Yogahhhh

Last night I attended a yoga class for the first time in months, and it made me remember why I love it so much. Yoga is one of those things that serves double duty for me. First of all, it's great for my body and my frame of mind. Whenever I practice yoga I notice a significant change, for the better, in the choices I make. I tend to eat better, decisions seem a little easier, and I generally feel more motivated. Secondly, since a lot of my friends also practice yoga it usually serves as a social outing as well.

The reason I decided to roll out my mat last night was because two of my friends are celebrating birthdays this week and following yoga we all brought out treats and vino and had a little post zen pick-nick. Did I mention this was an outdoor, lakeside class? I had to leave a little early in order to make it to work on time (I work 3rd shift 3 nights a week) but even the idea of 30 minutes of socializing was all it took to get me to the class. Which made me realize, my fitness routine is a whole lot easier to keep when I work out with other people. Example numero dos: I have never been a runner, and I mean NEVER. I was the slowest kid in gym class from kindergarden all the way through middle school. Once my boyfriend suggested we run together it was immediately easier and more fun. I've now promised a few friends I'd run a 5k with them. I figure the next logical step is to schedule work-out dates once or twice a week.

I am a little curious though, I know I'm not the only one who is more motivated with a partner, but what are ways to keep your motivation when no one can come work out with you?

Introductions

At 24 years old I've had a pretty wonderful life. However, inspired by friends, family, and a little book called The Happiness Project, I've decided that I could be a happier more productive person. Of the many aspects of my life that I value there are few that I feel I've given the proper attention and enthusiasm. So, as a beginning I've decided to focus my efforts on a few small* things:

1.  My outer appearance- I go through phases of eating healthfully, exercising, and putting adequate effort into making sure the image my clothing projects is the one I'd like people to see. However, I also go through phases of eating nothing but burgers and fries and never changing out of yoga pants.
2. Friendships- I also go through phases here. There are times when my schedule is so full that I don't end up eating a meal in my apartment for a week. However, there are also days when I don't end up going outside for anything other than work. This results in me watching entire seasons of TV shows and leaving a sizable indent on my love-seat. 
3. Being Ashley- In the Happiness Project, Gretchen Rueben talks about differentiating between things she actually enjoys doing, and things she likes the idea of enjoying. I have come to realize I also have this problem. And, as my lovely friend Jennifer touched on in her blog here, I also have a problem differentiating between things I like doing and things I do because my friends like to do them, and I like to spend time with my friends. 
4. Communication- I tend to be a wall up sort of gal. I don't readily discuss my feelings with very many people. I studied psychology in college and have wanted to be a psychologist of some sort since the 7th grade. I have an inkling that this has contributed to my less than eager attitude when it comes to talking about myself.

The way I see it, a blog is a wonderful way to work on each of these aspects of myself. By nature a blog is focused around the author. Therefore, I won't feel guilty or narcissistic talking about myself. It's also a creative way to social network and forge new relationships (or strengthen existing ones) because you open yourself to your friends. Lastly, it allows me to analyze what it means to be me. In whatever way I feel is necessary: clothes, food, crafts, hobbies... it's all fair game here.

*I say small because it's less daunting that way. Clearly, people have devoted entire blogs (and loads of time and energy) to any one of the things I hope to work on.