Happy weekend my loves! Another week in the books and all things are pointing to warmth and sunshine. I mean how nice is it that the sun is STILL shining at 6pm and the temperature is not longer starting with a 2! I know that I am beyond excited for the next season to begin and all the fun exciting things it holds. But for right now, we are here. So let’s continue to focus on that.

For those of you that don’t know me, I teach first grade. So I am constantly surrounded by laughter, learning, and love. Also boogers, tears, crayon fights, and untied shoes. I wouldn’t change it for the world although at times I wish the bell would ring sooner. One of the most amazing things about my job is I get to see life happening in front of me every single second. I see the light bulbs go off. I see the social interactions. I see the good choices and I see the bad choices. But the best thing, is I see them in their natural state and sometimes for the very first time. You see, a lot of things that we do naturally, wasn’t always that way. For instance the other day I was explaining to my class that a polite way to say you don’t want to play a game is not by rawring like a dinasour in someone’s face. Trust me, I know the amount of stories I have could fill a book. So needless to say, we talk a lot about this thing called being a person. That idea is something that is constantly flowing through our classroom. Whether it is about using tissues or saying sorry, we talk about it a lot. And what I realized is the way we talk and teach our babies...is how we should talk and teach ourselves.

Have you ever been reading a bedtime story to your kids and you think wow this is exactly what I needed to hear today? The meaning was just so good you couldn’t believe it was a children’s book? Or did you ever see or hear a child do or say something so genuine and sweet that your heart melted right then and there? If you haven’t, let me tell you that I have. And it is an amazing thing to see. I have been pondering about how kids can be so genuine. Why do they not care about the differences in others? Why do they not see name brands? Why do they give hugs all the time? Why are they the definition of love? All this pondering and thinking. And i couldn’t figure it out. Until I was scrolling on istagram and saw a quote. It was talking about how we live most of our lives inside our brains. So make sure what goes on up there is happy. And it all made sense. It clicked.

To start, that quote was so powerful to me. It really made me stop and thing. Wow. A lot of our life is our thinking. And how crucial it is to have that space filled with good things. Now this is not to say that there won’t be times that that space is filled with dark and scary and painful things. But we have the power to do our best to make sure it is bright. When I thought about this, I thought of my 18 students. And how everyday I show up and try to pump positivity and love into their brains. I try to fill their head with “I’m so proud of you” and “I love your thinking” and “what can I do for you”. Because that is that is what they need in order to be their best selves. And if we sit here any longer and think we are any different from them, well then we are the ones who are acting like six year olds.

What we do. How we think. What we say. It matters. It matters so much because it eventually becomes who we are. So I ask you today, and all days, to repaint the colors of the wall in your brain. To plant some flowers up there. To let some music play. Make it bright. Make it happy. Make it shine. And watch it transform into the most beautiful thing yet...you.

All my love,

C

Happy LOVE week. This week it’s all about the hearts, the songs, the hugs and kisses. The candy!! How could I forget. It’s about everything and anything love. Love to others. Love to him. Love to her. Love to you. Read that again. This week is about love. Something that has no limits. No boundaries. No expectations. So soak it up. Feel it. Let it in. Because sweetheart, you deserve it. 

I know that when the word love is brought into light it holds these expectations, especially when we talk about loving ourselves. Let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to love yourself. Sometimes it’s hard. Really hard. Really painful. And really ugly. It isn’t something we always want to do. It isn’t something we always want to feel. But it is something that we always come back too. You wanna know why? Because we can’t move on, walk forward, achieve anything else without the love for ourselves. It’s just a part of the equation. In order to say goodbye to the pain of the past, to change the number on the scale, to become the boss, to find love, to you must love and believe in yourself enough first. It all starts within the heart that is beating inside your chest as we speak. I mean think about it. How can we love someone else if we don’t even know how to love ourself? How can we become something better or bigger if we don’t believe in our bones we are worth it? How can we let go of the dark if we don’t feel worthy of the bright? How can we? I’ll tell you. We strive to be better, not enough. Because sweets, you are more than enough as if and you’ll never be too much. We do it day by day. Change by change. Mantra by mantra. With love and for love. Because love will never steer you wrong and it will never ever fail. 

