wellness

-- This is a guest post by Liz Stark --

Are you sitting down right now? You might want to stand up for this – or hopefully want to stand up by the end of this article. Do you dread working, attending meetings, or even checking emails, knowing that you will be confined to a desk (or desk-like setting) for hours on end? Do you feel more tired after sitting for a long time, antsy, and even a little achy?

After years of back pain, feeling antsy, and simply uncomfortable at my desk, I became intrigued with the idea of having a standing desk. This is not to be confused with a treadmill desk (which, in my opinion, looks like a deadly accident waiting to happen); and I already knew a few people who owned standing desks and highly recommended them. However, I put off the idea, thinking I would just suffer and sit through any discomfort at my “regular” desk.

In November 2013, I received a big wakeup call that I needed to get a standing desk – and fast. After a fluke...

Jealousy. It hits hard and ugly. I hate feeling it and admitting to it. But that’s how it goes. It’s a human thing for our eyes to turn green with envy. When you’re in a relationship with someone you’ve got to work through it because it can literally destroy you and the love you cherish.

I’m going through it myself in my relationship with fitness. As I recover from a recent surgery, things just haven’t been the same. This is due to my doctor telling me not to work out for 3-6 weeks. The painkillers, Valium, and antibiotics kill my energy, digestion and mood. I've spent a good amount of time as a helpless blob propped up with pillows in my bed. I've watched the days go by from my window, zoning out to Dr. Phil. I could feel the the distance growing between me and fitness--our romance now practically nonexistent.

I never knew so much could change in so little time! But fitness is hard to date because of the commitment and focused mental connection it...

I just couldn't keep hanging on, and neither should you. I found myself in a pretty unhealthy relationship last year. I was constantly being told my body wasn't right and forcefully pushed away when I tried to remedy a fight with a hug. There is more...but that's not the point. My intention with the video I've made called Run from Domestic Abuse: A Lifesaving Message for Women, which I hope you'll watch, is to spread a message of support amongst women. Why? Because we have the power to physically and emotionally uplift women from a dark place to one of hope and forward movement. It's just that simple.

I get it. Some relationships are hard to leave. But you should never stay in one that doesn't bring out the very best in you or that leaves you feeling smacked down. Abuse comes in many forms and women have experienced it in many ways, whether verbally, psychologically, or worse, on impact. They all hurt and tear us apart. I feel for the women going through it right now but I can...

This is it! My favorite celebrity interview so far! We’ve got to live our lives by our own calendar and pay the next woman forward with a lot of insight. Gobble up this episode of my  “Women Who Empower” series featuring fashion designer and wellness guru, Norma Kamali.

Women like Norma fill my head and heart with amazing love, courage and ambition. I mean, just look at what she’s created! It’s a mega-brand comprised of fashion, fitness and wellness. And on top of that, she’s nice, introspective and thoughtful!

I’m so lucky and thankful to know and learn from such smart, successful and giving women as I wander down this path called “my life”.  If you make it through the entire video (which I hope you do because Norma makes some powerful points), you will come across this message from me:

It took many years of growing up for me to be able to write this. Mostly, because I’m competitive by nature. I like being the...

Nitika Chopra is a wellness force to be reckoned with...and I have a hunch she might be the next Oprah! So when she invited me to come on her Naturally Beautiful show on the Veria Living Network to talk about my fitness journey and share some MizzFIT Tips, I had to say YES. Check out our convo and tell me about your own journey. We all have our stories, right?

The Wanderlust Festival Turned 5 This Summer (2013)

It was finally my time to go. So I headed out to the festival in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Not gonna lie, I was fresh off a breakup, looking to jet far out of town for some air and space. Sometimes you just need to get away. But I wasn't expecting the weekend I ended up having. You can walk through life or you can flow through it. Check out Wanderlust through my lens in case you're thinking about going next year...

So Just A Little Background...

It was the start of July and I was coming off a relationship that had been doomed since February. I was tired and sick...sick of not being happy. I figured a work-trip mixed with a little forced romance would soothe my soul. Doesn't it always? I set off to report on the "fitness fashion happening at Wanderlust" with my press pass and a former ex-boyfriend turned friend (with benefits) in tow. What can I say? He was game.

We arrived to Copper Mountain as star-crossed...