Sunday, April 29, 2012

Is that my future calling??

I had the incredibly generous and life changing opportunity to attend the Scottsdale, Arizona FMI (Fitness Models International) conference last weekend. Endless THANK YOU's to Karen Mullarkey of "No Mullarkey" Personal Training for giving me the opportunity to attend and for supplying some beautiful active wear options for my photo shoot with the extremely accomplished fitness photographer Noel Deganta.
The weekend was a whirlwind of information, networking and relationship building that I will never forget. Furthermore, it was at FMI that I felt something stirring - this was my calling. At the end of day 3, lectures were coming to an end, and with a moment to reflect, tears filled my eyes and my heart filled with joy with the realization that I, previously career floundering Lauren Richardson was now Lauren Rae - Professional Fitness Talent. 


Pure joy - a feeling unparalleled by any other.


Thank you to everyone who made FMI a possibility: Administrators, Gary Warren, Clark Bartram, volunteers and speakers to the very talented photographers: James Patrick, Mike Byerly, Noel Deganta, Reny Remos, Angela Cook, Rich Baker and Stacia Lugo.... You all created an experience that will never be forgotten. I can't wait to attend FMI Los Angeles this fall! 


With my goals and dreams becoming a reality, there will be a shift in the way I approach the content posted in my blogs. Lets be real, you all want focused, useful information that is going to drive you towards healthier happier lives. (I'll fill you in on my personal achievements in a Christmas letter equipped with a holiday themed photo of my MinPin Tirzah and myself on santa's lap.) By following Gravel and Stilettos, I want you to realize that this life is filled with endless possibilities, and I am building my career around showing whats possible by being an example.



I'd also like to apologize for the absurd time between posts! As GNS followers I'd like to assure you that I have officially returned from what was too long of a blogging hiatus! 



The past few weeks have been amazing. Drastic and exciting changes are happening in my personal and professional life and I cant WAIT to share everything I've learned with you. All of that being said, I ask you again... PLEASE contact me at Gravelandstilletos@gmail.com  with anything you'd like to discuss in reference to health, nutrition and lifestyle. 

Have a blessed Sunday and look forward to GNS posts on Wednesdays :)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Pin stripes or polka dots?

Never got around to painting those Easter eggs... But if I had, I would have painted one with polka dots.

I was struggling all week to decide what to write about. I want everything of mine that you read to be profound and useful; however, lately I have been struggling to hold a conversation without getting distracted. Compiling a thought provoking blog was not in the cards… Until now. So that’s what it’s like to wake up at 2am with an idea worth writing down!

I awoke with the words success and significance flowing on repeat in my brain. What is the difference, I thought? (And why was I thinking about it when I should be sleeping!?)

When I think of success, money comes to mind. Simple, right? Work hard - earn money - be successful. As for significance, I think of the joy that follows fulfillment. Not so cut and dry. How often do you feel significant? As helpful as it would it be to achieve success by American standards, I truly believe the exploration to find meaning to life outweighs any benefit money can buy.

Sure. Its EASY to say that being significant is more important than being successful at this stage in the game. I'm flat broke! But every work day you wake up to earn another dime, you do it so you can play in your sling back wedges on the weekends with people that excite you, Right? Take joy boldly and share it with everyone around you and you will be successful. 

That's the punch line. 

That is the meaning behind the pinstripes we wear everyday while striving for 'success'. (Our polka dotted underwear if you will :-P) If I can be a positive influence to others, have absolutely become successful and I step forward with the knowledge that this - this crazy day to day thing called 'life' - is just the beginning.

This past week I had the opportunity to hear Ali Brown speak at the Infusionsoft conference on entrepreneurship in the new economy. She asked the question, “What is bigger than your dreams?” and continued to explain the importance of accepting a mindset shift towards what is really important in life and how to find meaning.

Wow... you mean we are allowed to have more? YES!

Whats bigger than my dreams is the opportunity to reach others in a positive way and the joy that comes in return is more magnificent than any success defined monetarily. What is going create significance in my life is not the number of bodybuilding trophy's that I can place on my shelf, but the way in which I enter and effect each persons life that I come in contact with. 

So which is more important important to you? How will you take your dreams to the next level and beyond... with pin stripes or polka dots?