Feel good, French style

I was just profiled by a website because apparently I am “living the dream.”  That seemed a little crazy to me because I don’t quite yet “have” everything I want.

But then I realized that you never get everything you want. The whole point of life is understanding that it’s not about what you want, it’s about what you already have.

Here’s my favorite quote from the article:

“Today, being successful to me means staying in the moment, enjoying my everyday life and being engaged in the world.”

Cheers to that!

For more advice, read here.

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

Feel good, French style officially turns 1, right in time for the first day of summer. Thank you for your enthusiasm, comments and shares. The first year has been better than I ever imagined with 10,000 visitors to the site!

In case you missed out, your favorite posting was The Cellulite Solution…and my favorite? It’s a tie between Channeling your Inner Super Woman and Finding your Inspiration.

After a year, I’m ready to switch things up…and that means more live events. Stay tuned for an upcoming chat at Soho House with fabulous Aussie fashion darling Alex Knight.

In the meantime folks, it’s time for a break. I’m off to France, ready to feel the sand between my toes, the ocean breeze in my hair and a little bubbly tickling my tongue.

If you’re ready to take off, check out last summer’s pictures and brush up on your 3 R’s without leaving your desk.

Thanks again mes amies for your support!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

“Keep Calm and Carry On.” I suppose this is Kate Middleton’s mantra of choice as Royal Wedding frenzy reaches its height. I’m not marrying Prince William on Friday (sorry, Will, my heart is taken) but I do love this classic British saying.

It was initially a poster produced by the British government during the beginning of World War II intended to raise morale under the threat of impending invasion. But, it still works for any urban warrior.

When something happens that makes you upset, angry or scared, you can jump right into those feelings and get sucked into panic mode. Or, like the Japanese model for us in the aftermath of the tsunami, you can step back, and shift your perspective. Take a few deep breaths and throw the panic out to sea.

Do you have a tendency to feed your sense of calm, or to feed your sense of panic?

There is a story of a Cherokee elder talking to his grandson. He tells the child that he has two wolves fighting inside himself. One wolf is goodness, love, kindness, joy, and peace. The other wolf is hatred, anger, envy, pride, and greed. The grandson anxiously asks, “Which wolf wins?” The grandfather answers solemnly, “The one that I feed the most.”

Whichever one you’re feeding, try chocolate. Then daydream that you too are marrying a prince, in a spectacular white dress on a glorious Spring day.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

I neglected my blog last week, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t thinking of you.

Last Tuesday, I attended Vital Voices’ moving celebration of women leaders from around the world. The likes of Hillary Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg and Tina Brown took the Kennedy Center stage to honor visionary change-makers from around the world.

Fatema Akbari and her daughter started successful businesses in Afghanistan, where they are creating jobs for both women and men. Kah Walla (a graduate of Howard University) is revolutionizing politics, and the place of women, in Cameroun. Sunitha Krishnan is fighting against human trafficking in India (slavery is the third largest industry in the world, after narcotics and armament).

What does that mean to me, from the comfort of my Kennedy Center seat or my Manhattan apartment? Hillary Clinton said it best, “These women make us do a little more, dare a little more, and risk a little more.”

What seems a little daring or risky to you these days? For me, it’s seeing just how far I can get with the power of my own voice. If Hillary, Fatema, Kah and Sunitha are any indication, the sky is the limit.

It’s just a question of pushing past your comfort zone. What would happen if you became that magnificent woman with the roaring voice? Are you ready to take a chance?

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

Finally, some common sense on the newsstand! I couldn’t help pick up the last issue of Life & Style which declares, “You have cellulite? So what!”

I’m sure that if men had cellulite, it would be as coveted as rosy cheeks and perfect blow-outs. In the meantime, what a relief to see stars like Holly Madison, Kim Kardashian, Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba embracing their dimples (just like me!)

Since cellulite has a lot to do with genetics and hormones, it’s often out of your control. Better to focus then on what you can control. Take care of your body by eating high quality, natural foods, finding a physical activity you like and allowing yourself time for sleep and rest. Nurture your spirit by hitting pause once in a while and recharging your batteries.

Many times, it’s not a cupcake you need, it’s just a little R&R.

The best cellulite solution? Show yourself some love, dimples and all!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom