#Goals

"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am." - Michelle Obama

Happy Thursday everyone! We are in the second quarter of the new year, and time is already flying by. At the beginning of a new season, I reflect on what I've accomplished, as well as what's still ahead to be done! Whether you are trying to reach a new fitness goal or professional certification, it is always good to determine your next steps.

Today, I am sharing my tips on setting and accomplishing your goals!

1. Put it in writing. At the beginning of each year I write down a few goals for the new season. Writing my goals helps me visualize the statement. Also, when you clearly state a goal it makes the task more realistic.
2. Be positive. When you are in the process of achieving a goal it can be challenging and frustrating. Always remain calm and positive in the midst of accomplishing a task. It will be hard, but remain focused on the goal and do not let anyone or anything deter you.
3. Stay on track. The journey in completing a goal is not an easy one. Always remember to stay focused and never give up. Limit distractions and naysayers to ensure you meet your target goal. Consistency is key!
4. Have a realistic approach. Make sure the goal is realistic and achievable. Also, it is important the steps in getting to your goal are identified early on. Rome wasn't built in a day! Be patient and work hard to make your dream come true. 
5. Set a timeline. Setting a date to your goal helps you stay focused. When you set a timeline, it's key to determine if your goal is short or long term. Once that is identified, begin to work towards that date. If you miss your date, it's okay! Always reassess and re-evaluate your goals and adjust as needed.

What are some of the ways you achieve your goals?

XO, Analise

Exceptional Sibling

“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.” – Coach Elaine Hall

Being a big sister is something that I truly cherish. Growing up my younger brother Ryan was diagnosed with Autism. As a child, it was hard to understand how my wonderful baby brother could be diagnosed with this condition. Many times I was left confused and resentful. As I got older, my outlook on the situation evolved as my understanding of Autism grew. Ryan has taught me how to love and the importance of patience. He has touched so many people's lives, and if you get the chance to know him, you'll understand just how amazing he is.

Today I'm sharing a few ways Ryan has helped shaped the person I am today, and how his love changed my life forever.

I didn't know it then, but at the age of five Ryan helped push me to be the leader I am today. Leadership is something that cannot be taught, you simply just have to do it. My little brother required a different type of attention than I needed as a child. Growing up my father was active duty military. My mom had to juggle working full-time, running a household, and raising two children, while my dad was out to sea. There were many times I had to step up and assist my mom and little brother. I definitely grew up quickly, and had to learn how to take care of basic household responsibilities. It became second nature, and I quickly dove into the role. This quality became one of the many things I possessed at an early age.

Ryan sees the world in a completely differently than everyone else. He taught me another key quality: perspective. There have been many times in our childhood where I may be overwhelmed or freak out in a particular situation, whereas Ryan would be completely at peace. Ryan's ability to be courageous in a world where they do not always accommodate his needs is absolutely humbling. This has helped me realize that some of the small trivial matters in life are not even worth maximizing. His ability to see the glass half full, has challenged me to see the good in every situation.

I quickly learned as a child that the world did not revolve around me. In addition to gaining the perspective quality, I became extremely self-less. Ryan taught me at an early age to give and think about other's feelings. I learned how to be empathetic and realize that there was a bigger picture in many situations. My parents were phenomenal in providing balance in our home. They ensured that Ryan and I never wanted for anything. I'm fortunate to have a family that always put each other's needs first no matter what the situation.

Communication was something my brother and I had to develop in our own special way. Ryan didn't speak for almost a decade. He would communicate by pointing, making sounds, hugs, or touching my hand or arm. Words were never something we really bonded over. It was quite normal for us to just look at one another and smile. He would give me a look or a hug and that would be it for us. My non-verbal cues quickly heightened as a child. I became very aware of how someone was feeling versus what was actually being said. Even today, Ryan and I do not hold long conversations. He is very matter of fact and gets straight to the point. Yet, there are still many times Ryan will touch my arm as a way of letting me know that he is doing just fine.

Being a big sister is something that I absolutely love. I truly believe siblings are a huge blessing. Ryan has taught me so many things in 27 years. I'm a better sister, daughter, granddaughter, and wife because of his love and enlightenment. A lot of who I am is because of him, and for that I'm super grateful.

With all of that being said, Ryan is beyond special, he's exceptional.

