Grateful for Angels on Earth

Hello there faithful readers! Today's blog is short but (hopefully) sweet. I am currently in love with the song Stand By You by Rachel Platten. Now, I know for some of you this song is a little "Top 40" but the lyrics are so beautiful I can't help but belt them out whenever I hear the song. For me, it is powerful, empowering and soul lifting. The song resonates with me so much at the moment because of the many people in my life who have been holding me up lately. This is just the first verse,

"Hands, put your empty hands in mine

And scars, show me all the scars you hide

And hey, if your wings are broken

Please take mine so yours can open too

Cause I'm gonna stand by you

Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes

And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I

And love, if your wings are broken

Borrow mine 'til yours can open too

Cause I'm gonna stand by you"

Listen Here

My absolute favorite line is "Love, if your wings are broken borrow mine 'til yours can open too". There are so many angels in my life at the moment, who have been lending me their wings this past year! I am so grateful for each and everyone of them...From the amazing man I married who lets me be who I need to be at every moment of everyday to the person who looks past the smile on my face and acknowledges the sadness in my eyes. From the person who calls me on my crap and pushes me forward to those who just listen! This Christmas season, look around you to find the angels in your own life who give you wings. Embrace those in your life who need to borrow your wings for awhile. Be grateful. And, most importantly, surround yourself with love.

Namaste My Dear Friends!

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

My amazing 12 year old son, James, has started a blog of his own. I have never met anyone who loves football as much as this kid! Check out his weekly updates, injury lists and analysis at itizjman.blogspot.com. So proud of him! 

Check out this awesome studio! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

Lessons I Learned in Walmart

Yup, you read the subject of this blog correctly. Sometimes, you learn a lot about yourself in the most unexpected places. For me, it was Walmart. I was preparing for a Thanksgiving week full of visitors. With much excitement and enthusiasm, I carefully planned my menus and entertainment. The best place for me to get everything I need under one roof is the superstore known as Walmart. Sadly, we do not have Target in Somerset, *sigh*. Long, long list in hand I headed out on my adventure. The length of the list was weighing heavily on me but I was determined to enjoy the shopping experience.

Things were going quite well except for the disappointing fact that Walmart doesn't sell soft bread for stuffing making, shallots or Gruyere cheese. But, I am not to be deterred. I can simply pick those items up at my calm and quiet grocery store. I did notice for a Thursday, late morning, this place was packed! I figured I was getting a jump on the holiday shoppers since I was so prepared with my list a week ahead of time. Apparently, I wasn't the only person in Kentucky with this idea.

My happy mood began to shift as I turned down the aisle with baking needs. My daughter decided she wants to make a three tiered cake to serve as dessert on Thanksgiving. I am not a baker people, not even from a box! My one attempt at a cake was for my Mom's birthday years ago, she ended up with something like a birthday pancake. Not only is my daughter invested in the three layer idea, she also wants to turn the vanilla layer orange in keeping with the Fall colors. If the panic from this baking prospect wasn't enough, the sheer terror I felt entering this aisle was enough to put we over the edge! At least 90% of the shoppers were in this aisle, vying for positions closest to the shelf. A group of women were debating the merit of store bought fontana vs. homemade. They may as well have been speaking Greek! Ducking and pushing, I grabbed my boxed mixes and pre-packaged whipped frosting. Quickly scanning the food dye, I was mildly disappointed to realize the store did not carry orange but not patient and secure enough to figure out which two colors to combine to make this color. (Special thanks to my sister for decoding that for me).

By the time I clawed my way to the end of the aisle, using my cart to push people out of my way (don't judge, it was seriously every man, woman and child for themselves!), I was barely getting enough oxygen to my brain to stay upright! There was literal sweat running down my back as if I just ran a marathon in 100 degree weather with 85% humidity. What is the point of my story you may ask? Well, here it is...

1. First, I have never been a fan of crowds. They make me extremely nervous and very sweaty. I am one of those people who Christmas shops early and just goes to the mall during holiday shopping time to enjoy the ambiance. I always assumed the crowd thing bothered me because I am vertically challenged. Who knows?! If you ever ask me to go to a concert with you the answer will be NO! Unless we are in a respectable, crowd controlled theater.
2. Second, I'm really not a person who can shop for many items, with many planned meals, well in advance. I think I was meant to live in a small city apartment with minimal storage which requires me to pop into the market every day or two. Although the crowd thing might be a problem in the city!

