Living in the moment

I am beginning to live more and more in the moments of each day and not worry about what is to come. I also believe that everything truly does happen for a reason. I would not be where I am today without going through everything I have gone through. And I love where I am. I came across this quote recently by Jack Kerouac “Be in love with your life. Every detail of it.” Those are some big words, but if you think about it why wouldn't you want to be? Every detail of our lives teach us something and help us grow.

Now don't get me wrong, I do have my schedule, lists and goals, however I also know that each moment is a blessing and one I will never get back. It's also about being flexible like today for example. I took the day off work and I was doing some yoga teacher studying at Starbucks when a friend texts me about going to a yoga class. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, so I suggested a regular class I go to with one of my favorite teachers. Instead we decided to try a studio I had only been to a couple times with a teacher I had never been to before. It turned out to be just what I needed! Very relaxing, yet still a bit challenging with savasana bliss. Okay that example may only make sense to a few of you, but I hope you get my point. :) It reminds me of an intention from lululemon's manifesto “Do one thing a day that scares you.”

As most of you know I am taking the next step in my life as it pertains to my career. I've been at my current job for nine years (just had my anniversary November 24) and even though it will be very difficult to leave, I know it is time. The question is do I continue with marketing, however not at an ad agency, or do I take a different road with a more yoga-centered focus. Both I enjoy and both I could see myself doing full-time. I have also had opportunities come up with both and I know that yoga will always be a part of my life if I'm teaching one class a week or ten. The next couple months will tell the tale and whatever decision I make, it will be the right one right now.

Love2Yoga

Yoga – to unite, to join

For me yoga unites the mind, body and spirit. I have been practicing yoga for about five years and within the last year have really tried to embody the yoga spirit. I started yoga teacher training in June and have taken classes and workshops from many studios around KC. I always feel better after doing yoga and now with my yoga knowledge, I am focusing on living it and not just when I am in class.

I started teaching two classes a week at PlattForm and received a great response. I love taking a break from the day and sharing what I love. Especially with new people who have never taken a yoga class. I also think it is awesome that usually out of the 6-7 people who are in class 2-3 are guys!

Just this past week, I also started teaching at Aspen Athletic Club. I'm teaching a Thursday evening and Saturday morning class. The first class didn't go so well, no one showed up. I was disappointed, however I had to remember that it wasn't me, as I hadn't even taught here yet. Being in advertising, I had to think we could have promoted it a little better. :) The second class I had three show up. I was so excited! I think it went great and it sounds like they will be back and I told them about the other class I was teaching too.

I am about two thirds of the way done with my yoga teacher training coursework. Just a few more readings, quizzes, videos and books to get through. The biggest part is going to be teaching 80 classes! Yes, 80! So, those of you around KC, let's get something on the calendar. I look forward to sharing with you all!

Namaste

I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One.

East Coast Travels

Mom and I are taking our annual trip and she has always wanted to visit Boston. We're taking a little jaunt to Pittsburgh to visit friends for the weekend before heading back. After a very, early morning and one almost lost luggage, we made it to the bed and breakfast, La Capella, that we are staying at in the North End.

Before checking in we walked around to get our bearings and quickly learned that if we wanted pasta and wine, we were in the right place. There is an Italian restaurant on every corner and a few in between. I also found a yoga studio right down the block! Of course, I have to check out a class. It was a beautiful day, and we made our way to Quincy Market and saw a street performer juggling knifes while balancing on a 12 foot pole! 

 

Tuesday morning I thought I might wake up for the 6:30 am yoga class, but instead decided to sleep. Rain was in the forecast for the day, so we wanted to try and get the Freedom Trail walking tour in early. Good thing we did as soon as it was over the rain came. What I do remember from the tour is being at the site of the Boston Massacre and the cemetery where Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams are buried. The Old Corner Bookstore is now a Chipotle, which was kind of disappointing. We made our way to the aquarium for the afternoon, since it was rainy and then to the Boston Public Library. A good day all in all and I did get my yoga in at the 6:00 pm class.