XO, Analise

The A-List

Hello loves! Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite things and moments over the past month!

Beautiful blooms that my husband picked up for me!

I was able to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with my mother and grandmother! It was such an incredible performance. I've been fortunate to see the dance studio perform more than once, and it gets better every time!

A yummy lemon pepper shrimp, arugula, cucumber, bacon salad with a lemon and olive oil dressing! I love a delicious salad, and this was super easy to make! 

This is my first Henri Bendel bag, and I absolutely love it! I was able to score this beauty through Haute Off the Rack! Her style is impeccable, and this plum satchel is stunning. I cannot wait to style this bag!

One of the most delicious Cabernet Sauvignon we have ever had! G and I spent a weekend at the National Harbor! We had dinner at the Voltaggio Brothers Steak House in MGM National Harbor, and it was phenomenal. The sommelier hand picked this bottle for us during dinner and it was an excellent choice.

My first Box of Style, by Rachel Zoe. I've been a Rachel Zoe fan for years and was thrilled to try out the Spring box! I love every item and the quality of the products are amazing.

I truly hope you enjoyed my favorite things! What are some of your favorite things?

XO, Analise

Favorite Podcasts

"Words mean things." - Crissle West

I absolutely love listening to podcasts! They are perfect for my commute to and from the office, as well as during the work day. The Read was the very first podcast I ever started listening to. Over the years I've explored and listened to several shows. Below are my top eight podcasts, that I never miss each week!

1. The Read | Kid Fury & Crissle West are a dynamic duo, who tell it like it is, and do so hilariously. Each week they cover hot topics in entertainment and current events. Their wit and impeccable "reads" make their show absolutely flawless as well as a joy to listen to.

2. Gettin' Grown | Jade & Keia are two best friends who are figuring out the whole "adulting" thing. They discuss what it's like to be hard-working Black Women in today's society. Their humor and honesty make them absolutely so much fun to listen to.

3. The Friend Zone | These three friends: Assante, Fran, and Dustin talk about everything from health and wellness, music, and entertainment. Their segments are phenomenal and they are super hilarious! The chemistry between the three friends is undeniable and so genuine.

4. The Brilliant Idiots | Charlamagne Tha God & Andrew Schultz literally are brilliant idiots. They discuss current events and pop culture, even if their opinion are slightly problematic. The two guys are comical and so much fun to listen to.

5. Oprah's Super Soul Conversations | Oprah's interviews are wonderful and her show helps the listener to discover and connect with the world on a deeper level. She selects amazing guests for her listeners to discover. After I listen to an episode, I'm feeling energized to take on the world - every show is so inspirational.

6. Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen | I am a Bravo addict, and this show is the perfect remedy. Andy and his guests talk about any and everything in pop culture, politics, and entertainment.

What are some of your favorite podcasts?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Unwind

"My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused." - Ashton Eaton

Life can get so busy and a little overwhelming! It's very important to make time for yourself and get some much needed relaxation.

Below are a few ways I like to unwind and clear my head during stressful moments.

• Unplug. The best way for me to decrease my stress quickly is by ditching the phone, TV, laptop, or tablet. Personally, my phone can be a great distraction. All of the alerts and messages can be so intense. Try to limit "screen time" when you can in those busy moments.

Tip: Utilize the "do not disturb" feature on your phone. I turn the feature on between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. Also, I've made a modification so that a few people can bypass that in a case of emergency. This helps me wind down in the evenings and get a good night's sleep.

• Go for a walk. This is something that I do during the work week a lot. It can be so hard breaking away from meetings and your co-workers. I try to go for a 30 minute walk each day to clear my head. It's a fantastic way to relieve some stress and knock out the second half of the day!

Tip: Pack a pair of sneakers and put them on for walk during your lunch break!

• Breathe. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I'll take a moment to collect my thoughts and slow down. This is a bit challenging for me since I'm constantly on the go. For me, it is super important to pump the breaks a bit and smell the roses.

Tip: Find a quiet spot to collect your thoughts. Essential oils and candles help me out a lot during this moment.

• Play music. Music is one of many things that I love. It also reduces my stress greatly! I make my own playlists for different moods and situations. Music is a great outlet and always helps me feel a lot better.

Tip: Spotify has the best playlists to decompress and relax.

What are some ways you unwind?

XO, Analise