So yes, this week we will decided to love ourselves so we can be better. But what about all the other ways love is in our lives? How do we appreciate that? Well, these past weeks the world has shown us just how precious time is. How precious relationships are. How fragile and imperative love is. It’s a hard lesson to watch and an even harder one to feel, but it can be the most amazing lesson to learn because we only have so much time. I know I know it’s sad to think about a time where he or she isn’t here. When traditions end. When what once was no longer is. But if we acknowledge that it is REAL we will start to appreciate it on a deeper level so that when that time comes, we have no regrets. So this week, go home and love your families. Squeeze them a little tighter. Tickle them and remember their laughs. Pick up the phone and tell them you love them. Snuggle and cuddle. Kiss and make up. Or just kiss and have fun because you can. Whatever it is just do it and keep doing it. Because time spent loving someone will never ever be wasted. And if you lead a life with love on the forefront, well you may have just achieved living your best life. 

So this week remember these 2 things. 1) Use love to make yourself better, not enough. Because you already are that. 2) tell people you love them. Show people you love them. And never ever stop. We only have so much time here and how beautiful of a world it would be if we all started to show and tell people just how much we love them for who they are what they do and what they give to this world. 

I love you all. I’ll tell you today, tomorrow, and forever. Always and all ways ladies and gents! 

Smooches and squeezes,
C

January 3rd. That’s the day. It’s day 3 of this new year new me, be the author of your own story, look forward not back. And guess what, it’s hard. It’s hard to break the habits. To not eat the chips. To drink the coffee without the cream. To pack a lunch instead of buy. To get to the gym. To say the nice thing. It’s hard to break old habits. I realized that with high expectations and big lifestyle changes all at the same time, there is a lot of room for us to let ourselves down. Not because we can’t do it, but because we are human. And guess what, that is okay. It is okay to slip back. It is okay to regress. It is okay to pour the glass. As long as we know it come with two steps forward the next day. I thought a lot about resolutions this year. I thought more so about how I would ensure that I could achieve them. I realized that setting specific goals with numbers and timelines just wasn't working. Because what happens when the date come and the goal has not been met…disappointment. You think you have failed and that all that hard work goes to shit because quite frankly, you were more focused on the finish line then the walk there. We’ve all done it before, I know I have, where we think the end day is going to make it all better. That if we just get there it will magically happen. And for those of us that have fallen into this trap know that the sad reality is it never works that way. So how do we set resolutions for ourselves without inevitably being disappointed about it? I think I have the answer. 

I realized that the whole point of a resolution is for it to make you better. To help you become the best version of yourself. I mean we start the year all motivated and excited because we think this is THE thing that is going to make all the clouds somehow shine. But why do we limit that to just a year? I mean if 2020 is the year of hydration does that just stop when 2021 comes around? Or does it even make it that far in the first place? These are the questions that we need to be asking ourselves when we set these goals. I think a better way of phrasing these resolutions is by calling them lifestyle changes. I think that is the only way to ensure that what we want here in this very day, is accomplished by this very day next year, and even further than that, for the rest of our lives. I think by taking it habit by habit, day by day, issue by issue, we can transform our lives into the healthiest, happiest, versions of ourselves. 

But what about this word wholesome? Why is this the title. Well because I think it should be the root of all of our lifestyle changes. I have been thinking a lot about what the difference is between having it and having it all. And it think it comes down to whether or not it was wholesome. Stay with me, I know this sounds strange. Imagine in your head someone who loves their job. Who loves their husband, wife, or partner. Who loves themselves. Who loves to eat clean during the weeks and indulge on the weekends. Who always has something nice to say when faced with conflict. Who seeks to understand. Who listens and cares. Who has time for what seems like anything and anyone. Imagine them in your head right now. I know I am sitting here thinking yep, they have it all figured out and I can barely keep myself from cheating on day 2 of my healthy eating plan. And that is the point. these people. The ones who “have it all”, the ones who have cracked the code. it wasn’t in just one year. It wasn't one vision board. It wasn't just one goal. It was the choice to make a wholesome life change. To take it into their own hands. To incorporate it slowly but surely. To do it at their pace. To do it with the goal of bettering themselves with no expectations or dates or end goals in sight. Because the reality is if it’s good enough for us to make our whole year about, it has to be good enough for us to want it forever. 

