Be A Class Act

'Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. it's sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.'

I have been re-reading The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield. He's the guy that also wrote The Chicken Soup for the Soul Series and I have to say that the book provides a lot of valuable information for uncovering the path towards your best self. One of the last chapters talks about conducting ourselves with class. I must admit that I sometimes wonder if most of us (myself included) haven't forgotten the meaning of the word and what it means to walk through life accordingly. Having class is about:

Living by your own highest standards- you must have personal standards that are more demanding and exacting than that of conventional society. These standards are chosen, established and applied.

Maintaining dignity and grace under pressure- you must remain unwavering, calm, and certain in the face of chaos. Your steadiness gives courage and security to others.

Focusing and improving the behavior of others- lead by example and others will rise to meet your standard out of respect and admiration and the knowledge that they too can be better than they've given themselves credit for.

Operating from a larger, inclusive perspective- the ability to have compassion and deep understanding is linked to our own feelings of humanity. Remember that you are inextricably linked to others.

Increasing the quality of every experience- create more than you consume. Enrich the lives of others by finding ways to introduce greater beauty, significance, uniqueness, and stimulation into every experience.

Counteracting meanness, pettiness, and vulgarity- instead, act with generosity of spirit, gratitude, respect, courtesy, and appreciation. Act unexpectedly, in a manner that elevates and acknowledges others.

Taking responsibility for actions and results- be accountable. Tell the truth about your failures, transform your defeats into progress.

Strengthening the integrity of all situations- challenge yourself. Find ways to grow, develop, and add value to the world.

Expanding the meaning of being human- Approach everyone you meet with new eyes. Give yourself and others the opportunity and freedom to express their uniqueness in the world.

Increasing the confidence and capabilities of others- be an 'energy creator,' not an 'energy drainer.' Build your own confidence by defining and consciously choosing your governing ideals. Your strength of conviction will provide a solid foundation for others to discover greater creativity, cooperation, progress, and growth.

I don't know about you, but in the face of adversity, I've found the need to revisit these principles. It's easy to be classy when life isn't throwing you curveballs (and how often does that happen?)  I hope you found it a needed reminder also...

By the way, I sell real estate throughout Urban L.A., so please feel welcomed to visit me at UrbanPulseProperties.com for a complimentary list of homes for sale.

Local California Farmers' Markets in Los Angeles

Local Farmers' markets are found in abundance in California, especially here in Los Angeles. We are fortunate to have over 120 Farmers' markets in Los Angeles County, all stocked with fresh, organic, & natural foods and produce from hyper-local farmers. Most California & Los Angeles area Farmers' markets are certified and serve the community by providing fresh, affordable produce from local area farmers that sell directly to the public. Along with a rainbow of produce, you'll find fresh flowers, hand-crafted goods, ready made foods, and lively entertainment at local farmers' markets.

It's almost impossible not to eventually trip over a Farmers' Market in Los Angeles since there are numerous fresh fare markets open daily throughout the city. In case you're thinking that a trip to Whole Foods might just be easier, think twice. Farmers' markets in Los Angeles do nothing but good by serving the:

Consumer

• They provide direct contact and feedback between customers and producers, so you can be sure how your vegetables are grown and meat produced.
• They help to improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
• They play an important role in educating the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
• They can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.

Environment

• They help reduce food miles, thus vehicle pollution, noise, and fossil fuel use.
• They help to reduce packaging.
• They encourage more environmental production practices, such as organic or pesticide free.
• They encourage farm diversification and hence bio-diversity.

Community & Local Economy

•  They help bring life into towns and cities aiding regeneration.
• They encourage social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities.
• They stimulate local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.
• They attract business to retailers in the vicinity.

(Source: www.farmersmarkets.net)

If these aren't reasons enough to hit your neighborhood's local farmers' market, don't forget how much fun you risk having on your next visit! I recently wandered through the Santa Monica Farmers' market, bought a few peaches to eat, and  found a few sights and sounds to feed my soul. A perfect day at the Farmers' market...

By the way, I sell real estate throughout Urban L.A., so please visit me at UrbanPulseProperties.com for a free list of homes for sale.

