Gratitude

I'm thankful for trees and for hugs, for light and love and life of all kinds. I'm thankful for strong legs to run and strong roots to rise. I'm thankful for a husband who supports me in everything I do. I'm thankful for parents who raised me with so much compassion and empathy, who raised me to appreciate Mother Earth and all of her creatures and to take care of it and all of them as best I can. I'm thankful for siblings who love like I do. I'm thankful for friends. If you can read this, I am thankful for you. I am thankful for freedom and for life. I can't wait to start new traditions this year and every year, to do my part to make our world a little bit better, to shine my little light as best and as bright as I can.

Word of the Year 2017

I've chosen my word of the year for 2017: practice.
It is not the word I originally wanted to choose. It came to me as I was on my knees, face to the floor, eyes closed, trying to calm my heart and dry a tear during a moving yoga class.

Every day when I wake up, I have the chance to start again, not just on the new year. I can practice being the best version of myself every time I wake up.

Every time I meet a friend or family member, any person, any animal, I can practice love and gratitude.

Every time I look in a mirror, I can practice acceptance and learn to love myself.
Every time I step onto my yoga mat, I have the chance to start something fresh and new, a new practice.

Every time I feel pain, I can practice being honest and vulnerable.

Every time I read the news, I can practice compassion.

Every time I wash clothes, I can practice folding them instead of ignoring them. Or I can practice giving things away.

Every time I listen to a song, I can practice singing. I can practice art, music, speaking, listening, friendship, trust, yoga, running, breathing, kindness, empathy, humility, appreciation, love.

Life is a practice, not a performance. We never have to be perfect, we just have to show up.
Live on, practice on. ❤️