Wednesday morning, we were off to Harvard. The students were back and we walked the campus and went to the art museum. That afternoon we took the second half of the Freedom Trail walking tour and learned more about Paul Revere. The highlight of the day was the USS Constitution. A beautiful ship, also known as “Old Ironsides.” We had a relaxing ferry shuttle ride as we made our way back from a long day of being tourists. We were tired and ready to call it a night.

There is a Starbucks right around the corner, so I decided to take a stroll and get a cup of joe and noticed the waterfront wasn't too far. A nice, peaceful morning sitting by the water with a hazelnut, white mocha is a perfect way to start the day. We decided to test our luck at whale watching on our last day in Boston. Unfortunately the whales were not on our side and the rockin' of the ship got to me a little. We made our way back to the North End “Little Italy” and ate at a great, family-owned Italian restaurant, Giacomo's. Then a last walk around the neighborhood and a drink at the oldest tavern in America, Bell in Hand, and we decided to turn in for the night. We had an early morning train ride to Pittsburgh to see the Fath family.

The 12-hour train ride, with an one-hour stop in Philadelphia was pretty uneventful. We saw some nice country side and once I figured out how to open the door to get to the snack car it was all good. The Faths, Dave and Barb, took in the weary travelers with open arms. We drove through the town Dave grew up in, Jeanette, and ate at a very good Italian restaurant, DeNunzio. (I think Italian was the theme of this trip.)

Dave and Barb live in a cabin in the woods by Somerset, PA. It was a peaceful retreat after being in the big city. We woke up to the rain and had a lazy Saturday morning. Their daughter Laura, came out from Pittsburgh. Laura and I are friends from childhood and I have many great memories of staying at the Faths for slumber parties. Dave would put on his oldies records and we would dance the night away in the basement. Also, we didn't have a lot of sweets around the house growing up, and I knew Barb would always have some goodies to snack on. Things haven't changed that much.

We got out for a bit Saturday and went to a cute, little winery, Glades Pike Winery, for some tasting and then to, Moo Echo Diary, an Amish store for some ice cream and whoopie pies. I don't think I stopped eating all day. After going out with some of Laura's friends that night, we ended up back at the cabin and played cards until 2:00 am! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Mom and I had a lot of fun!

"Did you see that bear?!"

Sunday Laura and I went for about a 5-mile run (walk) around Somerset, then some lunch, and then we all went for about a 4-mile hike in the woods around the cabin. After being in the city, it felt good to be outside with the trees and critters. We saw some tracks and thought we might run into a bear. Luckily, we didn't, but we did get an awesome pic. We made it to the warming hut, a little cabin in the cross roads of some trails, to get warm before the trek home. Dave started a fire when we got back, we roasted some hot dogs and made some s'mores. Nothing like a campfire in the woods on a rainy day! It was a great day until the Steelers lost, Dave's all-time favorite team. 

That night we went into to Pittsburgh with Laura to stay with her so she could take us to the airport in the morning. Pittsburgh is known as the city of bridges and she lives right downtown. It was a wonderful trip, however I was ready to get home and get tucked in to my own bed.

Life is a journey, not a destination

Note: I wrote this on the plane from KC to San Diego on August 8 (my 32nd birthday).

 

What a year! I'm on my way to San Diego where I started this year. I've really come full circle and I'm looking at this as a fresh start. You hear that the 30's are when you find yourself. I hit 30, then 31 and didn't know what the hell I was doing. Now, I am excited and ready as I know I am the only one that controls my happiness. 

I was looking back through photos of all I've done this past year. The friends, the places, the random, crazy times. I've met new friends, reconnected with old and kept those close who have always been there for me. It was a year of highs and lows and one that I'm glad I went through and glad it is over.

I love a quotes and I've started collecting ones that really hit home for me. I realized that lot of people are going through the same emotions, fears and the more you talk about it the more connected you feel.