Related Articles

• Mobile Farmers' Markets Bring Produce To The People (huffingtonpost.com)
• Farmer's Markets: Pricey or Budget-Friendly? (mint.com)

Eat, Pray, Shop

I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for Julia Roberts' new flick based on Elizabeth Gilbert's novel, Eat, Pray, Love to hit theaters on August 13th. For you ladies out there, it's more than likely that this novel struck a chord with you. Many of us have grown weary of juggling and balancing the demands and responsibilities of our everyday lives. Work, families, social obligations and all of the nightmare bosses, screaming kids, and under appreciated efforts that go along with them have left us exhausted, defeated, and crestfallen. Somehow, we are always left feeling that we've missed the mark, fallen short, and otherwise failed to fully live up to our own expectations in a world where 'good enough' is never enough. We want a break from our lives. We fantasize about giving in to our hedonistic urges, indulging our self-centered fantasies, and just plain slacking off for a while.

Elizabeth Gilbert took 'me time' to a whole new level in Eat, Pray, Love and influenced an entire fleet of women in the last few years to follow in her footsteps in their own journeys of self-discovery. I got swept up with the best of them after reading E,P,L, & The Four Hour Work Week and set off on a sojourn of my own that took me to Europe and South America. I can't say I was going to 'find myself,' but I hoped that by getting out of my comfort zone, I'd create a shift in my own perceptions about my life and its possibilities. The journey was an experience of a lifetime in none of the ways in which I expected but in other ways I couldn't possibly have anticipated.

That's why today I really had to chuckle upon reading Simon Doonan's recent article in Harper's Bazaar. The article is so cleverly written and Doonan hits the nail on the head in asking his reader to 'take a moment to consider the notion that what your life really needs right now is not a new-age revolution but a few simple tweaks.' Doonan casts a vote for keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground and indulging in some good old-fashioned retail therapy instead of buying the next ticket to Santorini. Perhaps shopping doesn't provide the spiritual tune-up you're looking for, but Doonan makes a good point in postulating that sometimes that which we are seeking is really closer and easier had than we think.

The tag line for the the feature film version of Eat, Pray, Love is 'Let yourself GO.' Clever as it may be, and as much as I originally swooned over the premise of the book, I have to admit that throwing caution to the wind and jet-setting around the world in search of our authentic selves is just not practical for most of us. What's more, and what I discovered on my own trip, is that wherever you go, there you are. Granted, a change of scenery can set off a series of sensory responses that might alter our perception of our reality, but the truth is that we have the power to create our very own personal paradigm shifts on a daily basis and in our own backyard (there's a whole other blog in here about the limbic system, neuropeptides, and the power of positive thinking, but I'll save that discourse for another day).

Even if we can't take that once-in-a-lifetime escape of soul-itude, we can find other ways to care for ourselves. Simple, life affirming pleasures are in endless supply and merely waiting for us to discover them. Take Doonan's suggestion and buy that sparkly eye shadow you may have never considered (men, you may opt for a different indulgence here, but then again, maybe not), go to the museum, roll down the window in your car on the freeway to feel the wind against your face, stop and actually smell the roses. Whatever tickles and delights you, do it. Honor yourself by taking the time to slow down. The breakthroughs come in the in-between moments when we are open and present to the world around us. As Confucius said, 'wherever you go, go with all of your heart'. So if you can't let yourself GO, then learn how to let yourself grow.

By the way, I sell Real Estate in Los Angeles, so don't hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding the market here in Urban L.A.!

Big feet?...Don't eat Meat.

Did you know that 37% of American women wear a size 9 or larger shoe? In 1987, only 11% were in that size range, according to a recent study by consumer market research company, NPD Group.

I have become enamored of my latest new idea. I want to design shoes. I know it sounds silly, but shoe hunting for my size 11 feet has become all but an obsession the last couple of years as I have finally resigned myself to the fact that I don't want to have bunions and hammer toes from squishing my feet into ill-fitting size 10's. The problem of finding shoes in my size has definitely improved since I was twelve (yes, I wore a size 11 even then) and had to special order the same old boring pair of Keds from Nordstrom at the beginning of each school year. At some point, I just started wearing the shoe boxes and water skiing required a lot less gear, but as an awkward adolescent, I always felt like a leper on my own island... the big-footed outcast.

