Life in the Bike Lane: Adopting Amsterdam’s Secrets to a Healthier, Happier You

Slaying Wellness & Swiping Left on Stress

Join Dr. Ali Reign and Dr. Zoe Hart as they bring their signature blend of urban vibes and wealthy yogi charm on a whirlwind journey through life as they uncover the secrets to living life extra and spiritually aligned. Get ready for a chill ride filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of avocado toast.

It Hits Different by Dr. Ali Reign

In this segment, Dr. Ali Reign shares unique insights from his personal journey, blending humor with wisdom to explore the transformative power of Amsterdam’s lifestyle. Dive into Ali’s perspective on how embracing a culture of health and movement reshapes not just the body, but the soul.

Ali Reign soaking up the Amsterdam vibes

Ralph Waldo Emerson, that old-school American philosopher, once dropped this gem:

The first wealth is health.

Sounds like something your grandma would say, right? But it's legit. I've been on this grind of mastering wellness while growing wealth for a minute and now that quote just hits different. Because let's face it, what's the point of having paper if you're too out of shape to lift and enjoy the bag you got? Real talk, I want it all…and by “all”, I mean being CEO of my life, working hard to play even harder and not feeling spent at the end of the week.

This vibe drives everything I do. I’m not just talking the talk; I’m walking the walk, preferably to the fridge and back without getting winded. That's why I rock with places and people who get that health isn’t just a trend; it’s a way of life. 

Enter Amsterdam, one of my bucket list cities, not just for the 'gram but for the gram-worthy lifestyle. This place is like a fitness influencer's dream, where everyone is on two wheels, showing off their calf muscles like it’s a flex. Bikes outnumber people, which made me wonder, do they also have bike traffic jams?

Amsterdam got me feeling some type of way with its everybody-knows-your-name vibe, except nobody really knows your name; they just don't want to run you over. It's a city where cars, bikes, and pedestrians move in harmony, like a flash mob that actually knows what they're doing. A week there, and I'm convinced the city's spirit animal is a yoga instructor who also knows how to get lit.

One week in Amsterdam, and I'm all, 'Why can't we have this back home?' It’s clear as day why this spot evolved from a quaint fishing village into a bussin’ hub of good food, art, trade, and chill vibes. The secret sauce? It’s the laid-back, everyone’s-cool-we’re-all-in-this-together attitude. They make living stress-free look like child's play, and I'm here soaking up every bit of it, thinking, 'This is the real wealth.'

Rumi said,

'Wealth is in your heart and your thought; if you have much, give your wealth. If you have little, give your heart.'

So, whether you're rolling in dough or just rolling with the punches, what counts is what you're throwing into the pot. And if all else fails, just remember: a good laugh and a long bike ride can cure most of life's troubles, unless you're trying to bike uphill. Then you're on your own, my guy."

---

Snatched with Dr. Zoe Hart

Join Dr. Zoe Hart, also known as Roshawnna Novellus, as she delves into the art of living well through Amsterdam’s lens. Zoe’s narrative uncovers the elegance of balance in wellness and wealth, highlighting how intentional living and local inspirations craft a richer life experience.

Dr. Hart, on the flight from ATL →AMS excited about this grand adventure

Dr. Ali and I, in our infinite wisdom, woke up this morning in a state of profound clarity. You know, that special kind of clarity that only comes after surviving a 10.5-hour flight that gifts you with jet lag, a body that feels like it’s been through a medieval torture device, and a stomach that can't decide if it's starving or revolting against you. Ah, the joys of travel. Yet, amidst this glorious return to our humble abode in Atlanta, we couldn't help but marvel at how our stint in Amsterdam transformed us. It's like I learn over and over again that living intentionally and making distinct choices can actually shape our lives. Groundbreaking, right?

