As promised…

I’ve been a busy little bee lately working on a new and exciting project (Lovely Life NYC) with my dear friend turned business partner, Marietta. We are still getting things together for the grand unveiling, but I will be sure to keep all my loyal readers in the loop!

This post is kind of random but I think a lot of people will relate. So here it is…

I’ve quoted Victoria Moran several times on my blog and in my newsletters and I thought it was high time for another dose of Victoria’s sweet spirit and spot-on advice. Here’s a little ditty from one of her many books, Creating a Charmed Life-

As a culture, we are aching for adventure. To find it, some people go in for daredevil sports, while others opt for roller coasters, haunted houses, and action flicks. Still others find adventure by making their lives into do-it-yourself soap operas. They get into dead-end relationships, engage in careless spending, create arguments over of nothing, or make a selection or two from the cafeteria of addictions…Infusing our life with healthy adventure is a way to make life so interesting we no longer need to borrow trouble, while at the same time increasing our courage a but so we can better deal with trouble when it does come…A charmed life is an exuberant life. You get one by loosening up, lightening up, and inviting in stimulating events and people.

Cotopaxi National Park

I consider myself an adventurous person. I’ve been skydiving, bungy jumping, and zorbing.  I love traveling to exotic places.  I ride my bike in NYC traffic! And I am always trying to bully Chris into going river rafting, snorkeling, horseback riding, and rollerblading. But, I also find adventure closer to home in my day to day life. I love trying out new recipes, reading articles about things I know nothing about, and exploring Brooklyn.

You don’t need to sail around the world or jump out of a plane to spice up your life. Going shopping? Why not check out a vintage shop or thrift store instead of heading to the mall? Meeting friends for dinner? Skip Blockheads and hit up Pure Food and Wine. Going to the movies? Check out a foreign film. Headed to a museum? Pass up the Met and opt for the Museum of Sex (yes, it really exists). These are teeny, tiny ways to make your humdrum life, not-so-humdrum after all.

Victoria is right- we invite drama into our lives when we lack  real excitement. Drama belongs on the stage or in the movies.  So dump the loser beau and take a chance at true love. Stop complaining about your boring, unfulfilling ‘real job’ and wait tables until you discover your true passion. Put down the cupcake and turn off the boob tube and head to the park, invite some friends over or treat yourself to a ridiculously expensive glass of wine.

Taj Mahal

If you find yourself filling the void with food rather than laughter, a little adventure might be just what you need!

Be Adventurous!

Marcy

Patience is a virtue- true that!

This is me, Marcy Langworthy, vowing to blog AT LEAST once a week from now on. I admit it was very lame of me to stop blogging and emailing newsletters without any explanation. I kinda figured no one noticed til’ last week when a friend complimented my Marcy Makes Cashew Milk video. He also noticed that I hadn’t updated my blog in quite some time (try three months).W e’re not super close and he’s a busy guy, so I was really touched that he read and watched my stuff! In the same week, two co-workers asked me if I had deleted them from my newsletter mailing list. I was secretly glad (but also slightly ashamed) that someone had finally noticed the missing Be. newsletters! That’s exactly what I’ve been lacking- a bit of encouragement. Sometimes, you need a little reassurance that people are reading (and enjoying!) what you’ve written. Thanks guys, for noticing my absence in your inbox and blog roll!! From now on, I’ll encourage myself to keep on plugging because, if nothing else, I enjoy writing.

I must confess the other reasons for my extended hiatus. Winter hibernation being one. But I’ve also been feeling a bit lost. I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to pursue a career, to be successful, to get a ‘real job.’ But, what does any of that even mean? After all, life’s not too shabby. I work 4 days a week. I make relatively easy money and I work with interesting people in a fun atmosphere. I’m able to save money, travel and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Actually, as I’m writing this, I’m thinking, “Wow, I’ve really got it made!” And, while there’s nothing wrong with restaurant work (we just established quite the opposite), there will come a time when I’m simply “over it.” A time when I am mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, and emotionally ready to move on.

I have always believed there is something perfect for me out there.  Something that combines my passion for vegan food, feminism, excercise, spiritual fulfillment, personal growth, travel and everything else that feeds my soul.  Sound too good to be true? It’s not! I’ve been patient with myself and my future and I’ve recently planted the seed for a wonderful new project! It is still very much “in the works” but suffice to say, it’s going to be awesome!

This experience has taught me to be patient with myself. Stress less and live more. That’s my new motto! I feel confident that I am headed in the right direction and I’m very excited to share my latest endeavor with everyone in due time! Til’ then, take advantage of the extended daylight and warmer temps. Take a walk, plan a picnic or hit up the farmers market. Basically, get off your duff and out the door! Yay, for spring!