One quote I came across was “Go at least once a year to a place you have never been.”

I had to think about this one as once a year doesn't seem enough to me. Maybe that is because I've always loved to travel and try new things. So, I started to make a list of what I've done this year:

• Toured Sonoma wine country with my beautiful Aunt Marsha. Also, tried ceviche.
• Visited the John Deere headquarters in Iowa, where my brother and sister-in-law now work.
• New York City, even though I had been before, first time with some great friends from high school.
• Second tattoo, so I've been there before, but this one had a whole lot more meaning and I wasn't 19.
• Hawaii, where I knew no one in the group I was meeting there. Trip of a lifetime!
• NCAA tournament basketball game in Omaha with my KU friends Becky and Juliana. KU wins in the last minute!
• New car in 10 years – an Escape, think about it. :)
• Ran my first 5k with two fabulous friends Jennie and Audrey. Now I'm training for my first half marathon!
• Weston, MO for the lovely wineries and scenery with fantastic friends Danny, Becky, Lorena and Ann.
• Started my 200-hour registered yoga teacher training.
• First cousin's road trip to Branson and Eureka Springs with the wonderful Amy Arensdorf. And, went zip lining with my awesome Aunt Jana for her 50th birthday.
• And to top it off I'm taking my first surfing lessons Friday!

Okay, so maybe I went a little overboard, but I was going through some stuff and really if you think about it, I'm sure you do more than one new thing a year. And if not, hopefully this will inspire you.

 

I think it is fitting that this year started and ended in San Diego as California is like my second home state. I have precious memories of traveling here to see my aunt, uncle and cousins and now that one of my best friends lives here, it is just another reason to come and visit this great state. Who knows maybe one day I'll be living here, teaching yoga and spending my time on the beach.

Those friends I mentioned earlier who have always been there, well I just have to call them out as I would not have gotten through this year without them. Shari and Raegan, you've been my best friends since college and I know we'll always be there for each other. Erin, you keep it real and push me to be the best me. My mentors, Joy and Tracy, you have taught me so much. And my Mom for all your love and support no matter what. 

Thanks to all my amazing friends and family. I'm one lucky girl!

Sometimes others can put into words what you are feeling at that exact moment and you just have to believe there is something out there helping guide you through. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this past year. If you like them too then “like” My Attitude-My Life-My Rules on Facebook.

The title of this post is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Cheers to the weekend

I can honestly say this weekend lived up to my expectations. Sometimes I put too many expectations on events and plans and I am trying not to do that and live more in the moment. This weekend just came together beautifully. It included a lot of my favorite things and people.

Let's start with Friday. My company has Flex Fridays during the summer months, where half the company alternates between leaving at 12:30. This happened to be my Flex Friday and what better to do on a hot, sunny afternoon - go to the pool! One of my best friends, Erin, and I met up and got caught up on life, work and weekend plans. Love talking with this girl, she keeps it real and has helped me through some tough times. I was also able to get some study time in and finish the first book in my yoga certification (I'll write more about how this is going in a later post).

Saturday was a day my friend, Becky, and I had started planning a year ago. With our schedules, sometimes it it hard to get together. Becky and I became fast friends in high school and have enjoyed many fun times together. Weston, Missouri was our destination for the day, however I wanted to start with some yoga. I hit the gym for a nice, detoxifying yoga class. Basically, I was sweating my ass off.

Me and Becky

After picking up two friends I met at work, Danny and Lorena (who are both fabulous), and Lorena's friend, Ann, we were off. Weston is a quaint town about an hour north of Kansas City. We went mainly for the wine. Riverwood Winery was our first destination, which was about 10 miles outside of Weston. The owners took an old elementary school building and turned it into a winery. It was the perfect place to start the day. The Peach Bellini slushies were amazing and on a hot day, definitely our drink of choice. We sat outside on the patio where they had a huge backyard. Took some awesome photos, drank, ate and relaxed.

