10 tips for New Yogis

Being new at Yoga can Be intimidating, Here are some simple tips to make you a little more comfortable.

I've been teaching for over 10 years now and practiced Yoga myself for many years before I decided to guide others on their Yoga journey. I remember feeling intimidated, unsure, uncomfortable and downright scared to attend classes.

We are bombarded today of what yoga "should" look like...when in reality, it should look and feel like whatever feels good to your body/mind at the particular moment.

Here are my tips to get you through your first yoga class and beyond: 

1. Don't eat a Large Meal before class : a little snack is fine, but it you eat a large meal before class, you will regret it. 

Tip : eat  at least 2 hours before class

2. Modify the poses as needed : If you have wrist pain, modify any pose by using a closed fist instead of an open hand, or even go down onto your forearms

Tip: If at any time you feel fatigued or light headed, go into childs pose until you're ready to join the class again

3. Gas happens! You heard me right and don't be embarrased about it. You are literally twisting and moving in ways that you don't normall move...and well, you may pass gas or burp.

Tip: It happens to the best of us, say "excuse me" and keep on moving

4. Don't compare yourself to anyone else in the room. A yoga class is a Judgement Free Zone. Stay "present" in your body and own space.

Tip: If you find your mind or eyes wondering, deepen your breath, re-focus your attention and listen to your body

5.  Don't be fooled into thingking yoga isn't a workout! You will break a sweat and get an amazing workout from Yoga.

Tip: Your body will be sore in places you can't imagine, yet you will see your body tone up quickly

6. You didn't like your yoga class now what?  There are several types of yoga classes and teaching styllles. Just beacause one class didn't fit the bill, doesn't mean you should give up.

Tip: try several different teachers in order to find a teaching style and class you like.

7. I won't be able to do yoga as I'm not suer bendy or flexible. This is exactly WHY you should begin a yoga practice. You would be amazed that no matter your body size or flexiblity, you will enjoy the mind/body connection that yoga brings

Tip: don't quit! do what feels right for your body in that moment and go from there

8. You may fall asleep during savasana (the end of yoga class) and thats ok!

Tip: As a teacher, I love when somone is so intune and relaxed that they fall asleep, let's me know that their body is in deep recovery mode

9. Don't wear loose fitting shirts to class. You will do a lot of inversions (aka being upside down) and well, your shirt will end up over your face

Tip: wear fitted clothing

10. When entering a yoga class...it's a quiet zone. It's a time for you to quiet your mind and reconnect.

Tip: If you need to make a phone call, chat with a friend etc....do it before or after class.

Practicing Yoga is an amazing journey. Although it may seem a bit intimidating at first, once you get out of your head and focus on the mind/body connection, the transformation will be amazing.

Have any tips of your own for a new yogi? Leave me a comment below.

On-Guard Essential Oil, Yoga Retreats and Chicago Yoga Classes

I can't believe It's already the End of August. Where has the time gone? We've got some great upcoming FREE yoga classes, as well as a couple of retreats in the works. Stop by and check out our latest newsletter by clicking on the link below.  (get a little glimpse below)



Read Our Latest Newsletter Here

Schedule Aug 28th 9:30-10:30am FREE Yoga Class with Lucy click HERE for more info  Sept 10th 10:30-12:30 Ogden Field Day Join us for FREE Yoga For more Info Check out Ogden's Website Essential Oil Spotlight - On Guard  On Guard, a proprietary essential oil blend, provides a natural and effective alternative for immune support.* As one of the best-selling blends, On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system.* Uses Add two to three drops in a veggie capsule for an immune boost.* Add to water for an effective all-purpose surface cleaner. Soak sliced apples in water and a few drops for a healthy, immune-boosting snack.* Combine a few drops of doTERRA On Guard with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser. Yoga We are Chicago's premier work place yoga provider. We offer lunchtime Yoga as well as provide Wellness talks for your employees. We take the hassle out of going to a gym and bring everything to you...mats, straps, blocks and more, contact us for details and pricing. Want to create a yoga/meditation space in your home? Let us help walk you through the process of creating a tranquil space in your home. Retreats We are so excited to be able to offer Yoga and Wellness Retreats. We are planning 5 day/4 night retreats to luxurious resorts. all meals transfers to/from airport all taxes, tips and fees excursions Daily Yoga and more! Be on the look out for an email with dates, locations etc....

FREE Yoga class with Lucy Active Wear and City Yoga Chicago

Please join us for a relaxing Sunday morning yoga class in lucy Activewear, located in Water Tower Place!

