November's Happy Hour Event

This is the current flier for the Detox to Retox yoga happy hour.  A little blurry since it was curated to be the size of a flier.  I am becoming more confident with editing and will continue to do so.  It is all a work in progress.

I do think this is a childhood trigger for me.  Never wanting to look stupid and that has stagnated me in some areas of growth.  However, I acknowledge it is time to get past through limiting beliefs.  I must.  No one else is going to push me to the next level of business success.  I have been incredibly fortunate with word of mouth.  I am grateful to my tribe and the ripple effect that has been building.  When I first started out, I shut down the happy hours in November because I thought that people would be too busy with holiday parties and shopping.  I refused to put it out there.  I allowed myself to listen to others instead of seeing what could happen.  There is potential to offer happy hours year-round.  January might be a little subdued or juice driven, lol.  I won't know until I get there.

If you are interested in attending, please contact me.  Either a message on this platform or I do have an email account associated with my yoga business.  tastelifeyoga@gmail.com  

Have a wonderful start of your week!  Consider joining a virtual class, in person session or the happy hour.

Saturday morning yoga aka book club

Indoor yoga session this morning which was awesome.  Woke up to snow which was unwelcome.  I was thankful that we had already prearranged to have an indoor space available.  My clients went all out.  Tater tot casserole with homemade tomatillo salsa to accompany the wonderful Sauvage rose.  

Thes session, itself, was fire (in my opinion).  We rearranged the furniture.  Then, arranged us like tetris to make the most of the space.  I offered adjustments throughout the session which I am getting comfortable with once again.  The pandemic prohibited touching your face.  So, the idea of touching someone else has been off limits since then.  I forgot how much I enjoy adjusting people.

The conversation that occurred afterwards is a testament to the community I am building.  People paired off and moved around to catch up with others.  There is a pumpkin party to attend later this afternoon.  I managed to find a wig for my costume tonight at Dominique's house.  She had several options to choose from.

I overheard discussions about sports, dogs, grief, food and poop (long story).  I am thankful for my decision to pursue this path of yoga.  Make it a great day!

Consistency and other food issues

Continuing with the ripple effect.  Opting to create the life I want instead of settling for what is known or familiar to me.  

Not always easy.  Nor does it make sense.  When you pave your own path, you are entering unchartered territory.  Or, I have always considered it that way.  There is not a handbook on how to navigate the unconventional path.  Yet, it is the way that I have always preferred.  

In hindsight, maybe, I wish I had spent more time cooking at home.   I believe my body is a temple and I have done well by it for the most part.  However, in all honesty, I have been lazy.  Relying on what is convenient instead of what is best for me when it comes to nutrition.  Working in restaurants that offer staff meals groom you to eat whatever is put in front of you since you are hungry.  Even if you don't like goulash.  Or hot dogs (a high-end restaurant that will remain unnamed on a weekly basis offered that as staff meal at least once a week.  I loathed that option.  It was disrespectful in my option.  Especially since they did not have hot dogs on the menu.  It felt like the management believed we would eat anything.)  The best restaurant meal was probably the first restaurant I worked in.  FIfi's was the premier fine dining restaurant in Lawrence, Kansas, when I attended college.  Wine spectator awards, the best calamari, and the special occasion restaurant that everyone wanted to go to.  They made us whatever we wanted.  With the exception, if there had been an off-site event, we would eat what was offered at the event.  I was spoiled.  I learned how to make a martini, open a wine bottle (properly) and had access to phenomenal food.

I intend to do better.  More cooking at home, earlier in the day, and possibly changing how I eat.  Focus on the vegetables first, then the proteins and fats, before finishing with starch.  I listened to a podcast earlier about glucose and the importance of getting that in order.  Avoiding diabetes, a hormone imbalance and extra weight gain.  

Believe me, I have struggled for about a year to contend with that.  Trying to figure out where this sugar belly is coming from and how to minimize it.  After listening to the podcast, I am considering changing up not only how I eat but making sure that I get movement following a meal.  A walk, squats, dancing.... anything that stimulates movement.  The podcast also suggested drinking apple cider vinegar in water prior to the meal.  Actually, I do not mind drinking apple cider vinegar in water.  It was not a shock to me or something I thought was out of bounds.  I am curious to see if these small changes make a difference. I believe they will.  

