MIND OVER MATTER

A Luxury Newsletter By Sydnie Marlella

Hello Everyone!

Welcome back to Sydnie Marlella’s Newsletter, where we discuss beauty, business, and lifestyle topics - all luxuriously of course :)

“April Showers Bring May Flowers” This is a familiar phrase describing the annual rainy season of April that clears out all of the winter debris and early spring pollen in preparation of the blooming season in May. April is also a month where many begin to start their Spring Cleaning in preparation of Summer. I believe that this second quarter of 2025 is all about the cleansing and spring cleaning of our mindset. Everything we do begins with the mind and a decision, so it is important to understand how to cleanse your mind of doubt in order to be able to live your best life.

The mantra I want you to repeat during this Spring Season is, “You can do hard things!” Yesterday, I ran my first 5K Race since 2019. I was very nervous to sign up as I had lost momentum not running consistently since the pandemic. Towards the end of October of last year, I decided to push through my fears and signed up for the race. The two goals I set out were first, to run the 3.1 mile race in under 45 minutes and secondly, to not stop running during the race - no brakes or walking. I have been training since early November of last year, running a few times a week to meet my goals for the race. I can proudly say I exceeded both goals during the race, concluding my 3.1 miles in 39 minutes.

Once again, say it with me, “You can do hard things!” Waking up at 5:00AM to go running before work was not easy. Running the day after a really hard Solidcore Pilates Class, when my body was already sore, was not easy. Doing timed runs in the cold, in the dark, in the rain, and in the wind during the winter was not easy. However, I was dedicated to the goal. I knew my body could only be as strong as my mind. If I told myself I could not do it, my body would get fatigued quickly. If I told myself I should rest, hit the snooze button on my alarm, and sleep-in, my body would lose that day's progress. I had to be stronger than my mind for me to meet my goal.

During the race, at about 1.7 miles in, my earpods died. Mind you, at the beginning of the race they were fully charged, but the devil likes to play tricks to throw us off our square. The amazing playlist I had set up to keep me motivated throughout the race was no longer an option. I had to tell myself, “You can do hard things - keep going!” The race course decided to end the race on a slow upward hill - naturally making the already tired runners lose momentum. Trotting up that hill I told myself, “You can do hard things - pain is temporary - keep going!” As soon as I saw the finish line I sprinted up that hill like a champion.

During my training, in preparation for this race, I averaged a 13 minute and 3 second mile. During my race yesterday, I averaged a 12 minute and 29 second mile, cutting 30 seconds off of my average pace. Do not let anyone, or even your negative self-talk, tell you what you can’t do. You can do hard things and you can be victorious as long as you train your mind that anything is possible.

Quarter One, being January, February, and March, begins the New Year with creating goals and setting the tone for the year ahead. Now that we have gotten our pace and rhythm for 2025, Quarter Two is about staying aligned with the goals we have set and cleansing what no longer serves us. When creating the life you want for this year, focus on what will improve your life and reduce areas that are no longer beneficial. It truly begins with your mind and how you talk to yourself. If you say you can’t, you won't. If you say you can, then with discipline and consistency of actions, you will.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and if you enjoyed please share with a friend! Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more weekly content! Until next time, have a beautiful and blessed week!

Warm Regards,

Sydnie Marlella