Guest Post: f i t . g i r l . c a r i

You might recall my recent adventure up in Muskegon, Michigan—I participated in an EcoTrek fitness class hosted by Cari Draft, owner and creator of this fabulous fitness affair. It was certainly the most fun I've had capturing fitness outside since, well..I don't know. And not only is Cari the head EcoTrekker, she's a personal trainer and fit life blogger, too! We've been following each other across the web, and she's so graciously agreed to share her thoughts with you today on Daily Dose. Enjoy, and be sure to check out her blog when you get a chance.
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When Tara first asked me for a guest post, of course the thought crossed my mind to shamelessly plug my two fitness businesses, but I knew she'd be happier with information her readers could benefit from immediately—so here we go!

As you read Tara's blog posts every day, do you ever wonder to yourself, "How can someone be THAT happy all the time? Is she for real?" Fact is, people say the same thing about my blog posts and Facebook stuff. I always seem to be on my game, ever smiling...never a negative word for anyone. Am I for real?

I think I can speak for Tara as well when I answer—YES! And you can be for real, too! Whether you call it religion, good karma or just surrounding yourself with like-minded positive people who support you...it's just a matter of being comfortable in your own skin. Make the CHOICE to be happy wherever you are. If something rattles you, find the cause, nip it and move on. Can't nip it? Ask someone else to. Life is sooo short, haven't you heard?

When I get up each morning, and most days it's before 5AM to work out, I choose to be happy. It's that simple. You can do it, too—try it.

Happy people don't sweat the small stuff. They are oblivious to the negativity, and they make good things happen for others as well.

It's not like I'm telling you anything you don't already know, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded. Especially after the flurry of the holidays and the "resolutioner" month we're coming into. Plans to set, goals to accomplish and most importantly, choices to be made.

Be for real—choose to be happy!
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Thanks for a great post, Cari! And I must say, so funny that you wrote about choosing to be happy.

Just last week, the ladies in my Fit After 50 course laughingly asked me if I was always so cheerful. They firmly believed that I must just jump out of bed with a warm smile on my face. And that's partially true, well...at least after I get over the 5:15AM alarm. As I was packing to leave for Cozumel, I couldn't help but realize that I wasn't longing to get away from my job for a week. I realized that I would actually miss my job, and that's something I haven't felt in a really long time. Don't get me wrong, I didn't necessarily hate my other jobs—I just didn't love them like I love this one. I finally feel that I'm being true to myself at work, and in every other aspect of my life. And that's why I can wake up every morning and be so happy. For the most part, at least. I mean, I am human. I do have my days. Moments, really. But really, I have chosen to be happy. And I hope it truly is visible to the outside world.

Something else that's visible to the outside world—Cari's websites. I mentioned her blog, but you can also catch her on Facebook, at EcoTrek Fitness and Cari's One-On-One Fitness Training. So take a look!