We headed back to Weston where we did some tasting at Pirtle Winery, which was an old church. I had been told to get the Blueberry Effervescent wine, however they were all out. Oh well, just an excuse to go back (not that I really needed one). I have to add this quote of the day from Lorena "This is not meeting my meades." Okay, I guess you had to be there, but it still makes me laugh when I think about it. We decided to check out downtown Weston before sitting down for more wine. We again took some awesome photos, ate ice cream and did a little shopping. For dinner it was O'Malley's for some pub fare. They also had live music, the Rumblejetts, a rockabilly band. So much fun! They had just gotten back from a month-long tour in Europe.

Wine Club - Becky, Danny, Me, Lorena, Ann

Sunday plans included a Holistic Health Career Fair at the place I'm getting my yoga certification, KC Fitness Link. I met Darryl, the owner, and it was more of a question and answer format and Darryl told us about his background. We went through the different training programs they offer – Nutrition, Yoga, Massage and Personal Training. It was very informal and I was able to ask a lot of questions. I was really glad I went since I'm doing the online program. I was even more excited about this path I'm on and would love to continue on to the Yoga Therapist training which is a 1,000-hour program. The training I'm doing is 200 hours. I also would like to take a Thai yoga massage class.

I ended the weekend with a massage from Mary, who has become my friend. During the one-hour session, the first half is usually us getting caught up on life and then I fall into relaxation and she gets out all my knots out. She is wonderful! I get a massage once a month from her and wish I could go more.

After a weekend like this, I can only say I am one lucky girl. I have great friends and lots to be thankful for. Remember to take in each moment and have fun!

Running (and yoga)

I never thought of myself as a runner. I do yoga. That is what I am good at. However, when a friend found a 5k called The Color Run, I thought “Why not. It sounded like fun.” You run with a bunch of your friends and people throw paint at you, covering your whole body with rainbows of color. Check out this video. Looks more like a party, than a run.

So, then I found a free 5k that lululemon athletica  was putting on with free yoga after wards. That's what really got me (and the free part). I signed up with a few friends and then proceeded not to think about it much until about a month before the run. (I don't like calling them races, as I'm not that competitive and it's not as intimidating). I thought maybe I should run a little before the 5k, considering I haven't run a mile since high school. I found a 5k training schedule online and printed it off, ready to go. I had three weeks before the run and it was a six week schedule. I bought some new shoes and hit the treadmill at the gym. I started wondering what had I gotten myself into.

Then the day was upon me and I had two goals 1) Don't walk and 2) Finish around the 30-minute mark. Well, I didn't complete my first goal, but I did finish a just over 30 minutes (31:28 to be exact). And, considering one of my friends (who is a runner) said it was as difficult as the Hospital Hill run she just did , I felt pretty good. It was a hilly course and I got a side cramp halfway through, so I walked.

As I was running/walking, I was thinking to myself “You are doing this for you, no one else, so it's okay if you need to walk. Someone has to be last. “ Okay, I wasn't last and then I got a surge of energy. I made the last turn (saw Crate and Barrel) and knew the end was near. I told myself to just keep running. The cramp had ceased a little and I really was feeling good. I knew I could do it and it helped that I heard my friends cheering me on as a crossed the finish line.

The cherry on top was the yoga. Just with this one experience, I think all runs should end with a little yoga. It helps unwind your body and I felt great! Check out these articles about running and yoga.

MindBodyGreen

Yoga Journal

Runner's World

Everyday Health

I still don't know if I would call myself a runner, however I am going to continue. It helps to have a 5k as motivation and what a sense of accomplishment once you finish. 