This evening I loaded up my stirfry with broccoli and bell peppers.  I attempted to pick out the vegetables, first.  Then proceed with the rice.   It will be interesting to see how I feel after making a few tweaks.

Enjoy your night!

Thankful Thursday

I am grateful for a solid night of sleep.  As noted yesterday, I have been struggling with insomnia to a certain extent.  Waking up, routinely, at 3:15ish to toss and turn.  When I manage to calm my mind, eventually, I wake up to the recurring thought.  Be it work stress, financial stress, work related dreams (the absolute worst which I still frequently have back decades to when I worked at Fifi's, the Bull or Palm.  The worst places were the high-volume ones where I would have dreams where the printer wouldn't stop printing tickets.  I'd wake up, convinced, that I was surrounded by 50 unmade drink tickets.  And that the servers were furious with me for having to wait for their drinks.)  To avoid some of that nonsense, last night I read for about fifteen minutes before I went to bed.  Truly, I believe that minute amount reading helped me relax and ease into sleep.  The lack of stimulation from technology really is something.

I woke up, naturally, around 4:45.  Purposefully, I woke up, listened to a guided meditation before beginning my routine.  I eat a clove or two to aid in my oral hygiene.  Oil pull for twelve minutes.  I listen to the Reid out, typically, while setting up my fruits and vegetables to juice.  Relaxing start to the day and keeps me accountable.  Today I read for forty-five minutes which was a new addition to my routine. A welcome addition to how I start my day.  The meditation component seems likely as well.  Inspires the tone of the day and leaning into the echo/ripple effect.  Creating the life, I want, instead of the uncertainty of where I am at now.  

A couple years ago, I bought an infrared sauna bag with the intention of using it daily.  Unfortunately, the sauna is subpar.  I should have invested more research and money into this product.  I wish the heat was more intense.  I tried to use it for three weeks or so.  Since then, it has been tucked away in my storage closet.  Yesterday as I was contemplating how to spend the next few days, I considered adding the dry sauna back into my morning routine.  While lying in the sauna I could either meditate or read.  Two items that I want to include in my morning.  Or doing sun salutations.  

During the pandemic I was more active.  Stronger, even.  Inspite of the amount of chatarangas I do on a daily basis. Looking back, I did lean into inconsistencies, underperforming and enjoying wine lunch with Tom.  He is the ultimate enabler.  

Stress, eating at random times, becoming lax with my no dairy policy all things that have occurred in the last six months.  Yes, my echo reflects precisely where and I am at this point today.  It's as if I cannot get out of my own way.  I have so many things to be thankful for--my health, my relationship with Tom, supportive friends and an amazing yoga base.  Why am I limiting what I want to achieve?

Meditation will be helpful and remembering how many wonderful things I have in my life.  Clean water, a reliable vehicle, family, opportunities to write letters to friends and walk on a daily basis.  I am thankful and fortunate.  

Thank you for letting me unload my endless monologue in my mind.  Celebrate, enjoy & taste life~

Yoga, happy hour and insomnia

Last night's happy hour was fantastic.  Initially, I believed that seven to nine people would attend the yoga happy hour.  As the day progressed, I received a few text messages informing me that a few people would be unable to attend.  Mandatory work events, contending with family issues or work prohibited them from attending.  I appreciated the heads up but was disappointed that I would have fewer people attend.  Still, it was great.  I had four people show up and the energy was amazing.  Solid flow, decent music mix and a fun happy hour to finish.

I prepped seven-layer Greek dip, a cream cheese mold with bacon, scallions and parmesan, cowboy caviar and a light watermelon salad to finish.  Isaac brought sparkling wine and I offered a spanish red wine, vino verde and tequila (of course).  The seven dip and cheese mold were the fan favorites.  Tom made his family recipe which I knew would be delicious but terrible for you.  And it was.  