At the end of the day, obviously, I survived this "harrowing" experience at the superstore known as Walmart. I did have to call my sister when I got in the car but that resulted in the the solution to the "Great Food Dye Case", so all is OK! Self study is about seeing yourself within the situations of your life. Really, truly seeing yourself. What you find is part of the journey. This isn't the first time a large crowd has thrown me off and it won't be the last. For me, I will shop differently next time, or perhaps bring a shopping partner. Take a moment to look at your own life, come up with a plan when you need one, and most importantly, be okay with where you are along the way!

Namaste My Dear Friends!

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

In salute to the superstore, Walmart, I thought I'd give you a little history.

1. Walmart opened in 1962! The first store was in Arkansas.
2. Walmart is now the largest retail store in the world. IN THE WORLD!!!!
3. This company employs over 2 million people world-wide. Thank you Walmart.

Check out this awesome studio! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

My Absence

Hello Faithful Blog Readers!  I would like to say that the lack of a blog post these past few weeks is because I was off having soul nourishing adventures. But, alas, that is not the case! Although I did have an incredibly fun girls' weekend in Nashville with some of the most important people in my life. The lesson from that weekend is that I am old and ok with it!

Anyway, my lack of writing really is the result of a funk. A funk so intense I barely left the house...when I did we all laughed about it and celebrated. I spent many days clocking miles on my treadmill while being entertained by the witty banter of the Gilmore Girls. My, how I miss that show. It's amazing how one can justify binge watching TV if exercise is involved! This week I decided enough is enough. It is time to return to the land of people, life experiences and sunshine.

My mini life sabbatical was not without a lot of self-study! Many blogs ago I mentioned that I boxed my life into tiny compartments as a coping mechanism. Well, the boxes all started to tumble and open and crash around me. I wish I could report that these boxes held big lessons that prompted me back to a place of movement but the truth is they didn't. In reality, it's just time. Time to admit that I am sad, time to admit that I am homesick and time to accept life is taking me on this journey for a reason. 

Last week I was forced to ponder the question, when has life taken a different direction then I planned? My knee jerk reaction was NOW, moving away. As I spent more time with the question, as well as listened to what other people had to say in response, I realized there have been many times when my life has taken a different direction then I "planned". Silly human! And each time my life has become more full, my heart has grown and I've learned invaluable lessons.

So, I am admitting that I'm not okay and I'm okay with that (last blog post). I'm dragging myself back to life, perhaps kicking and screaming, but I'm doing it. A quote by Lao Tzu says it best, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Life knocks us down, right, it's just the course of things. How we proceed through the murky waters teaches us a lot about ourselves. Please continue to share your journey with me, whether it's through Facebook or email. I love hearing your stories of self-study! You all inspire me.

Namaste My Dear Friends.

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

Have you ever read any of Stephen Covey's books? I had a boss years ago, who I loved and admired,  he always referred to his books! The past few weeks I keep thinking about Covey and his messages. One of the quotes I enjoy is "If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting." I think I am going to hang this one up!

Remember, "You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens." ~Mandy Hale

Check out this awesome studio! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

f you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

5 Months Out

I was able to return to New Jersey this past weekend. While there I taught a Yoga class at my favorite studio on the planet, Pink Lotus Yoga! I went back and forth about whether or not to share the "theme" of that practice on my blog. Sometimes the things that happen in a Yoga class are just perfect for that moment in time.  A week has passed and I still feel this pull to post here. I'm trusting my instincts on this one. It's not exact, because the platform is different, but it is the essence.

The past 5 months has taught me a lot about life, loss and the incredible capacity human beings have to endure. Through this time of self study and reflection, through the loss of my Mom, moving and even writing this blog I have learned that everyone has an incredible story of courage in their lives. I feel like everyday someone is sharing their story with me. I am blessed to be able to receive their stories and their words as I work to share mine with all of you. It's an unexpected gift that sharing has given me.