Me, Jenny, Audrey

 

Dolphine Time (part 2)

Wednesday (EXPLORING)

We spent the day exploring the island and hiking with Janine, our tour guide. We learned about the vegetation and culture of the Big Island. I have to admit I don't remember everything she told us, but one think I found very interesting. Out of the 13 climate zones, Hawaii has 11. They really do have it all. As we were driving to our first stop, I saw this first hand. It got a little cooler, I saw grassy plains, mountains, it was like we were on the main land U.S. of A. We stopped for a short hike and saw the glorious landscape of the island – it was very refreshing. We also went into the town of Hilo, to a Farmer's market for shopping and lunch. We saw a beautiful waterfall, Rainbow Falls, and the biggest Banyan tree ever. 

The main attraction for me was to see the Kilauea volcano. It was an awesome sight. We didn't see actual lava flow, but we saw the smoke and were able to hike down through a rainforest to the base. We also walked through a lava tube, which was like a cave that actual lava once flowed through.

Me, Anne, Chrissy, Emily

Some interesting info from Wikipedia:

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Despite its relative safety for researchers and visitors alike, Kīlauea is regarded by the USGS as the most dangerous volcano in the U.S. In 2010-2011, lava destroyed several houses in the Kalapana area. In March 2012, lava from Kīlauea completed the destruction of the Royal Gardens subdivision by burning the last remaining home there. According to the United States Geological Survey, the Volcanic-Alert Level for Kīlauea as of April, 2012 is "Watch".A Watch status is used to designate escalating unrest or a minor eruption underway that poses limited hazards.

Little history on Pela from Wikipedia:

For Native Hawaiians, Kīlauea is considered the "body" of Pele, the volcano goddess of ancient Hawaiian legend. Several lava formations are named after her, including Pele's tears (small droplets of lava that cool in the air and retain their teardrop shapes) and Pele's hair (thin, brittle strands of volcanic glass that often form during the explosions that accompany a lava flow as it enters the ocean).

In Hawaiian mythology, Kīlauea is where most of the conflict between Pele and the rain god Kamapuaʻa took place. Halemaʻumaʻu, "House of the ʻamaʻumaʻu fern", derives its name from the final struggle between the two gods: since it was the favorite residence of Pele, Kamapuaʻa, hard-pressed by Pele's ability to make lava spout from the ground at will, covered it with the fronds of the fern. Choking from the smoke which could not escape anymore, Pele emerged. Realizing that each could threaten the other with destruction, the gods had to call their fight a draw and divided the island between them: Kamapuaʻa got the windward northeastern side, and Pele got the drier Kona (or leeward) side. The rusty singed appearance of the young fronds of the ʻamaʻumaʻu was said to be a product of the legendary struggle.

  

Thursday (PRESENT)

I couldn't believe I only have two more days left in Hawaii! You really have to take it all in and be present as it goes by faster than you want. I started off the day at the beach learning to paddle board. It was the closest I got to surfing and after figuring out how to balance (and turn) it was a lot of fun. Back at Hale Kai, someone spotted a whale from the lanai. We all rushed over to see the tail dipping down into the water, then watched it dive again. It was super cool. That was actually the only time we saw a whale which was ironic, since we went on a whale watching boat ride that afternoon.

The boat ride was still a lot of fun. It actually felt more like a roller coaster as it was a little stormy and the waves were throwing us around. Someone brought up that it reminded them of the movie “The Perfect Storm” and I had to agree. It would have been nice if George Clooney and Mark Whalberg were on the boat with us, but we did have a friendly boat hand and dog to keep us company. With no whales in sight, we stopped to do a little snorkeling. I stayed on the boat as I wasn't ready to get my wet suit on. We were on the boat all afternoon and into the evening by the time we stopped to prepare for the manta rays. I was ready to get in the water, which actually helped with the slight motion sickness I was feeling.  

Getting into a wet suit is another experience in itself. I have never done it before and by watching the others, it looked exhausting. As we were all getting ready, Jacqueline and I happened to notice Cynthia getting into her wet suit. She had just gotten her leg into what she thought was the leg hole, when we all realized that she actually had put her leg into the arm hole. Jacqueline and I started busting up laughing and could not stop. It was one of those tears down your face, belly hurting, can't breathe laughing fits. And when you think you've can't laugh anymore, you look at each other and just start all over again. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time and it felt good! Poor Cynthia though was done and decided not to try again.

