I choose happiness

I look at this picture of myself and I see a different woman than I was a few years ago . I see a woman that has transitioned to a place of peace, love and joy.. A woman that has let go of fear, uncertainty and doubt. I am always growing , that's a fact . Yet for so many years I hid parts of myself , because of fear of what others  would think . I knew that I did not fit into any box and that I needed to follow a different path , to follow my heart .

I believe in love and passion and kindness . I believe in taking care of myself and others - mind , body and spirit . I believe in compassion and taking care of the Environment. I believe that it is my job to teach all of this to my children so that they know how to live their lives in such away that they continue to shine bright from within. 

This beautiful journey of life offers twists and turns and takes us to the darkest depths in order to expose the most beautiful gifts and blessings . I AM grateful for it all and continue to strive to live authentically with divine guidance . 

Many years ago as I sat in my uncertainty and fear... Today I choose happiness .

In Peace and Love

-A

Just Be

My grandmother was one of the most special people in my life. She was so much more than my grandmother, she was a mother and friend, a soul mate of sorts as she and I were on the same spiritual path of living authentically yet she left her body before she achieved what she wanted.

My grandmother was the first person to tell me that I was a good mother, a good wife, a good person. Many people say these things about people, but how often do you actually tell this TO the person? She molded me into the woman that I am today. A woman of strength, dignity and compassion. A woman who is deeply spiritual and lives from the heart. She taught me the power of LOVE.

She was one of the most amazing people that I have met in my lifetime. I miss our daily talks and her funny sayings that I find myself sharing with my own children . She sends me messages at times to let me know that she is here...her body is gone, yet her spirit lives on inside of me, and inside of my children and in those to follow.

Anyone that knows me , knows how important the words JUST BE are to me. They are the words on my license plate, a painting in my home and they are tattooed on my wrist. These were the words of my dear grandmother, Margaret , words that she instilled in me when I was confused or hurting or torn with indecisiveness. She would say, "Angel, JUST BE, let things happen as they should" .

So many times during the past few years of transition in my life, I have turned to these words to comfort me. They soothe my soul as only words from a loved one can. The words alone, let me know that everything will turn out as it should and that the ability to JUST BE is the most authentic and loving thing I can do for myself and for those that I love.

Somehow this beautiful song showed up today ...and it tore my heart wide open and  allowed love to completely flow over me.

In Peace and Love,
A

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!

Mistakes

We all make mistakes yet how we deal with them is most important . For me , sometimes I want something here and now and loose the concept of patience and faith . I slip up, I make a mistake, I do something that is spur of the moment yet if I'd thought about it, I wouldn't have done it. I AM HUMAN . 

I sit and reflect and learn and know in my heart that things happen when and how they are supposed to. Nothing I do or say will rush things along, at least not with ease . There is power in letting go, in trusting, in having faith and patience .

Thank goodness for mistakes as its how we learn , how we grow and gives us the ability to move forward from a place love. Making time each day to sit quietly allows my thoughts and answers to flow freely. Forgiving , trusting and having faith in all things to come .

There is power in allowing things to Just Be. 

In Love

-A

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

Twin Flame

I came across this today, and it resonated so deeply that I had to sit and let it sink in. I had to feel this in every cell of my body, allow it to penetrate into my core. Knowing that this was written so long ago yet describes what I feel today and everyday is truly divine.

I love you without knowing how or when or from where.
I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no You or I, so intimate that my hand upon my chest is your hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep, Your eyes close.

-Pablo Neruda