have clean water available to drink at any given moment.

I am thankful that there is something greater than myself leading me in the right direction, because I would surely get lost on my own.

"When you’re not coachable, you’re not able to see yourself fully and objectively.

When you’re not able to see yourself fully and objectively, you’re not able to maximize learning.

When you’re not able to maximize learning, you’re not able to grow.

When you’re not able to grow, you’re not able to win. " ~ Scott Ginsberg ~

This concept of coachability applies to many people in many situations. Of course this is most relevant in the atmosphere of CrossFit.  I also found this to be relevant at the Level 2 seminar a few weeks ago.  I had to open myself up to criticism (which I will admit I'm not always great at taking) in order to improve and grow as a coach.

Ask yourself if you are coachable, in your job, at crossfit, etc.

Scott Ginsberg also lays out 16 mistakes of utterly uncoachable people.  Make sure your not making too many of them.

Eat Your Vegetables

"It is sweet as sugar," she would effuse
at bean pods and fresh-dug carrots,
at squash, asparagus, and newly-shucked peas,
water chestnuts and vine-ripened tomatoes.
An utterance redolent with an almost religious
tenderness – that these common fruits
and tubers should shine beyond all call of duty,
and deliver not just sustenance, but also flavor,
though not so much to overwhelm. Hers the God
of neither whirlwind, nor burning bush,
but of produce – raw, quick-steamed or wok'd,
light on the salt and pepper, buttered to perfection.
Awe at the unvarnished, the effortless, the gentle,
the veracious vegetable of this world.
Which needs no other God to make it sweet.
Which needs no excuse to be.
"Smile awhile," she'd bid her melancholy son.
"Eat your vegetables."

– Richard Schiffman