Let's kick start this post with a cliche -- when's the last time you did something for the first time?




I ask this because it's true....think back to the last 6 months of your life. When is the last time you broke your routine and did something that was great for your soul? Something that had no relevance to your career, or schooling, or family life ...when's the last time you did something just for you?

I've wanted to try aerial dance for about two years, and I always held back. Partially because I couldn't find a studio, but also because I couldn't convince a single soul to do it with me. I've always looked at these sorts of classes as a fun spin on girls nights, and I kept putting it off until I finally came across a Groupon for a studio a few blocks away from my house...$45 for 10 classes (still available here).



 After some deliberation, I decided I needed to take the leap and do this for me, and so I bought my Groupon and signed up for my first silks class.

The Result: The most physically challenging, painful, full-body workout I've ever endured...and also the most incredible feeling I've felt in quite some time.

After my car accident in 2013 that resulted in a broken shoulder blade, I lost all of my upper-body strength and my workout routine. I've set out to rebuild that this year and this (and yoga) happens to be my greatest motivation..

As I stand among a group of slender, strong women who can climb that silk to the roof, I find myself more and more motivated to do push-ups and pull-ups at home. They look so graceful as they manipulated their bodies around the silk and I really want to do the same.



Why? I have no idea. It certainly has no relevance to my life -- I'm not going to quit my job and join a circus, or do anything of that sort. It simply feeds my soul, makes me excited for Mondays and challenges me both physically and mentally. And sometimes, that's the best reason you need to try something...taking on a hobby because it makes you happy.

If You Go: 
The schedules and registration are available online. Make sure you bring a yoga mat and wear workout gear...you will break a sweat.

Pole Dance Miami
http://poledancemiami.com/ 
7207 SW 48th Street

I currently work as a marketing coordinator for an international pool company. Every year, we host an event for our best customers on a major cruise line. Three days prior to setting sail, they had a staff member drop out last minute and asked me to join in. The compensation:  It would be an all-expense paid trip with a premium drink card included for both me and a guest (aka Alexis). Needless to say, we said YES and three days later we were heading to Haiti.



I've never quite seen something as absolutely breathtaking as Haiti. When I looked out my cabin river and took in this very site, I gasped like a child on Christmas morning.  The vibe was so relaxed, the music played by local musicians set the tone, and the crisp blue waters boarding green mountains was postcard worthy. But amidst all the relaxation, this resort section of Haiti also inspires a bit of adventure.


 Home to the longest over-water zip line in the world, Dragon Breath Zipline, Labadee provides you the chance to plummet 500 ft over the mountains and caribbean ocean for a fee of $90.


The view from the top was absolutely stunning and nerve wrecking. They offer you training on a smaller zipline and though that seems fairly easy and you grow confident thinking "I got this," it doesn't nearly compare to the sudden fear and inevitable adrenaline rush you experience when you walk out onto that final ledge. As someone who is absolutely terrified of heights, I must say, I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS!

It's listed as one of the things you have to do before you die and there's a reason why. The view you see as you're going down at 60 mph is unlike anything you've ever seen, and the adrenaline you feel when you land is unlike any other high (unless you've skydived. In which case, you're a badass because I'm too chicken to try it). As soon as you're done, you're ready to lounge out with a cold drink in hand and people watch those plunging down 500 ft. Definitely a worthy adventure.