The point is, we ALL go about our day interacting...basic human contact...sometimes by choice like with our family and friends, sometimes out of necessity as we go to the store or make doctor's appointments. Rarely do we stop and think, "I wonder how that persons day is, I wonder how much courage and strength it took them to get out of bed or leave the house today."

Perhaps it's the person you stand next to in line as you wait for coffee, a co-worker who sits next to you, or maybe just someone you pass on the street. Have you given any thought to those around you or are you completely focused on yourself? It really is quite remarkable how we can move through our own life disconnected from the world around us when we are surrounded by so many. I am definitely guilty of this!

Part of what I am doing in my own self study is learning to be part of the moment. This moment is not an egocentric moment. It encompasses everything around me, teaching me not to get caught up in my mind, my thoughts, my busyness...but to become involved completely! Try it...care for yourself and love and encourage others.

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

Do these things and notice how your perspective changes...
Say hello to everyone you encounter, hold the door for someone, smile at a stranger, ask someone how there day was and actually listen to the response, admit when you are not okay and be okay with that, care, sympathize, love, cry, laugh, grieve, let go, move forward, let yourself off the hook, accept your imperfections as part of what make you perfectly you!

Keep working to discover more about yourself and if you are in South Jersey visit this amazing yoga studio where everyone is at home! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

Community

This past weekend life shifted a little bit for me in Kentucky. Friday, Julia and I went with some new friends the see the ballet in Lexington. James was invited to spend the weekend with a great new friend he met at school. Saturday we spent the day going to various community football games followed by a pumpkin carve and bar-b-que at a friend of Julia's house. We went to church on Sunday and a family we have been chatting with after mass asked us to come to dinner this week. Now, why the heck am I giving you the run down of our social activities?! Well, it's to lead to the purpose of my blog today!

One of the things I noticed through my reflection/self study time is I really miss the feeling of community that we had in Woodstown. I even "unfollowed" a lot of places and events because seeing the posts on Facebook made me so sad. For a place to feel like home, it's important to become part of something. As an adult I tend to find this more difficult than I did as a kid. I mean, really, am I suppose to walk up to someone at the grocery store and ask them to be my friend?! But, it's not an impossible undertaking.

My Mom gave me a piece of advice after we made the decision to move. She told me to say YES to every invitation that comes our way. With a yes here and a yes there, you meet more and more people. Those of you who know me well know that "yes" isn't an easy thing for me. Believe it or not, I am shy. Putting myself out there is a scary thing for me. So, once again, I am forced out of my comfort zone. I laugh a little at this advice because I realize once again how well my Mom knew me! She knew it would take courage for me to find my way. 

Meeting new people this weekend and connecting a little bit more with people I have already met truly helped me feel more ingrained in the community. I look forward to continuing to grow the relationships I have found here and creating new ones. So, if you are like me, and putting yourself out there in the world seems scary, take my Mom's advice. Say YES! 

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

I love this Christopher Robin quote to Winnie The Pooh, "You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." 

I'm traveling to New Jersey this week and will be teaching at Pink Lotus Friday morning at 9:15!!!  I would love to see as many of you as I can. 

Keep working to discover more about yourself and if you are in South Jersey visit this amazing yoga studio where everyone is at home! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

Take Small Steps

Hello All! I'm back from my adventure in the mountains of Tennessee. I thought I would spend all of my time in the wilderness journaling, but guess what, the only thing I wrote down was a list of the things I need to bring next time. Actually, I'm glad that I didn't write!  Because, in all honesty, I was completely present in the experience with my family, not all stuck up in my head with my thoughts. It was a nice change of pace for me. I wanted to hold onto the quiet for a while so today is the first day I am sitting back down to write.

I had an interesting experience today, on my self study journey, that I thought I would share. Since I moved to Kentucky I have been putting off getting my Kentucky license. One day I didn't feel like it, another day I was "too busy", concern over the fact that the address on my license would no longer match my passport (btw that doesn't matter). Today, I had to get it done. I'm applying to substitute teach in my kids' schools so I needed a background check and a valid Kentucky license. 