Swimming with the manta rays was a magical experience. I did not care that it took me 20 minutes to get into my wet suite and it was dark and cold and I was surrounded by hundreds of people. It was all worth it. Our instructions were to hold onto the board that had lights shining down and stay very still with our snorkel gear on. We went to the “campfire” as they called it and waited. The lights drew the plankton and the plankton is what the manta rays eat. Just looking down into the ocean with the lights and the fish and the diver's bubbles was something I'll never forget. Then, it happened, we started to see these amazing creatures swimming by us. You would hear groups of people cheering as they saw them and you would look around for a glimpse. At first it was a little scary and if you are claustrophobic I highly recommend you don't do this. Then, just like snorkeling, it was mesmerizing as you would see this large, circular manta rays gracefully swim by. My moment, was when one swam right underneath me and instead of swimming away like they had been doing, he proceeded to do five flips like he was showing off for me. Unbelievable! That was it for me, considering I was a little cold and knew nothing could top that. Back to the boat and back to Hale Kai with a memory of a lifetime.

Friday (REFLECTION)

Last full day on the Big Island, wow. This day was about relaxing and reflecting on all I had done. I had to get in some more beach time, reading in the hammock and just being. We sat on the lava rocks outside Hale Kai as Colleen led us in some gyrokinesis exercises to awaken the senses. We had our closing ceremony at the tide pools with an avocado and oil scrub. Colleen and Jacqueline gave us a Blessing Bag of “Empowerment” with little mementos. Liz also gave us a stone to take with us that we each blessed with our courage and strength. That evening we ended with play. Princess Tam gave us each a scarf and bracelets that had coins that jingled and showed us some belly dancing moves. It was the perfect ending to a week full of fun and amazing experiences. 

 

Saturday (SPONTANEITY)

I had not planned to do anything, except sleep in, pack and get ready to leave. However, I heard Colleen say they were going to go for a swim and whoever wanted to come should meet at the front now. It was my last day, so I threw on my suit and grabbed my goggles. We jumped off the lava rocks right outside Hale Kai and swam around to the beach. So glad I did that. It was peaceful and beautiful and fun and inspiring and everything from the week wrapped up into that one final swim. Goodbye for now Hawaii. I'll see you again soon.

Dolphin Time (part 1)

Everyone that asks about Hawaii, I say it was amazing. I do not know a better word to describe it. It was an amazing trip, amazing place, amazing people and amazing adventures. I knew that first day it would go by fast, so I jotted down words and experiences throughout the week to help me remember. I am not going to be able to capture it all in words, not even with all the photos I took, so here is my best shot.

Saturday, March 3 (PEACE)

After an early morning and three flights, I made it to the Big Island. I flew to Kailua-Kona with my final destination being the Hale Kai retreat in Honuanau. (Please do not ask me to pronounce these Hawaiian words as I would sound ridiculous.)

It was late afternoon when I arrived, so a quick stop at my room to drop off my stuff, then to the lava beach to set our intentions for the week. It was beautiful with the setting sun. We learned what Aloha means: Alo – first to see, front; ha – breath of life. Dinner and then I went to sleep to the sound of the waves. They did tell us that the next door neighbors had roosters and we may need ear plugs as they will wake you up early. I was already awake at 4am due to the time change and by the end of the week the roosters became background noise. I have a video of the waves and every few seconds you will hear a rooster crow – hilarious!

My roommate was Chrissy, a 27-year old mother of four from Riverside, CA. Her husband has leukemia and is doing better now that he had a bone marrow transplant. He found the retreat for Chrissy and wanted her to go do something for herself. I just love that story. Chrissy was so much fun, a kid at heart, with the best laugh. We were the youngest of the group and got along really well. She is so sweet too. She gave me a seashell anklet bracelet and underwater camera the first day we met. I have a new friend.

