Discovering Your Why: Staying Anchored in a Sea of Chaos 🤯

In a world buzzing with distractions and opinions, staying aligned with your goals can feel like swimming upstream. This is where your “why” comes into play. Your “why” is your core reason for pursuing a goal, making a change, or living a certain way. It’s the anchor that keeps you grounded, even when life feels array and others try to sway you.

What is Your “Why”?

Your “why” goes beyond surface-level motivations like earning more money or achieving a specific milestone. It’s rooted in your values, passions, and purpose. Maybe your “why” is to create a healthier life for your family, inspire others through your work, or simply experience a deep sense of fulfillment.

Whatever it is, your “why” should make you feel something. It’s what drives you to take action, even on the days you don’t feel like it.

Why Your “Why” Matters

When you’re clear about your “why,” it serves as a compass in moments of doubt or when challenges arise. It helps you stay grounded when life feels overwhelming and keeps you focused when others’ opinions or expectations threaten to pull you off course.

Protecting Your “Why” from Outside Influence

The truth is, not everyone will understand your “why,” and that’s okay. It’s personal to you, and it doesn’t need validation from anyone else.

• Trust Yourself: Your “why” comes from your inner voice, not someone else’s agenda. Trust that you know what’s best for your journey.

• Set Boundaries: Limit conversations with people who consistently doubt or question your goals. Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you.

• Tune Out the Noise: Everyone has an opinion, but not all opinions matter. Focus on advice that aligns with your values and ignore the rest.

How to Stay Connected to Your “Why” Daily

1. Create Visual Reminders

Place a visual representation of your “why” in spaces you frequent. This could be a photo, a quote, or a vision board. Seeing it every day reinforces your commitment.

2. Start Your Day with Intention

Dedicate a few minutes each morning to reflect on your “why.” Journaling, meditating, or reciting affirmations can help anchor your mindset before the chaos of the day begins.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Remind yourself that progress is progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a reflection of your dedication to your “why.”

4. Reconnect When You Feel Lost

Life will undoubtedly throw curveballs, and your path may feel unclear at times. During these moments, revisit your “why.” Ask yourself:

• What inspired me to begin this journey?

• How will staying the course impact my life and others around me?

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Share your “why” with trusted friends, mentors, or a community. They can offer encouragement and hold you accountable when your motivation wavers.

6. Don’t Let Others Sway You

Remember, your “why” is yours alone. When others question or challenge it, remind yourself:

• Their opinions are a reflection of their own perspectives, not your truth.

• Your “why” doesn’t need to be justified to anyone but you.

Stay steadfast and confident in your purpose, knowing it’s what drives your journey forward.

My Why: An Example

As a personal trainer and life coach, my “why” is helping others rediscover their confidence, embrace intentional living, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives. When my days feel overwhelming or when others don’t see the value in my work, I remind myself that every client I help is one step closer to their transformation. That thought reignites my passion and keeps me moving forward.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on your “why.” Write it down, visualize it, and embody it in your daily actions. Don’t let external opinions or doubts distract you. When life feels scattered, let your “why” guide you back to your purpose.

Remember, your “why” isn’t just the reason you started; it’s the reason you’ll keep going, no matter what.

Side Hustle: Why Lateral Movements Deserve a Spot in Your Workout 👯‍♀️

When it comes to fitness, most people are stuck in a one-way relationship. It’s all about moving forward: running, cycling, lunging, squatting. Straight lines, straight movements. But here’s the thing—life doesn’t just happen in one direction, and your workouts shouldn’t either.

Enter lateral movements, the unsung heroes of exercise. They’re the sidesteps, shuffles, and hip wiggles that keep you functional, balanced, and injury-free. Let’s break down why moving sideways isn’t just for awkward dance moves at weddings—it’s actually the glow-up your workout routine needs.

The Problem with One-Way Fitness

Picture this: you’ve spent months crushing your forward-focused workouts. Your quads are on point, your hamstrings are humming, and your cardio game is fire. Then one day, you step sideways to grab your phone off the couch, and—pop! Hello, knee pain.

Here’s the deal: life is messy and unpredictable. You twist, turn, and sidestep all day without even realizing it. By ignoring lateral movements, you’re basically training to be good at running in a straight line—great if you’re a robot, not so much if you’re a human trying to avoid tripping over your dog.