Be Patient,

Marcy

Celebrating Veganism- Alice

My dear friend Alice is celebrating her first year as a full-fledged vegan and she wrote up the following little ditty to commemorate the big event! Go Alice! Go Veganism!

“When Marcy first asked me to write about my veganversary, I was a little intimidated because I am not a model vegan citizen. I still sometimes forget to ask about ingredients or check the nutrition facts. I have been known to get really cranky late nights when my friends stop for pizza on the way home from the bar and I’m searching my bag for half a PB&J sandwhich left over from lunch. Sometimes I need to step back and remind myself that this is my choice and one I am really happy with overall. Becoming a vegan (after 4 years as a vegetarian) is possibly one of the best decisions I have made. Being vegan has made me more aware of the quality of food I put in my body as well as where this food comes from . I am healthier physically and emotionally because I feel as though I am contributing something towards decreasing the environmental and public health problems created by factory farming and the agricultural industry in general. Any action towards combatting these problems, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. So happy veganversary to me, Marcy and everyone else.”

Alice also gave me a link to an interesting article on the effects of our current farming system on public health. Click here to read.

Thanks again, Alice! You’re awesome.

I would love and appreciate anyone else who would like to write about their vegan experiences. Let people know why you’re vegan, how awesome it is, and how tasty it can be but don’t leave out the not-so-glamorous parts. What was the most difficult part about going vegan? Do others accept your lifestyle? And answer the infamous question, “where do you get your protein?!” Tried going vegan, didn’t work out? What went wrong? Share your thoughts.

Shoot me an email or post it yourself. Thanks in advance.

Be Well,

Marcy

Stay tuned…

Happy Holidays!

I apologize for the extended hiatus. I hope you are all enjoying this amazing time of the year. I am putting together a ‘vegan extravaganza’ to celebrate my two-year veganversary! Stay tuned…

Be Present,

Marcy Langworthy

Be. Newsletter- Holiday Recipes!

Put a smile on my face and tell me, “What are you most thankful for this year?”

I’ll start. Every single day, I thank Chris for being in my life. He’s incredibly thoughtful, loving and supportive. He loves me at my best and at my worst, that’s a rare find. I am also thankful to be part of his family.

I’m grateful for my own mom, sister, brother, gram and the rest of my family (including all the lil’ ones!). I’m thankful for my girlfriends, new and old. I am grateful for Alice’s Tea Cup. I’m also grateful for IIN, my trip to India, weekend getaways, my tattoo and Landmark. I’m grateful for amazing vegan food.

And last, but certainly not least- Sparkle Kitty. She brings so much joy to our lives.

I could go on and on…because everyday, I recognize that my life is awesome and it’s only getting better and more exciting as the years go by. I’m thankful for life.

Be Well,

Marcy

 

Landmark Education

I first heard about Landmark Education when I was attending Integrative Nutrition, but it took a few months for me to fork over the cash and enroll in the Forum (introductory course) and I’m glad I did.

There was an interesting cross-section of people (80 people total)- a couple funky 70-year-olds, a rocket scientist (no joke), married couples, lawyers, 20-year-old punks and everyone in between. Over 80,000 people worldwide attend the Forum annually with many of them going on to do the Advanced course or Leadership series.

The curriculum is a combination of self-help, new-age spirituality and common sense. Although, I imagine Landmark might not agree with that assessment! What makes this seminar unique is its emphasis on taking action. You can read every self-help book out there, but reading won’t empower you to pick up the phone and call a loved one or to get off your ass and start living. I have no doubt that many of the attendees transformed their lives over a single weekend. Even if you don’t have your own ‘breakthroughs,’ it’s amazing to hear other peoples stories. Pretty powerful stuff.

Personally, Landmark has inspired me to live more and complain less. I realized that I needed to let go of the past and stop obsessing over who was right or wrong. As a result, I am closer to my mom, sister, dad, stepmom and partner.  That alone was worth my time and money.

Landmark uses a lot of mumbo-jumbo lingo, but the ideas are actually pretty simple. Take responsibility for your actions, your life and your future. Stop dwelling on the past. Stop complaining, gossiping and passing judgment. Be generous, free, accepting, and authentic. Love more. Live more. How can you argue with that?

I don’t agree with everything Landmark says or does; after all, it is a for-profit business. I always find it suspicious when companies (certainly Landmark is not the only one!) claim to offer the key to happiness and fulfillment and then milk people for all their worth. I also didn’t appreciate the relentless marketing or the pressure to sign-up friends but, all in all, my experience was positive. I would definitely recommend Landmark to anyone with a few issues to resolve and a couple bucks to spare.