So, my path for living a wealthy easy life started when I decided to leave the grind of D.C. and move to Atlata 14 years ago. Why Atlanta, you ask? Oh, it's simple. Moving here made me feel like I had just stumbled into a treasure chest of community vibes, green spaces that don't require a two-hour drive, and the kind of international airport that makes you feel like a global citizen just by standing in the security line. Not to mention, the power access here is so strong, you'd think we're all running for office. And let's remember the luxury of living where you actually want to be, which in my case, means being able to find amazing food, fitness and friendships at my doorstep.

This, my friends, is the real wealth. Not the kind that fills your bank account (though, let's be honest, that's nice too), but the kind that fills your soul. The kind of wealth that comes from choosing a place to live that doesn’t just match your LinkedIn profile but actually matches your vibe. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we're all searching for? A place that feels like it's giving us a hug, not a stress-induced ulcer. Ah, Atlanta, you've been good to us. Now, if only we could deal with the traffic...

As we unpack our Amsterdam tales and Atlanta revelations, we're guided by our Well-Balanced Wealth Philosophy, where the pursuit of wellness weaves seamlessly with the threads of wealth creation. It's not just about where we are, but how we live, breathe, and make meaningful choices each day.

1. Health as a Lifestyle: The Amsterdam Bike Phenomenon

In the magical land of Amsterdam, where bicycles outnumber humans and the concept of a "bike traffic jam" is an actual thing, we discovered the secret sauce to living well: making your entire life a workout session, minus the gym subscription. Yes, you heard it right. Here, folks have a bike for every occasion – one for those swanky dinner dates and another for bar-hopping escapades. It’s like having a wardrobe, but for transportation. And let’s be real, the bikes we saw? They looked like they had lived through stories we’d pay good money to hear over cocktails.

This bike-centric way of life got Dr. Ali and I thinking. Back in the U.S., we're bending over backwards, literally, at the gym, hiking trails, iPhone competitions, or buying standing desks just to get our daily dose of movement. Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, fitness isn’t something you do; it's something you live. It's not about squeezing into yoga pants and battling for a treadmill. It's about integrating movement into your life so seamlessly that it feels like second nature.

So, what’s the takeaway for those of us not living in this cyclist’s paradise? It’s simple: find ways to make wellness an integral, unavoidable part of your day. Maybe we can’t all ditch our cars for bikes overnight, but we can certainly take inspiration from the Dutch. Park a little farther from the office, take the stairs, have walking meetings, or even invest in that quirky under-desk bike. Let's get creative and bring a bit of Amsterdam's health-as-lifestyle vibe into our daily grind. Because if there’s one thing we learned, it’s that sometimes, the best way to stay fit is to live in a city that won’t let you do it any other way.

2. Food as a Pathway: Navigating the Superhighway of Dutch Dining

Ah, food – that universal language of love and your ticket into the wellness club. Discovering that healthy eating doesn't have to take a backseat during travel was like uncovering Amsterdam's best-kept secret. At Jan Luyken Amsterdam, breakfast transformed into a culinary epiphany. The bounty was so fresh and plentiful that my usual travel companion—a trusty packet of vegan pea protein—was left untouched, gathering dust. With a selection of artisan pastries, over ten varieties of fruits, and an abundance of salmon and avocado that rendered my secret protein stash utterly obsolete, I reveled in the luxury of not having to worry about meal quality. It was a true testament to the joy of maintaining wellness, even miles away from home.

This was a game-changer. Gone were the days of navigating through a nutritional wasteland, where my healthiest meal choice was deciding between different shades of fried. Amsterdam’s approach was like a wellness retreat in disguise, blending exploration with my health goals so seamlessly, it felt like cheating – but with the city's blessing.

Every bite in Amsterdam was a reminder: to truly live well, we must nourish our bodies with the best of what nature offers. It’s a simple yet profound shift from eating merely to satisfy hunger, to choosing foods that energize, heal, and delight us, turning every meal into an act of self-care and a step toward well-balanced health.