Today, however, is a different story as many more people are just bigger than they were twenty five years ago. Why is this??

Here in the United States, a huge portion of our American diet is based on the consumption of poultry, beef, and dairy. It has only been in the past couple of years that I have begun to understand the true horror of the reality of our agricultural system and the ways that we manipulate the mass production of our food sources. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the pros and cons of meat consumption, and aside from the nutritional debate, the fact that our meat, poultry, and dairy are pumped full of growth hormones really gives cause for some serious thought.

Though theoretical at this point, there is reason to believe that the cause of children reaching puberty 5 years earlier than they did just 100 years ago and a major reason that obesity has gotten so out of control is because the animals that we eat are filled with growth hormones that unnaturally increase the rate and size at which they grow and reproduce. It would stand to reason, then, that humans would be similarly affected by these same hormones that remain present in the artificially enhanced animal products that we consume.

When choosing meat, opt for grass fed-over grain-fed beef. Studies have shown that meat from grain-fed animals raised in feedlots often contains more total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories than grass-fed beef does. Products from grain-fed animals also contain less vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Cattle raised on low-fiber grain diets are also prone to a condition known as "subacute acidosis." These grain-fed animals are often given chemical additives along with a constant, low-level dose of antibiotics to keep the cattle from contracting any fatal diseases. When these antibiotics are overused in the feedlots, bacteria become resistant to them, and these bacteria are passed on to the consumer in the beef.

The bottom line is that we must question and scrutinize everything that we are fed in today's day and age, from food choices, to politics, and everything in between. Do your homework and always ask questions! Wishing you health, wealth, and wisdom!

By the way, I sell Real Estate in Los Angeles, so don't hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding the market here in Urban L.A.!

The Lazy Days of Summer

It's been over a week since my last blog post and it'd be easy for me to chalk it up to writer's block, but the real reason is more due to lack of motivation, distractions, excuses, etc. If I'm to be brutally honest, I just got lazy. Despite my efforts to crack it out of the park, sometimes the best laid plans are just an act in futility. Mine certainly were this week, which then lead me to think about what's worked best in the past and also ways that I can experiment now with building momentum and sustaining high energy. It then occurred to me that today is officially the first day of summer. Otherwise known as the Summer Solstice, June 21st is the longest day of the year, right before the beginning of shorter days and longer nights. For those who appreciate the significance of this seasonal shift, it can be thought of also as the energetic high point of the year and a perfect opportunity to re-align our intentions and strengthen our purpose. Now is the time to use the forces of nature, along with some good common sense to build your energy for the months ahead. In addition to keeping your attitude in check and dwelling on the positive, make sure you:

1. Drink lots of water!! I admit that I have a hard time with this one and often rely on a venti cup of decaf to serve as my liquid for the day. It's jut not enough. If you feel yourself tired or dragging in the middle of the day, drink a couple of glasses of water and chances are you'll bounce back. Remember: by the time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

2. Get plenty of sleep. Huh? what? Yeah, this one is also a tough one for many of us, but the right amount of rest is critical to your overall health and energy levels. Not getting enough sleep zaps your immune system, makes you cranky and irritable, and generally lackluster. Cut out the caffeine, don't exercise late at night, and take some deep breaths to help you chill out before you hit the hay.

3. Eat properly. Smaller, frequent meals really are the way to go if you want to maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Try not to carbo load, but instead aim for well balanced meals that include protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates.

4. EXERCISE!! There really is no greater service that you can do for your body and mental health than to get moving. Training for a marathon isn't necessary, but a walk around the neighborhood once or twice a day is a great place to start. Aim for moderation and consistency, and your energy will sky rocket. If you are here in Los Angeles, the beautiful weather is a perfect excuse to take your work out outside. The L.A. Times points out some great local spots to get a killer workout in Thirteen Great Places to Run in L.A.

