So as must of you guys already know, I have a new partner in crime and his name is Robin (get it?!). Anyways, he has been with me for about 3 weeks already, and this pup has reminded me how much new experiences can often suck, but also be good for you at the same time. Robin’s first car ride? he cried throughout most of the way. First time he felt pain? he tried to walk it off, but couldn't handle it after a few steps. First time-out? he cried for about 5 minutes until he felt sleep. Last weekend he got his first bath. As you can see in the picture below (the first picture below), his facial expression shows you exactly how he felt about his first experience with the water. He hated me and the experience equally. He literally sat like that for about a minute and gave me that look.

Although new experiences can often make us uncomfortable, they are unquestionably essential for our personal growth. They take us out of our comfortable zone and push our limits, which is why we usually tend to avoid them in the first place. What we often forget is that the only source of knowledge is experience. In Robin’s case, his new experiences taught him several lessons. Pain? Don’t run under chairs at full speed. First time-out? Pooping anywhere in the house is not okay. First shower? That is the only way to get cleaned. Although to be honest, in that scenario I actually gained more than him. He was starting to stink. 

Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is one of the best things someone can do in their life. Robin reminded me that I need to continue pushing my limits and seek new experiences, because that is the only way to learn and grow. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’” In other words, try new things and push your limits, because no matter what happens, you will gain and learn something from it.

Sitting on the ground is good for you because it:

1. Naturally improves your posture - this helps prevent injuries, reduces the chances of straining certain muscles and joints, which can lead to unnecessary wear and tear as well as structural problems.

2. Our bodies weren't made to sit in chairs! Chairs are a very recent invention in the grand history of human evolution. 

3. Improves your strength and flexibility  - sitting on the floor strengthens the lower back and core muscles, which are what allow us to stand upright without slouching, as well as pick up heavy objects without hurting ourselves. 

Also, sitting on the ground increases hip flexibility which can reduce lower back and knee pain, and make everything from walking to dancing easier and more enjoyable.

4. Correlated to a longer life span - The ability to stand up from a seated position on the floor without using your hands has been correlated with a longer life expectancy (I didn't have time to look at the science to back this one up).

This test, which you can try yourself at home, is thought to measure balance, strength and flexibility needed to avoid common accidents, injuries and falls. The test is much harder than it sounds, and requires you to be strong and flexible enough to be able to sit on the floor fairly comfortably first.

(On behalf of HR, PLEASE do not try this at the office, thank yooou)

5. It's humbling - Sitting on the floor can give you a new, humble perspective on the world and even yourself. There is a reason monks meditate on the floor and not in chairs. ;)  It's just more simple to connect with nature, animals, children, and self! Consider this during your next holiday gathering.

<3 Megz

Stephen Hillenburg, creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, passed away on Monday.

Growing up, I watched SpongeBob probably more than any other cartoon. Many Saturday mornings were spent in front of the television with a blanket and a bowl of my favorite cereal, laughing at SpongeBob's silliness.

I think this Saturday morning I'm going to post up on the couch with my two nieces and two nephews, since I'll be staying Friday night at my mom's with ALL of them (pray for me y'all), and we are going to have a SpongeBob marathon.

I'm sure I'll appreciate the nostalgia.