As much as I enjoy teaching yoga (I do), I love the community networking about the same amount.  Last night the majority of us are around the same age and share similar viewpoints about life, experience, the current state of affairs.  There was one student who is younger than the rest of us by a considerable amount.  I have watched him evolve and mellow through the last few years.  He offers insight and listens as opposed to talking over people if that makes sense.  I truly believe he enjoys attending the sessions and spending time with all of my clients.  One of my other clients is witty, dry and full of entertaining stories.  He never ceases to amaze me.

I watched game seven of the national league series.  Happy with the results as I have always been a Diamondback fan from my first stint in Phoenix from 99-01.  It is exciting to see new teams in the final series.  

Returning home, I cleared out my car and enjoyed another glass of wine.  Fell asleep on my couch and woke up around 3, unable to sleep.  I knocked over my water glass at 5:30 when the alarm went off.  Forgot to change days for the alarm which was not a welcome way to wake up.  I had finally fallen back to sleep.  Too lazy to deal with the water on my floor, I wiped off my phone, moved my laptop and prayed that my phone was not damaged.  I did not relish the idea of returning to T-mobile to have a third phone this year.  

Insomnia has been a recurring problem for me as of late.  My mind refuses to switch off.  I think of work, travel, friends from high school.  This morning, I had a phone dream around 6:30 as a result of the spilling water on my table...ugh.  I think I finally woke up at 7:45 which is late in my world.  Jacked up my day.  Then a few clients had to reschedule which threw me into a self-induced funk.  

That and catching up on the speaker vote was a trifle depressing.  I forced myself to listen to another podcast which was more uplifting and helpful.  I needed it.  I needed the reminder of why I chose to be on this path and provided some food for thought.   The man spoke of echos and how we create where we are, today, from our habits from 60 to 90 days ago.  Reflecting on that, it does make sense.  Some of my habits went to the wayside.  I was lenient with my consistency of following up with clients.  I knew I wanted a change but not how to do it.  It is time to think about where I want to be in six months.  Not worry about how to make it happen, but where I want to be.

Tonight, I will be in bed early.  Fully hydrated and relaxed.  I have written a list of tasks for tomorrow and know it is going to be a great day.  

Yoga at the Park

Last two chances to join yoga in the park.  It's grounding, earthy and fun.  Last weekend, a buffalo was an interloper.  Earlier in the summer, a hawk joined.  

Always great people watching, dogs, and an energetic flow.  I love this class!  I never know who will join or how we will flow.  All I know is that it is fantastic.  

Think about joining.  There is parking along 17th, Detroit, Fillmore, St. Paul, Steele.  We meet near the stoplight at 17th and Fillmore to enter the park.  Typically, we post up where there is a sun/shade option.  Last Saturday started off super chilly.  My clients showed up with leg warmers, socks, hats.  Midway through the class, everyone had stripped down to bask in the sunlight.  No hats.  No socks or leg warmers.

Think about joining.  I have a few yoga mats if needed.  It is amazing to practice outside.  I don't know how else to explain it.  Absorbing the earth energy, sunlight and vibe.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Happy Hump Day and some improvements

Ankle is improving and I see many walks in my future.  I am incredibly thankful for my health.  When I was younger, the bounce back factor happened much quicker than now.  Now, I must take steps to baby whatever ailment I am dealing with.  For example, I spent three days elevating my leg, sleeping on my couch, soaking my feet in Epsom salts, wrapping my ankle in apple cider vinegar, icing, taking pain medication and resting.  I couldn't push it like I did in 2018.  I didn't really have a choice.  I had been hired at a high-volume restaurant and had thirteen days of training to complete.  

In hindsight, I should have gone to a physical therapist sooner than I did.  Stubbornly, I thought I would be able to right the injury.  I had not dealt with a high ankle sprain until that point and had no idea how difficult it would be to fix.  In my mind, I thought if I went to a doctor, the doctor would tell me to rest, ice, compress and take alleve--all of things that I was doing already.  It seemed foolish to pay someone to tell me to do things I was already doing.

However, looking back, had I gone to a physical therapist instead of a doctor, I probably could have avoided the lengthy recovery, all of the acupuncture I paid for (hoping to get some relief) and what is happening now.  Each time I tweak it, I sweat through the knowledge that I will be told I need to rebreak it to fix it.  I think that is my fear or the worst-case scenario.  It is there in my mind.  I avoided wearing a boot but probably should have.