So I ask you today to make the wholesome choice. The one that will be here for years to come. Do more things that make you whole. Eat more things that fuel your body. Drink more things that hydrate and energize. Think more things that light a fire in your soul and put a beat in your heart. Say more things that bring sunshine to not only your life, but others. Do this today. Do it tomorrow. Do it fast or do it slow. But just keep doing it. Because our time here as people has an end, but who we are while we we’re here lives on forever. So decide today to be know as the person who had it all in the best of ways. Because this journey, these goals, they are really just the road map to the best version of yourself. And when you have that, well you pretty much have it all. 

2020, may you be wholesome. May you be bright. May you be everything we need. 

With love,
Caroline

Hi there beauties! I wish I was writing to you while looking at a blanket of fresh snow with the fireplace going while wrapped in a blanket enjoying my coffee. But unfortunately it is just another dreary, cold day in one of the most stressful times of the year. I know the joy and magic of the season is what makes it so great, but being realistic, we all know that the joy and magic come after a lot of work and stress. Hold on because we are almost there. The break, the celebrations, the smiles, the family it is all so close. We can and we will do it. Just have to hold on a little bit longer. I am definelty feeling the stress of the holidays a little more than usual this year. Not only is this my first holiday season “on my own”, but it also my first holiday season as a teacher. Yup, that is what you call a double whammy my friends. You really don't know a headache until you spend the day with 18 six year old jumping out of their seats because they just can’t wait one more day for Santa. It’s cute for about a day…this has been going strong for 14 days people!! The truth of the matter is, this time of the year, it can become a lot. And sometimes, we just need to go home. 

About a week ago I had one of those nights. It was a Sunday. I was so grumpy and lazy all day. And then the realness of Monday set in and I lost it. I just came crashing down. I was completely overwhelmed by the presents, the shopping, the cards, the lesson plans, the laundry, the groceries, the cleaning, did I mention the laundry because like how does it even get done during the holidays…let me know. I was just overwhelmed with life and my body, my heart, and my soul had reached their breaking point. There I was, in a bubble bath trying to relax, sobbing. Because I just didn't know what to do. I didn't know where to start. I didn't know what I needed. I felt like I had no time to see my friends, but I really wanted to. I felt like I couldn't go to the gym because there was too much to do, but then I sat there thinking about the gym. It was a spiral. And it was the first time in a long time I wished I could just fast forward life and be in a better place. We all know that isn't the reality and that sooner or later, Monday comes. So how do we get ourselves up? How do we keep going? We go home. We reset. We refocus. And we do that as many times as we need to. But where is home? Well, I think we all know. 

I realized that one of the things that had been missing from my life was TORQUE. My home. My self-care. My me time. When things got busy and when life got stressful, it was the first thing to be cut. Because I had convinced myself I didn't have the time. And that was the biggest mistake. Because what happened was I just kept giving. Everyday, we give ourselves. We give our time. We give our thoughts. We give our ideas. We give our patience. We give, we give, we give. When life gets busy sometimes we can get into this cycle where we think others actions will fill that void of self love. But nothing can fix that hole in our hearts, that pit in our stomach, those tears in our eyes than the genuine love and time we can set aside for ourselves. When we don't take the time to refill our cup, we find ourselves crying in the bathtub in a Sunday night not knowing why. So I realized that I needed to MAKE the time to get into the studio because feeling this way was unacceptable and completely preventable. That week I got into the studio Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Was I a little bit more tired? Yep. Did I have to work a little smarter? yep. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I really can’t explain the instant relief I had just walking into the studio. Seeing familiar faces. Doing something I love. It was the best medicine, the best hour, the best money I could have spent. And it was there all along. 