3. Inclusionary vs. Exclusionary: Picking Your Tribe

Our global adventures have taught us the art of "going with the flow," but Amsterdam turned that flow into a full-on flood of feel-good vibes. The city treated us like one of its own, except for that high-decibel American tourist squad on the canal tour and a high-fashion standoff in the quest for a cobalt blue Chanel purse (a story for another day).

What struck us most wasn't just the ease of being mistaken for locals but the warmth and acceptance that came with it. Unlike the side-eyes and suspicion that differences might garner back home, Amsterdam embraced us with a kind of chill that made us reconsider our life choices. It’s a place where your vibe attracts your tribe, and ours was evidently riding bikes and rocking that understated European chic.

This Amsterdam episode reminded us: surround yourself with people who reflect the world you want to live in—kind, inclusive, and maybe a tad quieter on boat tours. Because when you choose your tribe wisely, every day can feel like a serene canal cruise (minus the loud commentary).

4. Fashion Can Set a Mood: Striding Through Amsterdam in Style

When Dr. Ali gave me the green light to glam it up in Amsterdam, I was ready to slay. After all I love to dress up, but most of our recent adventures had us decked out in gear more suited for scaling mountains than exploring cityscapes. This trip, however, was set to be a delightful departure—embracing the cold with a fusion of fashion and function. Picture this: long-sleeved dresses over workout pants, combating the Dutch chill (which was playing in the 30 to 40 degrees zone) with effortless grace. My daily ensemble oscillated between fur boots for that plush warmth and solid black boots for sleek ventures, leaving the sneakers in my suitcase collecting dust—my silent nod to always being prepared, yet choosing comfort and chic every step of the way.

Our meanderings through Amsterdam's iconic streets, clad in our carefully chosen outfits, did more than just turn heads—they made us feel invincible. Feeling beautiful, confident, and utterly ourselves, we embodied the essence of living well—a testament to our philosophy of harmonizing ambition with inner peace. Ali, always open to mirroring my frequency, made it easy to walk the path.

Our Amsterdam experience reaffirmed that living well means crafting a life where functionality and flair dance together, where comfort meets confidence at every turn. It's about choosing pieces that make you feel unstoppable, whether you’re conquering cobblestone streets or running a board meeting. This alignment of internal well-being and external expression is the essence of a well-balanced life, a testament to the idea that feeling sexy, confident, and comfortable isn't just possible—it's essential.

5. Art Everywhere

Amsterdam, with its near-millennium age, isn’t just a city; it's a breathing gallery, steeped in history with every brick and canal telling tales of yore. As we navigated through its art-drenched streets, it was like walking through time, where every corner turned unveiled a new masterpiece. Our hotel, a stone's throw from an array of art installations and museums, served as the perfect anchor in this sea of creativity.

This proximity to art wasn't just convenient; it was transformative. Art, in its myriad forms, invited us to feel, reflect, and connect on a level that transcended the usual tourist checklist. It was a reminder of the richness that comes not from material wealth but from experiences that stir the soul, aligning perfectly with our philosophy of well-balanced health. In Amsterdam, art isn't just observed; it's lived—a principle we carried back with us.

Experiencing art in Amsterdam reinforced the idea that wellness extends beyond the physical. It's about nourishing the mind and spirit, embracing beauty and history as nutrients for the soul. This city, a live-in canvas, exemplified how living well means surrounding ourselves with inspirations that challenge, comfort, and elevate us, making every moment a brushstroke on the canvas of our lives.

In a world where wellness and wealth often feel like distant cousins, Amsterdam shows us they can be besties. So, whether you're pedaling through life or savoring every bite, remember: the real wealth lies in living fully. Join us as we navigate the path to a life of abundant health by subscribing to our monthly newsletter today! Together we can be better, sign up for the Well Balanced Wealth guided practice below filled with true to life street smarts and time tested wealthy yogi vibes – because in the end, if not us then who?

---