Speaking of exercise, if you are like me and tire of the gym and the commute time to get there and back, then you might want to consider an at home workout like P90X. Make no mistake about it- this is an extreme workout and you've got to be in decent shape to tackle it, but the results are noteworthy (if you follow a healthy diet) and you can't beat the convenience of rolling out of bed, right into your workout. The workout is lead by fitness guru, Tony Horton, and though mildly annoying, he really knows his stuff. Bring It!


Words of Wisdom from Tony Horton


With all my new found energy (and post P90X exhaustion), I'll be posting tomorrow with some new real estate updates as well as the announcement of a new video blog series (or two) that I've been meaning to get around to.

I sell Real Estate in Los Angeles, so don't hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding the market here in Urban L.A.!

Reining In a Horse Named Victim.

Recently and again, I've been faced with the challenge of balancing my energy, establishing priorities, and defending boundaries in my life. This week, specifically, I set off to re-work my business plan, tie up an abundance of loose ends, and otherwise make time for a social life without becoming a stumbling zombie. Let me be the first to tell you: it ain't no walk in the park.

For one, I am full of energy. So much so that I don't know what to do with it half the time. My thoughts and ambitions often wrap around one another, cannibalizing the best of my intentions and well-laid plans. I get distracted by all of my internal noise, exhausted by frenetic attempts to prioritize, and finally surrender in defeat, collapsing into apathetic blobbedness. This is usually just about the time that I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, pull myself up by my boot straps, and press on, for what other choice is there?

Actually, I've come to realize that there is always a choice, but it is our willingness to own our choices that allows us to shape the life we want to lead. Now I'm not saying that life doesn't throw us curve balls- we are dodging meteors nearly every moment of every day- but what we do have control over is the direction we point our rudders as the current of life directs us along our course. When the market continues to tank, the kids are screaming, or we are pressed beyond our comfort zone, we have full and total control over our reaction- the action of deciding how to perceive of our reality.

This notion is really quite liberating because it allows us some control, a solid framework to begin to uncover our best possible selves. From Tony Robbins to Wayne Dyer, any motivational speaker or self-help guru will tell you that it is all really mind over matter. For me, Proust said it best: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. In other words, instead of surrendering to hair-trigger impulses or running for the hills, we are better off to take a deep breath, decide how to best use our energies in reaction to the circumstance, and commit to the chosen path, without falter.

So just about the time I face planted into the proverbial wall this week, I remembered how much better off my life can be when I stop playing the victim, get focused, and decide to go in the direction of my dreams. No excuses, you've got to grab that horse by the reins!

I'm pleased to report that I'm now back in the saddle and am welcoming the bumps and hiccups along the ride because I know that I have the power to decide where the trail will end, at least in the hallway of my mind.

Maximize your energy, get clear on your priorities, and live authentically.

Oh, and by the way, I sell Real Estate in Los Angeles! Don't hesitate to contact me with any inquiries regarding the market in Urban L.A.

You Only Have Moments to Live

I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't prone to moodiness, volatility, and bouts of eccentric behavior. But then again, who among us isn't? The truth of the matter is that the source of our wavering and fluctuating attitudes is primarily due to our inability to live in the present moment and perceive our reality for what it truly is. Our minds are brilliantly adept at wandering. When we should be concerned with making a left hand turn at a busy intersection, we drift away from the present moment; worrying about what we are going to have for dinner, what our boss thought of that off-handed comment we blurted out in today's meeting, and regretting why we didn't do this or that differently. All of this fretting and hand-wringing about things that haven't happened or can't be changed actually has a devastating effect on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Moreover, it's just a total waste of time and energy. I am blessed to have a couple of good friends (you know who you are) who consistently remind me to save my energy, live in the present moment, and remain grateful for all that I have. One of these friends recently sent me a book by Jon Kabat-Zinn, wherein I stumbled upon a quote that particularly resonated with me. This quote from an eighty-five year old woman said,

"Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day."