I must be careful with my right ankle.  Each time I tweak it, it makes it worse, and my recovery takes longer.  The therapist the other day asked me how my achilles tendon was and I was so grateful to respond that it felt fine.  That would have been a tragedy.

I have been able to continue to teach yoga, daily.  I make a few modifications and focus on the client.  Balance will become an issue for me.  I know that I must make that a priority to strengthen and stabilize my ankle.  Perhaps a chiropractic adjustment is in my future.  It is all connected.  If I am overcompensating to address my weak ankle, everything else will be affected.  Plus, I could use a neck adjustment.  I do love having my neck cracked.

Midway through the week.  How is it going for you?  My week is pretty awesome.  More yoga.  More vision and productivity.  Plus, Chef Tom is visiting, which always improves my mood.  Here is to a successful remainder of the week!

Thankful Tuesday

New concept for me.  Typically, I would do a thankful Thursday post.  I think it flows better.  Yet, why not try a gratitude driven post on Tuesday?  I want to express my gratitude on a daily basis.  Either by journaling or writing down three to five things on a piece of paper and taping it to my water bottle.  If you don't know, my water bottle is my binkie.  I always have water available to me.  From experience I learned that it is mandatory.  A few dehydration episodes that were clear indicators of the importance of being hydrated.  Think face plant and nose abrasions.  Never again.

At any rate, I am thankful for my health, my community and access to water.   Last Saturday, I taught an outdoor session at City Park.  Midway through the session and we are interrupted by a buffalo.  This guy shows up and starts doing down dog, a little twerking and then rolls around in the grass.  It was funny.  A welcome interruption to the sequence.  

Afterwards, I walked to a market to pick up supplies, stopped by and saw a friend at a wine bar and made my way home.  I have been better about walking more.  All part of my desire to be health driven and capable.  Moreover, walking enables me to listen to podcasts or music.  A great opportunity to multi-task. 

I return home and twist my ankle.  Again.  Same one...F**K!  Immediately, I compress, elevate, ice and hope.  Hope that I am able to manage the pain and get back to my routine of health.  I found my preferred doctor through my community.  Roxanne mentioned utilizing the physical therapy services and chiropractors.  This business offers cupping, acupuncture, massage, cryotherapy, corrective exercises (which has been my sweet spot for the ankle injury), etc.  It is a fantastic healing business, and I am so thankful to my community that I found it.  

Not all chiropractors are the same.  I always knew that.  I wanted to avoid anyone that would want me to be reliant on their service multiple times a week.  Instead, I wanted someone who would adjust me and show me exercises I could perform at home to be healthy.   I found a chiropractor in 2018 who rehabilitated my right ankle.  He was a magician.  After two months of hobbling around and trying to self-diagnose and heal, I sought out someone to assist me.  This man was amazing.  He introduced me to cryotherapy, dry needling and the vascular flush.  Then he was revealed as a Qanon wizard.  A bit shocking to me.  He always seemed interested in helping me improve my mobility and strengthen my ankle.  Of course, he had some interesting comments during our sessions, but I overlooked them.  He closed his business as a result of his personal perspectives.  I have no idea if he is still in Denver or what he is doing. 

I had another chiropractor from when I first moved to Denver.  He sold his business to another man who is kind and I had seen a few times.  When I approached him to analyze my ankle (back in 2018), he told me I should use a bosu ball to balance.  Keep in mind, I had my foot in a brace to add stability.  I could barely walk and the idea of a bosu ball was terrifying.  That chiropractor was good to see if I had a minor adjustment needed.  He is kind and has a few tools up his sleeve that release tension.  I went to him for a sacrum adjustment, and it was not enough. I found that he was unable to crank on my sacrum which has been required a few times. My sacrum is another area of concern that every few months requires me to visit the chiropractor.  The release of the sacrum is how I reached out to Denver Sports Medicine.  I am so grateful that Roxanne had utilized their services in the past.