Bring your mat and get ready for an hour of peaceful yoga followed by discounted shopping and snacks!

We will be teaching this class inside the lucy store, so space will be limited to 10 guests. Reserve your spot today!

lucy.com #LucyLetsGo @lucy

cityyogachicago.com @city_yoga_chicago

RSVP HERE

WHEN

Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (CDT) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Water Tower Place 3rd Floor - 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 - View Map

TAGS

How I Stay Balanced With thinkThin® / City Yoga Chicago

This post is a sponsored conversation for thinkThin®. All opinions are my own. 

Photo Credit: Instagram/WomensForum

Yoga has been an important part of my life for over 10 years now. It keeps me grounded, focused and calm. It is an important part of my balanced lifestyle and is an integral part of my mind, body and spirit routine.

My goal is to live each day with intention. I am mindful about the foods I eat, getting enough exercise and keeping a positive mindset. I have a very active lifestyle.  I teach multiple corporate yoga classes weekly, am training for a half marathon, am a Girl Scout Leader and volunteer with cancer patients: all while being a single mom of three. With this schedule, it’s important to me to focus on championing weight wellness by eating things that nourish my body and keep me full.

Beautiful moves!

I recently attended a Sunrise Yoga Event in Chicago taught by Andrea Metcalf. It was such a wonderful way to start my morning while being surrounded by amazing, beautiful and empowered women! Nutrition and wellness are important to me and thinkThin® provided us with breakfast for the event. The thinkThin® bars are high in protein, low in sugar and great for women who care about quality like I do. We even got to try the thinkThin Oatmeal®, which is high in fiber and protein, non-GMO and only 200 calories per serving. Their products are great for my active lifestyle as I can throw one in my bag and go on about my day .

Yoga centers us and brings us back to the present. By starting my day and week at the Sunrise Yoga Event hosted by thinkThin® and Womensforum.com, I was given a jumpstart on a positive and productive week. With each sun salutation, through my breath I became centered and grounded in purpose. Each asana was not just a pose but a metaphor for where I was in my life at that point, and through each one I exhaled and let go of what no longer served me. Each of us is unique and amazing, and when we quiet the mind and reconnect with ourselves, we are able to live our life at its fullest.

Start each day with a positive mind, open heart and thinkPositive!

Andrea Metcalf, myself, and fellow Chicago blogger Jasmine!

A yogi makes the front page of The Chicago Tribune

I woke up with the strongest desire to be at the beach . To plant my feet on the earth and feel the sun on my face . I made a detour before teaching my class so that I could spend some time at the lakefront , reflecting and sneaking in a short yoga practice .  I knew it wouldn't be the easiest to achieve as I would have my two youngest children with me, yet I also knew that they would enjoy playing at the beach . 

They played in the water and in the sand while I sat in solitude and did a short yoga practice . And slowly I began to feel at ease , reconnected to the divine . The water brings me peace , calms me in a way that nothing else can . It's these moments that make me appreciate living  just  blocks away from Lake Michigan .

A gentleman approached and asked if he could photograph the kids and I for an article he was working on and said to just keep doing what we were and to ignore him . As I once again got lost in my practice and my children played , he snapped away and captured my soul .much to my surprise  I woke up the next day to see ME on the front page of the Chicago Tribune . 

Humble , grateful and thankful . 

-A

Brightstar and Buffalo

I am grateful for social media. I have met some of the most beautiful, compassionate and talented people through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. It's amazing to meet like minded souls that are in other states or other parts of the world , yet be able to close the gap and connect through the internet.

I met Natalie on Instagram. She is the creative force behind Brightstar and Buffalo. The website drew me in immediately, not for what she was selling but for the comfort the site brought to my heart and soul. Such beauty on every web page and filled with powerful intention and purpose. The pieces on Brightstar and Buffalo speak to the yogi in me, the earthy girl that craves to be adorned in pieces that speak to my heart and remind me to live in love and light.

I received the Solar Union dvAra Wall Hanging and was so pleased with the detail and craftmanship. It is made with recycled metals and beautiful sari yarn and hangs where I can see it every morning. It is in my Sacred Space, the place in my home that settles me and brings me so much comfort and peace.  I love being surrounded by beautiful things, and this piece speaks to my heart.

My children are in LOVE with the hand made mala necklaces that Brightstar and Buffalo makes. They are whimsical and beautiful yet help children become focused and balanced . Each mala focuses on one of the Chakras and is made from recycled pine with hand etching and hung on an organic hemp cord. The children's malas are one of my absolute favorite items that Natalie offers.