This morning I was feeling funky... you know that whole tired for no reason, on edge, unmotivated thing that happens. I realized, through some early morning self study, that I was upset about letting go. All of this time that New Jersey license was a part of me that I wasn't ready to let go of yet. It was some sort of anchor to the past. Like, if I can hold on to that one thing life hasn't REALLY changed all that much! I literally dragged myself off the sofa, fluffed my hair, headed to Yoga to help me motivate and went to the judicial center. Well, once I arrived I realized I didn't have all the paperwork I needed. But, I will not be put off, today is the day!  I head back to my car, step in a steaming pile of dog poop and think...Yup, the universe does NOT want me to do this today!  Well, my friends, it was time. No lack of paperwork or dog poop was going to deter me. I needed to let go. So, I did! Goodbye NJ license, hello Kentucky. 

My entire life I've had a problem letting go. I remember as a kid taking straws home from McDonalds because I felt bad letting them go. So, here is the thing. No matter what tethers us in our lives. At some point the time needs to come where we let go. It's hard. It's often painful but each moment is a step. Take small steps each and everyday. I know my next step in letting go, think of something in your own life that you are willing to release!  We will do it together!

Namaste My Dear Friends.

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

I could definitely use this quote as a daily reminder in my own life.

“The secret to life is to have no fear. When you can let go of what others think about you, how something is going to turn out, or how your past will affect your future, then you are finally living life free.” 

― Shannon L. Alder

Keep working to discover more about yourself and if you are in South Jersey visit this amazing yoga studio where everyone is at home! Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.

Life's Questions

I was involved in a discussion group the other day where the question, "What do you miss most from your childhood?" was asked. Before continuing to read, take a moment to think about your own answer....

For me the answer came fast and furious as if this one word had been holding it's breath just waiting to shout from the rooftops.  My answer was/is simplicity. My fondest memories are the most simple things I participated in with my family and my neighbors...flashlight tag, Wiffle Ball games, catching lightening bugs, running around outside AFTER my bath in my nightgown! How scandalous! My favorite trips with my family were camping. I loved loading up the station wagon and pop-up camper at a moments notice to enjoy a weekend in the woods. Campfire chats, my Mom's sing-a-longs, picking blueberries for the pancakes Dad was making, the smell of coffee, the sound of my parents voices around the campfire while I was falling asleep in the camper.  We would spend two weeks at the shore every other summer. Do people even take two weeks vacation anymore? I loved those trips too, all day running on the sand, swimming in the ocean, avoiding jelly fish. Playing Bingo at night with my Aunt calling the numbers. I remember exactly the moment I won my first dollar playing Bingo! I guess you could say there was some Utopian charm to my childhood. But mostly, it was simple. There were moments each day to breath, dream, play, pray, laugh, cry. 

I have felt this eagerness almost like an unsettling nudge, inside me for quite a while. I couldn't but my finger on what it was until the word simplicity. Sometimes I feel like my children are missing out on simplicity. I began to realize I was already making unconscious efforts to capture this simplicity for my children, to slow down the schedule. Our summer was spent lazing around, reading, playing games, exploring. I have been fortunate to be home a lot with my children since James was 1 but for the first time I feel like I am truly taking the time to be present with them. We all got lost in the running, scheduling, texting, instagramming...

I've decide to take back simplicity, to teach my children what it means to just be. Each day finding time to breath, dream, play, pray, laugh and even cry when needed! This week, we are going camping for five days. Five whole days in nature, listening to the sounds of the wind, birds, bugs, hiking, sitting by the fire, sleeping on the ground in our tent, just being together. The excitement we all feel for this trip is palpable. It's the same excitement we have for our beach trips, and our Disney adventure. Self study is teaching me that we don't need a lot...we just need time together, presence and love. 

Namaste My Dear Friends.

Inspirational Thought/Tidbits for and about Life

Today's post reminded me of this quote from Henry David Thoreau, which ironically I used as my senior quote in my high school yearbook. I guess I've come full circle...

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life..."

Have you signed up for Lotusfest yet!!!!!!???? Take a class, get to know the amazing instructors and enjoy your journey of self discovery, pinklotusnj.com

If you enjoy my blog, please follow my great friend, Kelly, at Mind-Body-Soul Living.