No truer words have been spoken and yet what seems like such a simple principle is elusive; slipping through our fingers just when we think we've caught it by the tail. Being present is tricky: our survival instincts have us hard-wired to anticipate danger and obstacles ahead, while our rational minds leave us ruminating over our past 'mistakes,' and desire to rewind and do things differently. So how do we overcome our instincts and mammalian brains to allow ourselves to just 'be' in the present moment ? Kabbat-Zinn suggests the following:

1. Consider what's right with you. "Until you stop breathing, there's more right with you than wrong with you," says Kabat-Zinn. Every day, take a moment to thank your eyes for seeing, your liver for functioning, your feet for carrying you from place to place. Heck, thank those mitochondria within your cells for pumping out the energy you need to get you out of bed in the morning.

2. Love yourself unconditionally. Hate yourself for being 40 pounds overweight? Those berating thoughts you have about your imperfections can actually derail you instead of motivating you into action. (It's that old story: Starve yourself as punishment for overeating, until you can't take it anymore and give in to a binge.) Rather than setting a weight-loss goal and promising to love yourself once you get there, Kabat-Zinn says you need to make an effort to love yourself "all the way," whether you're 300 pounds or 150. If you decide to eat smaller portions or give up chips for carrot sticks, simply tell yourself, "This is just the way I'm eating now as a way to live better."

3. Live in the present moment. "Every moment gives you the ability to learn, grow, and change," explains Kabat-Zinn. "If you can take a moment and live as if it really mattered, you can take a step back and see those impulses that may be negative to your health." What's more, you'll truly enjoy those indulgences like the creamy feel of a Godiva truffle or a 10-minute shoulder massage at an airport kiosk when your flight is delayed. You can also take pleasure in those small interactions with others: with the doorman, greeting you in your office lobby; the lady in line ahead of you at the supermarket; the goodnight hug from your child.

4. When life gets tough, don't take it personally. When faced with job loss, a foreclosure, or an impending divorce, it's really hard not to place the blame squarely on your own shoulders and get stuck in the "if only" mind-set. If only I had (choose one): taken a different job, bought a cheaper house, not cheated. That sort of rumination sets you up for full-blown depression. While it's important to accept responsibility for your actions, the best way to do that is by looking to the present rather than the past. What are you going to do that's different right now, at this moment, to move forward? "When the proverbial stuff hits the proverbial fan, it's really important to recognize and acknowledge the fear you're feeling," says Kabat-Zinn. "But also recognize that it's in these trying times that you will understand fully what it means to be human, to utilize all the resources you have." After all, it's those challenges faced by the World War II generation that earned it the distinction of being called the "greatest."

5. Put the "being" back in human. If you fill every moment with frenetic activity—work, text messaging, household chores, computer games—you never give yourself a chance to simply be. Too many of us are human stuff, the sum of our actions, instead of human beings, points out Kabat-Zinn. As corny as it sounds, just sitting for a moment to contemplate the clouds, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the pattern of stalled cars winding around the freeway, is what separates us from the nut-gathering squirrels. And science shows it's a great stress reliever, to boot.

Easier said than done, I know. But there is no better time than now to begin living a life of mindfulness, in the present moment. Just 'be' and be well!

Zen Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, reminds us to stop running...

You're Sweet Enough Just the Way You Are

I have just recently lectured several friends and clients about the virtues of moving towards a more natural, unprocessed diet. Educating oneself on Best Health Practices can really be a full time job and there is an astounding amount of confusion and deception regarding the quality of our foods. Moreover, the majority of us have a serious 'disconnect' about the direct correlation between what we put in our bodies and how we feel, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Here's what I know...

Artificial Sweeteners are just bad for you. Stop consuming them. They cause all kinds of adverse effects in the body from skin rash, to high blood pressure and metobolic syndrome, to name just a few.

Sugar isn't so great either in large, refined quantities, but if forced to choose, go for the sugar in your coffee over the Splenda or Equal. Sugar in its natural, untouched form (i.e. fruit) has healthy benefits when eaten in moderation.

Alas! There is hope that you not endure a diet of bland, boring blah-ness. There are some safe and palatable sugar alternatives out there (as a semi-reformed sugar junkie, I won't lie to you- there's nothing like the real deal), but you should sample a few until you find one that works for you.

Natural Sweeteners | Agave Xylitol Stevia Truvia