What are you grateful today?  My ankle feels so much better, and I know that I will be walking City Park tomorrow.  Because I am stubborn, I still taught a yoga class on Sunday.  I attempted to do some of the standing poses but avoided balance.  This morning, balance felt restored.  My afternoon session includes balance.  It will happen.

Be thankful today and express your gratitude.

Make your own

Listening to podcasts has been helpful.  Increasing my positivity, inspiring new recipes and making my own nut milk.  Yes, I listened to a podcast about restaurants and how they trick you with some of the wording of the menu.  How some use a blend of olive oil instead of pure olive oil.  The woman they interviewed gave couple hacks to use at home which included making your own nut milk.  I have been buying almond or cashew milk for the last few years in an attempt to decrease my dairy intake.  I abstained from eating cheese until I started dating Tom.  It seems unavoidable now.  He lives on a diet of nachos, tostadas, burritos.  All of which includes cheese.  So, I have become less restrictive of that dietary requirement.

I was intrigued by the nut milk recipe and its simplicity.  Why had I not considered doing this before?  It is mandatory to purchase organic nut butter or tahini.  I found a decent product at Trader Joe's that was affordable.  Take a quarter cup of tahini, three cups of water and blend.  Simple enough.  I think I will have to blend it again before use.  She also suggested adding turmeric and enjoying that concoction before bedtime.  I do love turmeric.  It has been difficult to find in Santa Fe, but I can usually find it in Denver.  Sometimes, Sprout's.  Typically, Natural Grocers or H Mart. 

There are products that I keep on hand.  Ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric and some sort of citrus.  Mandatory for juicing and mirepoix.  I have experimented with soups, sauces and simple meals.  I see more use of my pressure cooker that I purchased in 2016 to make kitchari.  I need to expand my comfort with preparing protein.  As we move into autumn and winter, I will use my stove and oven.  During the summer it doesn't make sense to add heat into my apartment.  As noted, I do not enjoy the comforts of air conditioning since my landlord will not allow it.  However, she has air conditioning which is a conflict in my mind.  I can suffer through the summer while she has no clue to the amount of heat is within the building.

Do more with less and create your happiness.  I have to remind myself (sometimes) that I chose to be in the exact position that I am in now.  I had to move beyond my limitations.  The doubt that surrounds me is all encompassing when I am sleeping.  I need help getting out of my own way.  Any suggestions?

I will update you on how the nut milk works out.  I might need a bigger blender to make it better.  We shall see.  Enjoy your Saturday.  Cheers!  🍷🍷🍷

Looking back on the week and other upcoming opportunities

Happy Friday!  It has been a week.  More productivity in the yoga sense, blogging and being consistent.  In addition, I chatted up two potential employers this week as a part-time gig.  I know that it is mandatory for me to have some sort of work while building the business.  It just makes sense for me.  There are a few options with teaching at studios; yet, I have not gone that route.  Sure, it would expose me to more potential clients that enjoy yoga and perhaps might like my style.  I have not deep dove into the subconscious about this subject.  Maybe I want to keep that aspect of my life, pure.  Meaning, not being told how to teach based on which studio I would hook up with.  There is that factor to consider.

At any rate, I approached a more corporate business that has the welcoming package dialed in.  They know exactly what they are looking for and how to protect their brand.  I like the structure and flexibility of it.  The other spot is more mom and pop's feeling.  A local spot that I am able to walk to.  I did a training session last night and managed to answer the phone.  Typically, I do not like being the person to answer phone calls in businesses.  Mostly since I cannot hear what the person is saying.  It might be a me issue, but I find myself avoiding that task.  

I was closest to the phone and so I answered it.  The gentleman inquired about the hours of the establishment, and I told him what I was told to say.  Then, he continued with--I have another question for you.... would you be interested in a friend with benefit situation???

I was like--excuse me.  What did you say?

He repeats his request and I stumble with an answer.  Who asks this question sight unseen?  The owner was staring at me wanting to know why I was still on the phone.  After I inform him of the conversation, he disappears to the basement to look at the caller ID.  I sense this side gig will be highly entertaining.  