Why Lateral Movements Are the MVP

1. They Keep You Functional AF

Lateral exercises strengthen your hips, glutes, and stabilizers—muscles that don’t get enough love from forward-focused workouts. These muscles are your body’s shock absorbers, protecting your knees and lower back when you step off a curb or dodge that rogue grocery cart in the parking lot.

2. They Prevent Injuries

Most injuries happen in unexpected, sideways motions—think ankle rolls or knee tweaks. Training laterally helps prepare your body for these moments, so you’re less likely to end up sidelined by something ridiculous, like turning too quickly to grab your coffee.

3. They Boost Athletic Performance

Want to cut like a pro on the basketball court or fake out your friends in a game of pickleball? Lateral training improves agility, coordination, and overall badassery in sports and life.

4. They Improve Balance

Your balance isn’t just about standing on one leg; it’s about how well you control movement in all directions. Lateral exercises train your body to stay stable and graceful, even when the world (or your toddler) throws you a curveball.

Lateral Moves You Need in Your Life

Not sure where to start? Try these boss-level lateral exercises to spice up your routine:

• Side Lunges: Strengthen your glutes, quads, and adductors while pretending you’re avoiding puddles on the sidewalk.

• Lateral Band Walks: Strap on a resistance band, shuffle side to side, and feel your hips burn in the best way possible.

• Cossack Squats: A deep side lunge variation that will humble you—and your mobility.

• Skater Jumps: Channel your inner speed skater and hop side to side for cardio and coordination.

• Lateral Step-Ups: Step sideways onto a bench or platform to fire up your glutes and test your balance.

The Sideways Revolution

Adding lateral movements to your workouts isn’t just about avoiding injury or looking good at your next intramural game. It’s about training your body to handle life. Whether you’re chasing after kids, navigating crowded subway platforms, or dodging that one coworker who never stops talking, lateral training has your back (and your sides).

So, stop thinking of your workouts as a straight-line journey and start embracing the sideways hustle. Because life isn’t a treadmill—it’s a dance floor, and the best moves always happen in unexpected directions.

Link to my at-home or gym programs incorporating the movements to keep the unexpected at bay.

Coconut Oil: The Magic Potion I Use for Literally Everything (Yes, EVERYTHING) 🥥

Let’s talk about coconut oil, the one little jar of magic that has completely taken over my life. Seriously, I use it for everything. Hair, skin, cooking – you name it, coconut oil can handle it. It’s my secret weapon in the kitchen and my go-to for beauty routines, and let me tell you, it never disappoints.

First things first, if you’re diving into the world of coconut oil, make sure you’re buying the good stuff – unrefined, organic coconut oil. This is the pure form, full of nutrients and free from anything extra. Trust me, it’s worth it.

So, why the obsession? Let’s start with hair. Coconut oil is like a hug for your hair, giving it shine, softness, and serious hydration. I do a deep-conditioning mask once a week – leave it in for 20 minutes followed by my normal hair washing routine. Goodbye frizz, hello smooth, shiny hair.

Then, there’s skin. Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer, especially for those extra-dry spots. It’s all-natural, so you’re skipping the chemicals, and it leaves your skin soft and glowing.

P.S.: Real talk, though – coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores, so I skip using it on my face. But for arms, stomach, and legs? Absolutely! Smooth, silky skin without the worry. Plus, it smells like a mini tropical vacation, which I’m totally here for.

And let’s not forget cooking! Coconut oil adds this delicious hint of sweetness and richness to whatever you’re making. I do not use much because a little goes a LONG way but a dab for frying up eggs, sautéing veggies or even in baking when I want to switch things up. It’s loaded with healthy fats and can handle the heat (high burning point)– plus, it gives everything this lovely, subtle flavor that just takes your meals up a notch.

Honestly, the uses are endless, and I love knowing I have this one product that can do so much. Coconut oil is my go-to for beauty, self-care, and cooking because it’s natural, simple, and effective. If you haven’t joined the coconut oil fan club yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a jar (unrefined, of course), and let the magic begin!

A staple in my beauty routine that uses the power of coconut oil. No burning or sensitivity when whitening.

Gurunanda Teeth Whitening Strips