So I ask you today, in the midst of all of this hustle and bustle, to take some time to refill your cup. To be the person you need to be in order to be present this holiday season. It all starts with you and the decision to do what your heart needs. Come home to us. Be here with us. Refill with us. I promise you with everything I have, it will be worth it. 

All my love, happy thoughts, and strength to you all no matter where you may be. Xo, 

Caroline

Happy Wednesday babes! We are back, yep you know it. Time to crush on our favorites gals. Seriously missed these so much because there are SO many amazing women that shine bright, spread love, and make this tribe what it is. Slowly but surely we will get to you all because if I could, I would write about you guys day after day. You’re just that fab. But this mama is special. She’s sweet. She’s kind. She’s a badass and a beauty. I mean does it get any better?? Nope. Not really. She truly embodies what TORQUE is. She has embraced all the beauties and shared her own beauty with us. She is a gem and we are so lucky to call her ours. Missy Weleski  is no stranger to our home. She is there day in and day out working on herself and helping us along the way. She is strong, fierce, and a badass in all classes. She knows that in order to get stronger, the best way to do it is together. Basically she is a no brainer to shine a light on and send some love!! Missy, you are amazing. You shine so bright every time you walk into a room. You make this world, this studio, our lives a better place by being in it. Don’t change, not now not ever! If you see Missy today, give her some extra love!! 

To learn more about Missy and her love for TORQUE, keep reading! As always, sending all my love and good vibes to you all wherever you may be!

Smooches and squeezes,
Caroline 


Favorite TORQUE memory:
Alicia said something in one of my first classes, and it continues to stay with me; "I am here to challenge you, not defeat you".  As I took my first spin, barre and TRX classes there were many times I felt defeated, and wondered how I’d make it through those 45 minutes!  It's so important to remember this each and every class, and to push yourself and “DO YOU”! 


Favorite quote:
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts”
Eleanor Roosevelt


Your definition of TORQUE:
TORQUE is my true happy place; one that I look forward to being at every single day!  It’s time for me, and only me.  Torque and its amazing instructors remind us that we are so much stronger than we think!!  TORQUE has reconnected me with old friends, and given me the opportunity to make many new ones.  THANK YOU Summer and the Torque Tribe for being you, and creating this amazing place!! 


Favorite workout clothing brand:
Tops-all things TORQUE ?
Bottoms-bootyfull & 90 Degree by Reflex


Favorite post workout snack: 
Banana. Plain and simple. 


Top 5 -10 songs
*Kygo, Whitney Houston remix-Higher Love
*DJ Snake ft. Biopolar Sunshine-Middle
*Tiesto & Dzeko ft. Preme & Post Malone-Jackie Chan
*Mike Posner-I Took a Pill in Ibiza
*Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B-Girls Like You
*Maroon 5-Memories
*Taylor Swift-Gorgeous

Missy’s TORQUE schedule: 
Every day, mixing it up with Barre, TRX and Spin!

Happy Thanksgiving my beautiful people! Before the day gets crazy and the food is served, I wanted to take a moment for all of us to just be. To be here now in this moment. To breathe. And to be thankful. Because that is what today is about. Yes it is about the turkey and pie and the friends and family. But it’s also about taking a moment to reflect on all the blessings we have. Something we don’t do enough. So today, right here and right now, take a few moments and just close our eyes. Think about all the amazing blessings in your life. 


I’m sure the first couple things that come to mind are your family, your friends, and your four legged friends. How lucky are we that no matter how hard life gets we have not only loved ones, but also this tribe to lean on. I mean how many people can say that? Maybe they can say it, but can they mean it? That I’m not so sure about. But us, this tribe, we can not only say it but we can mean it as well. Because no matter if you have been coming for years or yesterday was your first class, we love you. We support you. We got you. Through any and all things. Something to be grateful for for sure. 


So we got family and friends taken care of. What about the things we do everyday. I read somewhere that if you have a roof over your head, food in your fridge, and clothes on your back that you are richer than 75% of the world. Read that again. THE WORLD. I know these things are norms for us. And I know I take them for granted. But seeing first hand what poverty looks like in my students and my travels, has really made me take a step back and realize just how much I have and that I need to be more appreciative of it. Take a second and be thankful for all the things we use everyday. 