People have very strong opinions about Landmark Education, claiming they brainwash people and all sorts of other silly stuff. Let me assure you, they did not make us drink kool-aid, nor was there a secret password or handshake! All I can say is- don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!

For now, I’ve signed up the Landmark Forum in Action seminar series, but I’m holding off on the very pricey, ridiculously long Advanced Course. I’ll update you on future Landmark encounters!

Any questions about Landmark? Have you attended the Forum in the past? Share your experiences, thoughts and questions here.

Be Open-minded,

Marcy

Tea Time Newsletter 10/29/09

Any thoughts on Tea Time?

As many of you know, I work part-time at a tea place called Alice’s Tea Cup and I literally drink tea all day long. Black, green, white, red and herbal…depends on my mood. One things for sure, there’s a tea for everyone, for every occasion. What kind of teas do you enjoy drinking?

I welcome your feedback!

Be Happy,

Marcy Langworthy

Holistic Health Counselor, AADP

Daily Gratitudes

I hope to make this a weekly post as long as other people join in and show interest! I’ve mentioned daily gratitude before- it’s simply a list of what you are grateful for. I recite my daily gratitude’s every morning as I wake up and it really puts a little extra pep in my step.  It feels nice to think about all the amazing people in my life. I am also grateful  for experiences, financial stability and other random things.

Before you start the coffee and choose an outfit, take a minute to appreciate what makes your life so special. I encourage you to do this privately, but also to share your ‘happy thoughts’ on the Be. blog. I’ll start…

Today I am grateful for Chris, Sparkle Kitty, days off, whole wheat bagels, my family and Chris’ family. I am grateful for Alice’s Tea Cup and all the great people I work with. I am grateful for discovering feminism and veganism. I’m grateful for facebook reunions  and the ability (and means) to travel.

Simple, right? Give it a go.

Be Thankful,

Marcy

NYC Health

I have been admiring these clever health banners throughout my neighborhood for months and I finally googled them to see what they are all about.

Mt. Sinai Medical Center sponsored the Prescriptions for Healthy Living campaign from 2007-2008 (no explanation as to why they are still up in 2010). The banners are located on the Upper East and Upper West Sides and Greater Harlem, being exposed to millions of people on a daily basis. Their objective is to “get residents to think about the importance of a healthy lifestyle to help prevent and manage chronic diseases.” A worthy, and much needed, cause!

I think the banners are great. They remind people that good health does not require a personal chef and a swanky gym membership.  The messages are straightforward- Eat less.  Stop Drinking Your Calories. Take a brisk walk. Stop Smoking. These may seem like  ‘no brainers,’ but today everyone is so obsessed with fad diets, miracle pills and quick fixes that we underestimate simple, straightforward advice. Eat less means eat less. I like that.

Keep an eye out for the latest NYC health ads, like the one below. I think it’s great that they are focusing on sugar (soda in particular). The harmful effects of excessive sugar intake are all too often overshadowed by carbs, cigarettes, fat and salt. Sugar=calories=fat.  Simplification works!

Be Well,

Marcy

Sugar Cravings Newsletter 10/03/09

Hi there,

I hope everyone enjoyed reading my sugar cravings newsletter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Sugar is not evil, in fact, I think it’s good for the soul in moderation. In excess, sugar can be damaging to your health and that’s where health counseling comes in.

If you need help preventing and controlling sugar cravings, please contact me for a consultation. I will meet with you by phone or in-person free of charge to set up a game plan that works for you. My newsletters are simply meant to spark your interest in various health and wellness issues.  I have more tips and tricks up my sleeve and I would love to share them with potential clients who are interested in living and loving life on a new level. Contact me to learn more.

In my newsletter, I asked, “What are you most looking forward to this season?” This is the place to share your thoughts, goals, vacation plans and other questions/comments with other Be. Newsletter readers. So start posting! Don’t be shy:)

Are Nutri-Grain Bars Healthy? As if! The following is the ingredient list for Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Honey Oat and Raisin Granola Bars. The sugars are in bold.

Granola (Rolled Whole Oats, Crisp Rice [Rice, Sugar, Salt, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Malt Flavoring], High Fructose Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Rolled Whole Wheat), Raisins, Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean, Cottonseed and Palm Kernel Oil), Sugar, Fructose, Corn Syrup Solids, Glycerin, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Honey, Dextrose, Natural and Artificial Flavoring, Salt, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Soy Lecithin, Nonfat Dry Milk, various added vitamins and minerals.

Be,

Marcy Langworthy