Gratitude.

"If you must look back, do so Forgivingly.

If you must look forward, do so Prayerfully.
However, the wisest thing you can do is
be present in the present....Gratefully." ~Maya Angelou

Powerful words from a powerful woman and so very true. This has been a wondrous and beautiful year. A year where I have been learning to appreciate the beauty of living in the present moment. It isn't as easy as it might sound.

We are all so busy...constantly running, multi-tasking our asses off and, at least in my case, most of that is self-inflicted. I don't need to be that busy...I don't need to make so much work for myself. Recently I have taken a few steps back from things that are unhealthy uses of my time and my family's time as well. At first, I felt less-than, guilty...like I wasn't being a 'good enough' Mom, friend, etc. and then I realized....these aren't my rules I was breaking. I didn't have any rules....I was a product of my environment. The guilt has subsided and I am happy in the knowledge that slowing everything down is good for me...good for my family...just good.

Today in yoga, John said, "It is impossible to think and feel at the same time. We we are so caught up in the thoughts in our head, we are missing the miracle in every precious moment that is happening right now." I realize just how lucky I am to have found this place. I am grateful for it every day of my life. I wish I could put you all in my pocket and take you there so that you could experience the gift of 'waking up' to every beautiful moment.

I have no regrets from this past year...just beautiful memories. And I am excited for the beginning of another year but I won't lean too far into it. I am mostly just grateful beyond words for all of it...the good, the bad, the scary, the beautiful. All of it. I wouldn't change a thing.

"You opened your eyes this morning. You are alive. Once you come in to the awareness of that precious gift, the only appropriate response is gratitude."
~Chris Yax from Tuesday's class

Enjoy this NEW year. Live every moment....
~Namaste.