Take some time to stop by her Instagram Page  and say hello and check out the Website  and get lost in its pure beauty , I promise you'll be captivated as something will speak to your soul. 

In Love and Light

-A

NFL Draft 2015 Chicago

There were NFL Draft signs around Chicago for weeks on end yet it quite never clicked with me that the draft was actually IN Chicago .  I didn't put 1+1 together until the city started setting up staging and the NFL zone which was visible out my window . My first thoughts were 1. To take my kids to explore a little and 2. To leave town .

I've exposed my kids to college football and we always watch the Super Bowl together so I knew that my kids would enjoy exploring a little. Leaving town, that was a natural reflex for many reasons , one being to avoid the huge crowds and traffic in my back yard.

Being a yogi, we did what we do best and found a couple of our favorite teams and did a little yoga . The little guy especially loved climbing inside of the helmets and running through them while my girls tried to name all of the teams represented . No crowds, no hassle and something new and exciting in the city.

And then I left town .. And enjoyed 3 days alone : thinking ,healing and allowing myself to Just Be.

I am here

I can feel it coming. A huge change .
It's like my body knows what my mind can't comprehend.
My mind over thinks, while my body just Feels.

I've been feeling unsettled , uneasy, can't sleep through the night. My mind is continuously going.
So here at 3 am I sit. My mat called me, to get out of my head and into my body. To allow my body to flow and move until my head was clear. To release, to let go, to be vulnerable. To cry.

To cry and cry some more. Tears heal, so does laughter but tonight (it's actually morning) I cried.

I listen, as the Universe knows exactly what I need. What I need to forgive, to heal ,to let go , to be Free.
It's uncertainty that's gotten to me. Uncertainty causes anxiety. I don't do anxiety so I graciously sit in silence and allow it to manifest and release it. I LET IT GO! you see, anxiety, fear and all that comes with it...aren't allowed here because they don't allow me to live to my fullest potential. They keep us stuck...stuck in deep, unhappy place which doesn't allow for growth.

So I do all the things that pull me out..that allow me to breathe again , that give me hope again, that take me back to that deep place of freedom and love.

Yoga.
Calming Essential Oils.
Meditation.
Journaling.

and little by little, it all makes sense as difficult times lead to breakthroughs. Trust and Faith lead to calmness of the mind. Yoga practice on my mat reconnects me mind, body and spirit and once again I feel free.

Maybe it was just getting rid of the old to make way for the new just taking guidance from Nature.  It's Spring Equinox,the first day of Spring. A time when Earth cleanses and releases all of the cold and snow, to welcome Spring and new beginnings.  A time when things regain balance and light and dark are equal today.

I am here.
alive and well
grateful and blessed
humble and compassionate
living each day fully
I am allowing myself the freedom to
Just Be.

-A

Mind, Body & Spirit

Mind, Body & Spirit / City Yoga Chicago

This post is a sponsored conversation for thinkThin and Womensforum.com

Being a busy, working mom of three, I am always on the lookout for ways to make my day run a little smoother while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Women’s wellness is extremely important to me, which incorporates taking care of myself,  body, mind and spirit.  I like to thinkPositive!

Body:
I make an effort to move my body in some way each and every day. Whether it’s a quick lakefront run, spending some quality time in the gym, indulging in a yoga class taught by a friend, or exercising at home, championing weight wellness is part of my daily routine.

I am also conscious of what I put into my body as well. I take time to juice, make flavorful meals, as well as incorporate my favorite high protein, low-calorie thinkThin bars, which fit perfectly with my lifestyle. I have been enjoying thinkThin bars for over two years now, and my favorite is the Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Protein Nut Bar (think melted caramel drizzled over nuts-YUM).

Mind and Spirit:
Anything that keeps my home calm and less chaotic keeps my mind at ease.

For me, this includes being prepared for the school day the night before by making the kids’ school lunches and having them lay their clothes out for the next day. I pack their backpacks and sit them by the front door and sometimes prep breakfast as well. All of this helps to make the morning run a little smoother.

I also make sure to incorporate some “quiet” time in our home on a daily basis where no electronics are allowed. We take this time to read, paint, draw, or just rest. Doing these simple things focuses on mindfulness and helps both children and adults reconnect instead of disconnect.

