Instagram Yoga Challenges - all levels!

Hey all!  I just wanted to share with you two yoga challenges I will be participating in soon.  I've been wanting to try yoga for a while now, for more flexibility and for weight loss.  I think if you're looking to challenge your body in a more gentle way than traditional exercising, this could work for you.  Both of these challenges are for September.

The first one is the #BalanceBasics challenge hosted by @laurasykora @beachyogagirl and @kinoyoga. These ladies will be providing poses and modifications, for all levels.  They'll be posting pictures daily and there will be prizes for participating!  The challenge is sponsored by +Athleta (@athleta) who you will have to follow, as well as the hosts, to participate.  Just make sure to use the hashtag #balancebasics when you post pictures and/or videos of your poses.  You can find the poses here: http://instagram.com/p/sCmoQTlj8P/

The next challenge is for everyone, but is especially targeted for us curvy girls.  It's the #sizedoesntmatter challenge hosted by @mynameisjessamyn and @yoga_davina. This challenge is sponsored by @yogablissbox, @buddha_pants, and @invertyoselfclothing (you have to follow the hosts and sponsors to participate).  This challenge also has great prizes for participating!  You can find the poses here: http://instagram.com/p/sLgGQOkO_2/. There will be poses and modifications, and I believe this one will be more beginner-friendly.  Just make sure to use the hashtag #sizedoesntmatter  when you post pictures and/or videos of your poses.

I started trying some of the poses, and yes some are harder than others.  These are challenges, so CHALLENGE YOURSELF!  Even if you spend the next month focusing on perfecting one pose, just go for it.  I am working every day on my balance and flexibility.  I am a beginner with yoga, but every journey begins with a single step.  Think of how much I will have accomplished 3 months from now.  Everyone's gotta start somewhere.

Check these fierce ladies out and let me know if you'll be participating in the comments below.  Also, if you recommend following anyone else for newbie yogis?  And by the way, you can find me on Instagram @k_hiraldo. 

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out =) 

Overcoming Road Blocks

How do you overcome a road block? You don't!

Picture it: you're energized, motivated, and ready to conquer the world. Ideas are flowing and opportunities are abundant; you are the queen of the world. All of a sudden something happens to bring everything to a screeching halt. Do you fight or retreat?

A few weeks ago I was flying high. I knew exactly what I was supposed to do, and was working on accomplishing some short term goals. I could picture the next three months clearly in my mind, and my plan was all set. Then two weeks ago I received some bad news. A relative of mine was very sick, and in the hospital. The news was such a shock that it completely threw me off balance. I didn't know how to proceed. I literally would just stare at a point in the wall for minutes at a time just trying to process the information. A part of me didn't want to deal with what was happening. I wanted to stay in the comfort of my home and just pretend everything was fine. Another part of me wanted to push through it all. That person wanted to just focus on the tasks at hand and push everything else aside, to accomplish the goals. Both options were completely draining to me. Retreating to a state of denial would just have prolonged the inevitable; that I had to eventually face what was happening. Pushing and forcing myself to work through it all was not happening with me because there was a complete disagreement between my mind and my heart. My mind wanted to just focus on my checklist while my heart knew I had to be there with my family. This was a wrench in my plans, the obstacle in my way, and I chose to take it for what it was. I chose not to retreat and not push through it, instead I chose to go with the flow.