Sunday (PLAY)

The week really was a lot about play. I did so many things I have never done before with no fear. The first morning we learned about dolphin time. Colleen, the founder of Women's Quest, is a dolphin fanatic. She told a story about swimming in the ocean, practicing for her triathlons, and the dolphins started recognizing her and swimming with her. One day she lost her yellow swim cap and a dolphin swam after it and got it with the tip of his nose and gave it back to her. She now plays the yellow leaf game with the dolphins, which is basically a game of catch.

Dolphin time means wherever the dolphins are that is where we are going. That morning they were in Kealakekua Bay, which was about a 15-minute drive from Hale Kai. So we loaded up all our gear and headed for the Bay. It is considered one of the most beautiful bays for snorkeling. I had a lot of firsts that day including kayaking, snorkeling and swimming with wild Spinner dolphins. The water was crystal clear and the most gorgeous colors of green and blue. I saw so many amazing colors above and below the water. Chrissy and I were so excited to be in the kayak, in Hawaii, with the dolphins. I remember being out in the middle of the bay as half our group took the kayaks across the bay to Captain Cook Monument. I thought “Oh, I'll be fine” and “They won't be long,” however after a while treading water you do get tired and we decided to swim back to the shore. It didn't look that far, right? After I started swimming, I realized it was far and I would have to pace myself. All that I could think about was that line from Finding Nemo “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!” and that I did.

That afternoon we had our one and only yoga class. Yes, I know what you are thinking, wasn't this a yoga retreat? That's what I thought as well, however after that first day it didn't bother me one bit that we didn't do another yoga class. We did so much more than I ever thought imaginable.

Monday (TRANQUILITY)

A great way to start off a Monday is with a Lomi Lomi massage. It was very relaxing and healing. Julie, the masseuse, was amazing (there's that word again). My massage therapist said if I got the chance I had to get one, so I did. It didn't take much convincing.

After my massage, we headed to the beach that was about a five minute walk, for some more relaxation. Colleen was there and so were the dolphins, so we didn't stay on the beach for long. Off we were in the ocean on the boogie board to watch the dolphins swimming and playing. They became our friends quite quickly.

That afternoon more relaxing in the hammock and then Theresa came with her magical, healing crystals. She did a chakra healing ceremony for us. I wasn't really a big believer in healing crystals, however as she was putting the crystals on our chakra, I saw a flash of green. After she was done I looked for the green stone, malachite, which is the heart chakra. I thought wow, she might have something here.

Me & Princess Tam

That evening we learned some new dance moves from Tamara, or Princess Tam as Colleen nicknamed her (by the end of the week it was PT). She owns a studio in LA and teaches belly dancing and pole dancing. That evening, it was a little bit of yoga and a little bit of Pilates with a sensual flare. We had so much fun dancing and laughing on the beach! Ask me to show you how to get the remote control sometime. 

Jacqueline

We finished the evening with Jacqueline's story time. Her and Colleen met while doing triathlons and have been friends every since. She goes on as many retreats as she can. She is also a mother of two, has a pottery business and just recently got into the real estate business because she wants to sell her house. She laughs every time she says she is a real estate agent. Jacqueline is full of adventure and everything is FANTASTIC! She has infectious personality and will try anything once. The biggest thing I got out of her story telling was to be open to new opportunities. Jacqueline is not afraid to take off on her own and do her own thing without a real plan. She once cycled from LA to her hometown of Calgary, Canada as she thought it was a good idea. She is brave and strong and fun and yes, FANTASTIC!

Tuesday (FREEING)

I felt very free the whole week. I didn't wear make-up, do my hair or stress over the agenda for the day. It felt really good. Guess, how we started this day? Yep, that's right, we swam with the dolphins. Can you imagine waking up every day and the first thing you do is swim with dolphins? I was so grateful I got to experience that.