I, like most moms, seem to be running from sun up to sun down. Between drop-offs, after school activities, running errands and teaching several yoga classes per week, I find it difficult to find time for myself. Incorporating five minutes of “me” time throughout the day keeps me connected while maintaining an active lifestyle. Whether it is taking a walk, reading a book or indulging in my favorite thinkThin bar, these little indulgences keep me feeling optimistic and empowered to charge through my day!

Anhu Yoga Ambassador

I am so grateful to have been chosen by Anhu to be a Yoga Ambassador. The program was created for passionate Yoga teachers who inspire not only their students but also their extended community. It is truly an honor Anhu and I look forward to representing you this year.

This is an amazing company founded by two mothers and a friend, who wanted to combine fitness and passion. Work hard, Play hard.

You can find some amazing yoga clothing here as well as shop at a local retail store that carries their products, many of which are made in the USA.

Thank you Anhu for my awesome Karma Shoes!

Peace and Love,

Angel

2015

I don't make resolutions as those are made to be broken, they set you up to feel disappointed or that you didn't achieve your goals. I know what I want more of and definitely know what I want less of in my life.

So in 2015 I want:

More walks in the rain, to watch more sunsets and sun rises, to laugh until it hurts, to stare into my soul mates eyes, more quality time with family and friends, to travel and explore , financial freedom, to allow my children to be children and to be a child again right along with them, time to connect spiritually , to know that everything is going to be alright, to Just Be, to run, more yoga, more delicious food and wine, time with the ones I love . 

Less time restraints and rushed conversations, less texting and emailing, less technology  , less wondering and questioning , less worrying , less meaningless interactions, less stress, less uncertainty...less of the things that no longer serve me.

Yoga and Divorce

Yoga and Divorce

A story of love, marriage, divorce and finding myself. And Yoga, don't forget Yoga!

I joked with a friend that yoga caused me to get divorced. Not completely accurate but a lot of truth to it. My marriage had been in that “state”of stuck for a long time. We were roommates raising children and sharing a home for years. Our level of interest in one another was pretty low, it became more of a challenge to communicate with one another and doing things together was more of routine than anything else. Everything became routine. And as we all know, routine gets boring. Feeling lonely in a marriage is big NO NO. When two people are unhappy why do we feel the need to continue in that unhappiness? To force things for the sake of our children or stay together because of what others will think. Thus teaching our children that its ok to stay in an unhappy situation, to find comfort in unhappiness? We lived in a clouded haze for years, the days just melting into one another, year after year and led everyone else to think that all was perfect. After all, we had everything that should make someone happy. A well paying job, a nice home in an affluent neighborhood, 3 wonderful children and anything else that society deems necessary to obtain happiness. What was missing was our connection with one another: openness, trust, vulnerability and the ability to listen. These are all the foundation for a deeper connection, a connection of the souls.

Going through a yoga teacher training program made me aware of so much more. For the first time in a long time I felt like I was understanding who I was again. I was regaining my power and filling my heart and soul in a way that I never had before. This was amazing for me, yet not so amazing for a relationship that was not so stable and which suddenly made my husband feel like he no longer knew who I was. I felt kind of weird saying it, but it was true. He thought his wife had an alter ego or was in need of therapy but in actuality this is who I had always been deep down it side. The "real me" had been covered up and hidden while I became a person that I was supposed to be . I had lost myself.

I had friends ask how I was so calm and positive during my divorce. The only response I had was: Yoga. I'm not an expert on anything, so don’t expect any “aha” moments here, just my truth. I am 43 44 year old mom of 3 that decided she wanted to change her life and had enough courage to do so. Somehow I didn't go completely nuts or become depressed and I owe it to Yoga. So over the next few posts I'll be sharing, my ups and downs and how Yoga somehow kept me sane during my divorce.

Grab a glass of wine and turn the page.

Reebok and Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Chicago

Recently I was given the opportunity to teach yoga at the "stretching and relaxation" tent hosted by Reebok at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago . 

ME, the girl who had walked for the last 5 years to help raise awareness for Breast cancer, ME , the woman who went through Yoga teacher training to help deal with my own transition in life was being asked to help guide others . 

Yoga has been a part of my life forever , it's a part of who I am . It has kept me grounded, mentally stable and whole. Yoga is a way of life for me. It's not just what I practice on my mat, but what I practice in my daily life that's way more important . That's what creates the person that I am, and pushes me towards the person I want to be. 

I am grateful for such an amazing opportunity and got to meet two other amazing Chicago yoga teachers, Melissa and Heather, who taught that day as well.

When you do what you love and love what you do. Everything is perfect.