What about the things we can’t touch. Our health? Our passions? Our education? Our time? These are things we need to be thankful for as well. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but without them who knows where we would be. Take some time and be grateful that we not only have these things, but we also have access to them. Schools, hospitals, help. That is something that not everyone can say and thankfully, we can. 


Last but not least, be thankful for you. You do a lot. You give a lot. You work a lot. And you need to thank yourself, your body, your heart, and your mind for all the amazing things that you are and produce. Believe me when I say this, I am thankful for each and every one of you. The support. The work you do. The happiness you bring. And the love you share. I know that we all need to hear it so know that we are thankful for YOU and you should be too. 


Now, go check the timers. Pour the wine. Laugh and love with those who mean most. Happy Thanksgiving TORQUE tribe, may you know how grateful and blessed we are to walk this life with you. 


XO,


Caroline

Friday, FriYAY! Congratulations!! You made it to the end of the week. Just a few short hours until those 2 glorious days!! This week was a lot!! All the running around - from the costumes, the candy, the snacks for the parties, to the last-minute pumpkin carvings - all of it. But what I am learning is that amidst the hustle and bustle the memories are made. I thought that with Halloween behind us and the first holiday of the end-of-the-year marathon out of the way, it was a good time to talk about how we can tackle the holidays this year with open eyes and grateful hearts. 

I know it sounds premature to be talking about the holidays, but when I was Target yesterday buying Halloween candy, the next aisle over was Christmas candy. So let’s face it, it’s here. From now until January we are going to be surrounded by constant reminders that the time is coming. The pressure is going to begin. And the stress is definitely going to pile on. That’s why, like all things, I think it is important to set the intention NOW on how we want to face these next few months.  This way, we can really be present and make memories that last forever. I know it won’t be easy, but I think like most things, it will be worth it. 
Here are some ideas on how to stay on top of things to reduce stress and enhance the holidays: 
1. Don’t fill up every weekend. I literally think that from now until the middle of December every weekend is full and it has been this way since the middle of October. I am sure I am not the only one. I’m also sure I'm not the only one who can’t stand this. Slow down. Make family time. Couple time. Pajama time. Couch time. You time. It is so important. 

2. Keep it simple. Let’s be honest. We have so much. We need so little. And most of the things we need, can't be bought. Remember that when you're planning and buying that time and conversations are what fills the heart and fuel the soul. Make it an effort to be present instead of giving one. Your heart will be full and the stress of all the wrapping, shopping, and planning will be alleviated. 
3. Keep your normal routine!! I cannot stress this enough. We know the holidays are full of eating, drinking, cookies, and pie! Thankfully, it is also sweater weather. BUT to avoid the self-confidence blues, try this year to stay on top of your health. Don’t skip the gym. Don’t cancel the class. Stay healthy during the week and indulge on the weekends!! Keep yourself healthy and your mindset, energy, and desire to partake in holiday activities will increase!! 

4. Don’t do it all. Use Amazon. Grocery delivery. Paper plates. Family members and friends. Don’t carry all the weight. Doing it together always makes it feel more festive anyway! So it is a win-win!! This will help you to reduce the amount of stress and enjoy the experience as a whole. Ask for help and don't feel bad. Use paper plates and sit with your family and chat instead of hand washing the china. Don't worry about every little detail, it always works out!!

I know it seems weird talking about this on the first of November, but it is just a hop, skip, and a jump away before we are knee-deep in it. So set the intentions now. Carve out some family and you time. Make a promise to yourself that you're not gonna be a stranger to the gym or the grocery store until January. Make the lists. Schedule the coffee dates. Make sure that when the time comes, you are present. This is how we get there. So it starts today, because before we know it…another holiday season will have come and gone. And we will wish for those moments again. So make a promise to yourself that this year it’s going to be different and I know for a fact…it will. 

All my love and stealing the good candy vibes, 
Caroline