This was also our hiking day to the City of Refuge. We all partnered up and got to know a little bit more about each other. Chrissy and I partnered with Emily, Jacqueline's 17-year old daughter. It was like we were old friends taking a walk, enjoying the scenery. We stopped at a cliff and threw rocks in the ocean, which symbolized letting go of something. It wasn't that hard to do actually.

Me, Chrissy & Emily

By the end we were hot and tired, but we didn't care. We were in HAWAII! We snorkeled at Two Step Bay and searched for turtles. I didn't have much luck, but Chrissy got some awesome underwater photos of one. Then it was off to Kona Coffeehouse for lunch. Imagine about 20 women in a cafe, hungry, laughing, taking photos. We had a blast! And I had the best cinnamon, honey soy latte ever!

That evening to top it all off, we had hula lessons with Puna. One of my favorites experiences while I was there. Puna is a native Hawaiian and she brought her eight-year old granddaughter, Talia, with her. We changed into our sarongs, put a flower in our hair and we were ready to go. Puna was impressed with our moves and I had to thank Tamara who got us started off right the night before. Then Puna and her granddaughter performed for us and it was so beautiful. They stayed for dinner and Puna had so many wonderful stories. I wish I could of listened to her for hours, however after a day like that, we were all pretty tired. Puna is one person I will never forget and so thankful to have met her.

Colleen & Puna

Acceptance, Love, Gratitude, Peace

It's 2012 and already so much change. It really started the end of 2011, however I am now just figuring out what all this change means. I have met some amazing people, did some soul searching, and been able to open up to my family and friends. All in all, good change. However, emotional roller coasters and physical aspects have made it more challenging. I do know that everything is connected; mind, body and soul. And you have to work on each one to find balance.

I have been going to a chiropractor, Dr. Jonah Yakel, who practices “flow.” I was very skeptical going to a chiropractor as I thought it was all about cracking bones, however this is much more gentle. I was referred by two people I trust, so decided to give it a try. Here is a description:

Flow is a unique form of adjustment developed to help the body efficiently dissipate stress and begin to function with greater harmony, resiliency, and peace. Each session enhances the function of every tissue, cell and organ of your body by increasing circulation and the health of both your immune and nervous systems.

I am about done with my first set of sessions, I have been going 2-3 times a week for 8-weeks and this week I get evaluated. I do think this, along with drinking more water, watching what I eat and yoga have helped my body heal. I have less overall pain and the tension in my neck, shoulders and back has decreased. If you are interested, visit http://drjonahyakel.com.

This has helped my physical health and I am also working on mental health. I recently got a tattoo that says “i am enough.” It is located on my left wrist and is a constant reminder of just that. I am enough, I don't have to change for anyone, I am right where I am supposed to be and I can be happy. I am working on accepting myself and others for who they are. I was at a yoga workshop and the instructor said “Forget the story, see the soul.” I just love that.

I also adopted a new kitty, Hattie Socks. She is adorable, just the sweetest thing and so much fun to have around. She is about 16 weeks now and is very active. Having a pet is unconditional love. She needs me and I need her. I love that she is waiting for me when I get home and snuggles up to me as I sit watching TV or playing on the computer.

A New Year's resolutions this year was to start a gratitude journal. I have been writing in it daily. Before I go to bed, I'll jot down what I am grateful for that day. Most of the time it is the little things, talking with a friend, sunshine, great yoga class, laughing, breathing, etc. It helps me stay focused and realize how many wonderful people and good things are in my life. Try it. It's easy and you'll feel better about your day.

What it all comes down to is loving yourself, finding what makes you happy and being at peace with your life. I have my first adventure this year coming up in March – Hawaii yoga retreat! It is going to be amazing. I am looking at it like a cleanse for my body and soul - perfect timing, right? I'll tell you all about it when I get back.

Photo of Hattie