Balance

I've been told by a friend that I lack balance. This came as a shock to me because I have always multi tasked and have always felt balanced. I gave it some thought after being told that "as spiritual that you are and being a yogi, its interesting that you're not balanced at all". WTF?

I take on more than I can handle, my head is always spinning and then I take on more until eventually I have some kind of epiphany that I'm doing too much. That's balance right? I quit when I realize that I'm a hamster on a wheel going nowhere. I balance 3 kids, activities, teaching, social life etc... That's balance right? Or is it not because I'm so exhausted at the end of any given day.. That I crawl into bed exhausted and still can't sleep because my mind is racing.  I wake up with more to do in a day than i can handle and somehow cheat my way thru it. Major realization.. I. AM. SO. NOT. BALANCED.

So I raise my hand here.. Totally NOT balanced BUT working on it. Here are my goals to bring more balance into my life.

1. Say NO . No explanation required.

2. Make time for My practice daily.. Yoga and mediation 

3. Set a limit on kids activities , they don't need to be overbooked and neither do I 

4. Get organized so I don't waste time searching for things that are hidden in plain sight 

5. Get rid of the things that no longer serve me 

6. Take I time for ME, when I'm happy and have good energy, everything just seems to flow a little better

7. Make To-Do lists ( daily and weekly)

8. Use a calendar to keep track of activities : I have double booked half marathons a couple of times , expensive lesson

9. Un-plug - so very important to spend time face to face with people and not try to document every moment on social media. 

10. Realize that I can't do it all 

So thank you my friend , for being a true friend and speaking your truth . For forcing me to see (although it's taken awhile) how I could live more authentically. 

In every relationship, whether with a friend,co-worker,spouse ,partner or family member...we are there to teach one another and also to learn. Our only goal is to do so with an open heart and mind. What we see in others is usually a reflection of something within ourselves .

Being upside down

My dear friend encouraged me to go upside down awhile ago . I was nervous, afraid that is break my neck, too old, a mom (so no way I could do a headstand or handstand).. And every other excuse in the book. HOLD ON a minute.. I was also, strong, beautiful,confident and an amazing mom.. So why let anything hold me back? 

Here are some pics from my upside down journey.. Seeing the world from a different perspective , balancing my my mind ,body and spirit by forcing me to focus only on the moment.

My first solo headstand..somewhere between KY and GA

Second one!! St Augustine Florida

My absolute favorite photo! ❤ St. AugustineFlorida 

Michigan

On a field trip with my daughter- Chicago

In the middle of poison ivy :-/

And the journey continues.. Yoga anywhere and everywhere !

The Storm

I'm right here in the middle of it-- kind of ironic as its actually been storming everyday here in Chicago as well. Symbolic maybe?

Everyday has been a challenge, frustrating, trying and just plain Hard! I've wanted to crawl into a cave and hibernate.. Like a bear.. Sleep thru the cold winter and come out when the sun is shining. 

But then I realized that its better to walk right thru the storm with my head up! Rain on my face and embracing the thunder and lightening. Knowing that after it storms, the sun comes out and for some reason looks brighter than it ever has before. Isn't it funny how after an afternoon storm, the sun shines and you can hear the birds chirping away? Kind of like they are signaling that its over and it's ok to sing again.  We need rain, it helps everything grow and it cleanses, washing away the old and dirty and making way for new growth and new beginnings. So instead of wallowing in self pity and being stressed, I choose to put on my big girl panties, some high heels and some red lipstick and march straight thru this mess! 

We have a choice in how to deal with our obstacles... We ALWAYS have a choice. I CHOOSE strength, fearlessness and to walk thru the storm with love in my heart .

Teach Peace

Through my children's eyes I see peace. Through Their hearts I feel love. In their arms I feel content. -A. Renee

Children do not worry about the past nor stress about the future, they live constantly in the moment. Forever chasing butterflies and laying in the grass staring at the clouds in the sky. They are passionate, honest, loving and open. They can express every emotion possible on any given day yet when they close their eyes at night..they wake with a clean slate. They do not hold onto emotion as adults do. They do not hold onto anger nor stress and love others completely until they reach a certain age. 

Why is it that around 8 or 9 everything changes? The world hardens them..when they say that the sky is aqua, many start correcting them and say the sky is blue. When they want to play with dolls, they're told that those are for girls or that they are too old. WHO SAYS? WHO has the right to change their perspective..to tell them that everything they believe is incorrect? That their way of BEING is not acceptable? This is the first step of losing ourselves...of trying to fit in, of being unauthentic.