I tried to think outside of my normal box.  Retail or working in a liquor store.  I like that idea since it is physically demanding and interacting with people.  The hours are manageable.  Maybe discounts are an incentive?  All positive things.

Brie and I met for lunch and were brainstorming.  She and I, both, tend to return to what is familiar.  I am slowly creating this new lane for me, and I encouraged her to do the same.  Listening to podcasts which are healing/healthy/mindset driven is forcing me to think about what I am good at instead of what I always have done.  I do enjoy listening, writing, assisting people with their health goals.  What is holding me back?  

Enjoy your Friday!  Are you living your best life?  Are there signs you are avoiding remaining in the comfort lane?  Is there one change you can make to shift your perspective/path?  Think about it and make it a great day!

Listen to your body

More and more I am understanding how much my body is changing.  Getting older is fantastic, lol.  No longer am I able to enjoy foods I love.  For example, legumes.  Specifically, lentils and pinto beans.  I bought a pressure cooker to prepare kitchari, an ayurvedic dish.  My spiritual mentor suggested that I incorporate the most complete protein meal into my weekly rotation.  You can use mung beans or lentils.  I found that I preferred lentils and was committed to preparing this dish on a regular basis.  Especially in the fall as it becomes cooler.  

In the last few months, I have recognized how my body is affected after eating these foods.  Bloating and other irritability which is curbing my desire to eat these foods.  I notice it most when I visit Santa Fe.  Who doesn't want pinto beans to accompany their tamales?  Or, I have stopped eating posole to minimize the irritation while visiting Tom.  I know he doesn't love when I feel subpar.  Thankfully, La Choza had other dishes that I enjoy.  Still, my favorite dish is a cup of posole and a side of pinto beans.  I can continue to enjoy chips with the pinto beans.

Garlic is also becoming pesky for me.  I love garlic. I always have garlic on hand to enhance any dish that I am preparing.  I think I need to reconsider how to season my homecooked meals to avoid some of the irritability.  Since I am trying to be more accountable for what I am putting into my body, I am learning things I need to change or modify.  I think small changes make it more appealing.  I wish that I could cut out dining out completely, but I know that I would freak out.  I do not think that I am capable of preparing all of my meals for myself.  I like to be taken care of too much.

We must listen to our bodies.  Things change as I am sure that you know.  They say taste buds change every seven years and I believe it.  I have seen some of the changes that I have made during my life.  Moderation is key.

I am so thankful that I was forced to take a zero hour typing class.  I use this still.  Most days.  I love knowing that I can type, write and form a sentence.  There is something to be said about this sill.

Listen to your body.  If it doesn't feel right, don't eat it or participate.  We do sense, energetically, wheat makes sense.  Own it and thrive.

Staying the course

Donation class is at 9:30. September represents hedonism and indulgence for me each year.  Possibly since it is my birthday month and I tend to go all out.  Even when I try to temper my tendencies, I still am excessive.  

October begins and I am forced to reassess my priorities.  Rest, reset, recalibrate.  Specifically, this year, it is a must.  I spent ten days in Santa Fe celebrating the wine and chile festival. Wine seminars, tastings and bubbles.  Nonstop celebrating.  And I loved every minute of it.  To conclude my visit, we soaked at 10,000 Waves in a private tub.  Also, a tradition it seems.  

Now, I must scale it back.  It has been a soberish beginning to this month.  Soberish in that I am slowing down.  Instead of dining out, I am preparing food at home.  I found a cabbage and rice recipe that is surprisingly good.  Cabbage is not normally in my rotation of foods that I prepare.  I am trying to cut down on waste which is inspiring me to try new things.  The cabbage was utilized in a tuna and onion salad, too.  It has been interesting to experiment with flavors and see what works best.  The pressure cooker cabbage and rice suggested using Indian spices.  Cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, turmeric all were incorporated into the dish.  I would tweak it and go heavier on the spices.  That would be my preference.

Walking more and hoping to lessen my carbon footprint.  Sometimes it is impossible to not drive.  For example, my eye exam last week was in Littleton at 8 am.  The bus could have worked but it would have been a very early morning for me.  Plus, I had a sunrise class to teach and other obligations before heading to the appointment.  

