www.swahayoga111.com Join Blue Zones Project Coachella at Fiestas Azules, the citywide kick-off celebration, on November 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Downtown Coachella. This vibrant community event marks the official launch of the Blue Zones Project Coachella, an initiative focused on helping residents live better and longer by making the healthy choice the easy choice. Fiestas Azules will feature a day full of free music, delicious local food, giveaways and family-friendly fun. Attendees will experience interactive booths inspired by the Blue Zones® Power 9 principles—encouraging movement, purpose, belonging, connection, and eating wisely. Residents can meet local partners, sign the Blue Zones Personal Pledge, and discover how local action leads to lasting well-being. Beyond the celebration, Blue Zones Project Coachella continues its mission to create a healthier, cleaner community. In October, the team hosted its first Tobacco Waste Park Clean-Up in partnership with the RAP Foundation, kicking off a citywide effort to reduce tobacco litter and protect residents from the harms of secondhand smoke. We would like to express our gratitude to our youth volunteers from Coachella Valley High School Health Academy, the Public Service Academy and local residents. This marks the beginning of a broader initiative to ban smoking in Coachella’s parks and multi-unit housing, helping safeguard families, children and seniors from exposure to toxic smoke while keeping public spaces cleaner and safer for everyone. Through continued collaboration with community partners and city leaders, Blue Zones Project Coachella is leading the way toward a smoke-free, healthier future for all. Here are upcoming opportunities for families and neighbors to connect around health and well-being: October 25, Tobacco Waste Clean-Up. Help keep Coachella clean and get a free shirt! Join us at Bagdouma Park (51-723 Douma St.) from 7–9 a.m. to remove tobacco litter and support a healthier community. November 1, Tobacco Waste Clean-Up. Meet at Dateland Park (51-805 Shady Ln.) from 7–9 a.m. for a community clean-up to reduce tobacco waste and promote cleaner, safer spaces in Coachella. November 13, AgVision. Join us at the Coachella Library (1500 Sixth Street) from 7:00–11:30 a.m. for AgVision, a community event focused on innovation, sustainability and the future of farming in the Coachella Valley. Space is limited; please register on Eventbrite. November 15, Fiestas Azules. Blue Zones Project Coachella Kickoff Celebration. We are excited to share free music, big giveaways, delicious food, fun activities, and cooking demonstrations. Don’t miss out! Join the movement to make Coachella a happier, healthier place to live. Register for events by visiting the ‘Events’ section at www.bluezonesprojectcoachella.com. Follow @bzppalmsprings and @bzpcoachella across all social platforms for upcoming events and updates. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2025 Volunteers come together to clean up local parks in Coachella. Fitness The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 18 s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness Step onto the mat and explore theWARMTH, ENERGY andCOMMUNITY of Swaha Yoga (760) 408-5454 39935 Vista del Sol Drive Rancho Mirage swahayoga111.com RESTORATIVE • HOT VINYASA • VINYASA SOUND BATHS • FULL MOON CIRCLES YOGA FOR RECOVERY Sanskrit for “so be it” An offering, blessing, or surrendering to the divine, marking the completion of a ritual or the release of intentions. Experience the transformative energy of Swaha Yoga with an introductory offer of 3 classes for just $33. This special package is designed for those ready to discover their practice, connect with our community, and feel their best—mind, body, and spirit. In a sea of never-ending tasks and crushing responsibilities, the power of your language holds the key to transformation. Swap out "I have to" for "I get to" and watch the magic unfold. Suddenly, tedious duties spark joy, bitterness fades away and ordinary errands become exclusive perks. Far from mere feel-good fluff, this mindset pivot is a gem for building toughness, vaporizing pessimism and converting daily complaints into triumphs worth celebrating. You're likely familiar with the frustration of everyday tasks: muttering "I have to go to the gym" while dreading the effort, or "I have to make my daughter's lunch" as another item on an overwhelming list. Tax season brings its own sting, "I have to pay taxes,” fueling a sense of burden and irritation. These phrases often cultivate resentment, turning routine responsibilities into sources of ongoing stress. But reframing to "I get to pay taxes" shifts the perspective entirely. It reflects real achievement, a stable career generating enough income to contribute meaningfully, supporting public services like roads, education and community programs. Rather than scarcity, it underscores prosperity and participation in society. The gym provides a striking example. Countless individuals wish they could exercise but are held back by health issues, injuries or demanding schedules; those people would gladly exchange downtime for the chance to move. Saying "I get to go to the gym" highlights the true opportunity: time for physical health, personal reflection and building strength. Even those who occasionally default to complaints can recognize the value: a functional body, access to facilities and the autonomy to invest in well-being. In parenting, the change is equally revealing. "I get to prepare my daughter's lunch" moves beyond obligation to appreciation, nurturing a healthy child who attends school with the resources to provide nutritious meals and the fulfillment of family life. This approach avoids superficial optimism or dismissing genuine challenges. Instead, it's a practical cognitive strategy supported by positive psychology research, such as Martin Seligman's studies on gratitude. Evidence shows that reframing enhances emotional well-being, increases motivation and strengthens resilience. When "have to" triggers annoyance, like "I have to attend this event," "get to" reveals underlying benefits, such as professional connections or meaningful interactions that others might envy. This simple switch brings a brighter outlook, dissolving tension more effectively than resistance. When reluctance arises, pause and reflect: what advantages does this hold? Who would value this chance? Apply it immediately to your morning coffee ("I get to enjoy this moment"), your commute ("I get to listen to something inspiring"), or household chores ("I get to create a comfortable home"). With consistent practice, obligations evolve into sources of gratitude, fostering a more empowered and positive daily life. It truly makes everything feel lighter and more manageable. Start today and experience the difference. Gerry Washack is the owner of Strong Republic Personal Training with locations in Palm Desert, La Quinta and Palm Springs. Visit strongrepublicpersonaltraining.com. "I Get to Go to the Gym!" Blue Zones Community News Continued from page 10 Blue Zones Coachella Celebration
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