Many can disagree with me, and that's fine..as I live my life my way. I encourage my children to BE children...to dress how they want, to have fun wherever and whenever, to laugh and run and play...to eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast (because who made the rules of what to eat and when..I mean seriously?), to include the kids at school that aren't part of the "IN" crowd, because we are friends with kids because we like them, not because of what they wear or what new gadgets they have.  Sometimes I take my kids outside to SCREAM..yes to scream and let it out. Do you know what a release you get from screaming? We scream and giggle and then scream again...and its fantastic! Don't get me wrong, my house isn't a free for all...we have rules and bedtimes and chores. I am their mother yet I also have fun with them. By encouraging them to live fully, I hope that they will also encourage others to do the same. 

My children have taught me how to love unconditionally, how to be patient, how to have strength when I thought it wasn't possible and how to embrace each day. When I look at them, I see PEACE.

Take some time and spend with children, see how they play and live and love. Join them in the fun!

In my children's heart, they hold love. In my children's minds, they hold opportunity. In my children's hands, they hold the future. -A.Renee

The Difference a Year Can Make

A year ago my life was so different . I was complacent, living day to day but not enjoy life. Everything was a task to be done and most things seemed like a hassle. I had lost my drive, my spirit , my sparkle so to say. I was lost within my own body, a stranger to myself. All of the labels that others had given me were there, but to me they were just THAT.. Labels and nothing more.

The forst thing I did was I learned to say NO! I say no to things that do not align with who I am.. Things that I know are not good for me or my family get a firm and flat out NO.. And no explanation needed. If it doesnt feel right with my soul, it's a NO!

Fast forward a year. My life has changed by leaps and bounds. The first and most important change came from within. I took control of my life and my own happiness. It was difficult, I lost friends,distanced myself from certain family members(which was hard as h*ll.. Cuz family is blood, like there forever and here I am choosing not to be around a family member, just mark my forehead with a red X already )

 and chose to be surrounded with those that uplift me . I started living authentically again.. Full of honesty and without fears. I started to live from a place of love and when making choices asked myself: Is this in line with who I am? Am I doing this to please someone else or does it fill my soul with joy and happiness? My husband (whom i am separated from.. Happy to get that out there in the OPEN.. Whew.. Now lets move on) said he didn't know me anymore , that I have changed but in all actuality I just wanted to live authentically..so yes, I was a no longer the same person. I was growing/changing into who I knew I was on the inside. Is my life easy right now? Absolutely not, it's filled with uncertainty and the stress of trying to keep my children in a stable environment while dealing with adult issues.

 I'm not a man so don't really know how they think.. But I do know that as women, we are very intuitive, very in touch with our feelings, very soulful, and full of life and vibrancy.  So when someone tells you that you feel TOO much , I look at our world and tell them that the lack of feeling is what has got us where we are today. A world of chaos and turmoil, of people that are empty inside and always trying to live up to someone elses expectations yet are full of sadness.  People that are harming one another and themselves because they don't know how to love . 

So I am moving forward, one day at a time. I am surrounding myself with all that brings me joy.. I am living authentically and eager for all of the blessings that are headed my way.

So grateful for the lessons and for the storm that I'm in, because with this challenge comes great change.

Be YOU

Somehow in being a mother,wife,girlscout leader,friend,sister,daughter,cook,housekeeper,chauffeur..I lost myself. Everything else that I WAS took over who I REALLY WAS.... I sacrificed ME, in order to please everyone else and got caught up in being overly busy yet never really focusing 100% on any one thing. I also stopped doing the things that made me happy, the things that brought me joy. How did taking care of others trump taking care of myself?

I am not alone. Women tend to get caught up in "doing"... The act of "mothering" takes over our daily lives. We mother one another, we mother our kids sports teams and after school groups, we take on other people's problems as our own ( bad , BAD idea... As this is draining and just continuous negative energy), we mother our significant others. Nurturing is in our genes, it manifest itself in many different ways but as women we are the ONES that take care of things .. It's just how we are programmed. It is fine to mother others but we must remember to take care of ourselves . Taking care of YOU is so important and needed, after all if you don't take care of you, who will?

Some call it selfish, I call it self FULL. Being full of love for yourself, and taking the time to carve out some time daily to feed and nourish your mind, body and soul. What is it that you love to do? How would you spend 30 min to take care of your body? Or that same 30 min to nurture your soul? Think about it and BE about it.

Self love is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves , after all we must love our selves completely before we can completely love another.

namaste

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

” Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"