I know there is room for improvement and that I can do better.  Each day.  I can do better, and I intend to string along some days to become consistent.  I must be consistent.  

I refuse to return to my old habits.  They are enticing and I see them, clearly, beckoning me to distract myself with them.  Like a siren song.  Seriously, I walked to Trader Joe's earlier this morning which is located next to a wine bar.  Briefly, I thought about what the harm is in stopping by for one glass of wine.  Instead of pursuing that tangent, I continued with my errands.  Maybe I am committed to creating new habits.

I know that I will need to change it up and add other foods to my week.  I will not sustain on cabbage and rice alone.  Cooking at home is such a huge change up for my routine.  May I consider that enough of a change and reward myself?  Any advice?  I am tempted to pick up a nebbiolo to enjoy with my red sauce.  

October Calendar of yoga events and classes

I am trying something new.  Posting my calendar that is open to change honestly.  I believe in having a little flexibility in my schedule.  However, this is a way to keep me consistent and pushing myself forward.  No more dialing it in.

I am comfortable staying in the lane of doing what feels right.  I remember my first tarot reading that I received in Melbourne, Australia.  The reader was explaining my cards and mentioned that I should be a teacher or healer.  That my decision to remain in the service industry would be concluding within three years.  Keep in mind, this was 2007.  

I returned home and immediately went back to work.  Back to what I knew and what was familiar to me.  Eventually, in 2014, I decided to pursue a yoga teaching certification.  I signed up with a school in Arizona and attended classes over the next year.  I received my 200-hour certification in 2015.  

Since 2015, I have taught yoga, and it has become a huge part of my life.  Slowly.  I remained ensconced with what I knew, what I was comfortable with.  When the pandemic started, I was forced to think outside of the box.  Colorado shut down for about two and a half months.  I couldn't work.  I saw a handful of friends where we would meet to walk a nearby park.  Outside of that I was alone.

I was fortunate that I had yoga in my back pocket.  I learned how to teach virtual classes and was able to communicate with people on a regular basis.  Weekly, I offered multiple classes, daily, and saw friends from all over the country.  

They are still discovering all of the trauma that occurred during the pandemic for people being alone in their homes.  At any rate, I have been teaching consistently since the pandemic.  My clients have ebbed and flowed which is normal.  In my own practice, I break up with my personal trainer at least once a year.  I want her to bring it every session.  When I feel that she isn't, I take a break from her.  I feel that my clients are similar.  In addition--injury, pregnancy, life happens--also interferes with a consistent yoga practice.  

And, I always had the service industry to fall back on.  I think in the last two years, I have been too reliant on it.  Instead of pushing myself into learning more about being my own boss, I have been more than happy to work weekends at a restaurant.  I still will do something to supplement my income.  In addition, I am holding myself accountable to grow more.  Evolve my business and make it more sustainable.  I can no longer dial it in.

As a result, here is this month's calendar.  Consider joining an outdoor park session on Saturday.  Or one of the donation-based Tuesday morning classes at the Jazzercise Studio.  It is a wonderful way to get a taste of what I offer.  Of course, I love the Detox to Retox Yoga session.  I think that is my baby.  It has evolved into a community class.  And it has inspired me to be more creative with items that I have to sample afterwards.  In the past, cooking eggplant seemed like a mess.  A ton of olive oil to cook through it.  I have a recipe in my wheelhouse that I love.  I roast the eggplants and create baba ghanoush.  There is a greek dip that is a crowd favorite and seasonally, I look forward to autumn creations.

I intend to add an early morning class virtually.  I am considering Thursday at 6 :15.  Also, being more content driven with my social media.  I am releasing some of my childhood fears and hoping to be more authentic in posting on social media.  This segways to this blog.  I am embracing putting myself out there. No more staying in the comfort of the lane that I know.  Life is short.  I know that I have written about this numerous times.  How do you want to spend the rest of your life?  Stressed?  Comfortable?  Or do you want to challenge boundaries that you have manufactured for yourself?  I choose to challenge and grow.  No more being comfortable.

Until next time, celebrate, enjoy and taste life!