Our brains are powerful.

I’ve been reflecting on that this week. With more quiet time alone, I’ve been noticing thought patterns and habits, noticing what gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Self-isolation has brought up some beautiful moments for self-reflection and inquiry.

In this quiet space, I have the opportunity to work on healing some patterns that I’ve carried for years:

Body image— loving and accepting my body as it is, feeling strong, being kind to myself
Work and productivity— stepping back from overworking myself, taking things slowly
Wanting to take care of everyone else— I’m finally #1 on my list of priorities, and it feels amazing
Connection— noticing who I give my time and energy to, and which relationships leave me feeling fulfilled and cared for
Health— I’ve recently started running again, and I’m so proud of that habit! I’m also coming up on one year of having quit drinking alcohol and I’m SOOOO proud of that one, especially now so that it’s not an unhealthy coping mechanism during this time!

Of course, I’ve had some moments of intense emotion and struggle. We are all finding ways to cope on a day-to-day basis.

One way I’ve been staying positive is by looking back through some memories over the past year, and really sitting with the moments that have been amazing. 31 was a fantastic year for me overall, and although this new birthday (March 18) wasn’t great, I still plan on having some fun adventures and learning a lot in 2020.

Want to share some of my favorite memories over the last year? ;)

Here we go…

Open mic nights, reading my poetry. The first time I did a reading I was soooooo nervous! Like, shaking! It was almost like an out of body experience being up there in front of the crowd.

But gradually over the weeks and months, it became more comfortable. I grew to love showing up and sharing my poetry!

I already miss the fun group of people who always perform, and I can’t wait to get back to open mic.

I did SO many fun photo shoots this year! Photo shoots are my absolute favorite. I love being present to the moment, getting creative, challenging myself, and finding ways to document my practice.

Shoots are an amazing way that I build my self-confidence, and I love getting the chance to collaborate with other talented artists.

Hope to plan some epic shoots very soon!

My trip to Joshua Tree Desert for a yoga shoot was hands down my favorite moment in 2019. SOOOOOO rad!! We got so many epic shots, and there were so many magical moments just being present in this incredible place in nature.

The weekend IN JT helped me ground, feel my power, and manifest dreams into reality. Extremely grateful

Did some killer workouts, of course! I’m lucky that I’ve gotten to work with some of the best personal trainers in Chico, and get to know so many other like-minded people who are passionate about health and fitness.

I ran a 5K this year and hope to do a half marathon sometime soon ;)

Traveling to Chicago and to Napa on some solo trips— both were definitely highlights in 2019!

I also absolutely LOVE being out in nature here in northern California. Chico is such a beautiful place to live, and I’m grateful I recently have been able to travel up to Shasta and to Burney Falls.

Training with YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS in Texas!!! This was a huge part of my year last year. So grateful to be a part of the YFFR family.

The week-long training and those ridealongs have been some of the most eye-opening experiences, and have transformed how I think about, teach, and practice yoga.

Hopefully after all the COVID stuff settles down, I can get some local classes going again!

Made some great strides in my self care, my home practice, and overall willingness to grow personally.

Releasing SPARK, my book of poems, continues to feel like a huge accomplishment— and a bold, vulnerable move to put my work out there. I’ve got another book in the works that I hope to release soon. ;)

Of course, Kila and I had some great times together. She is truly a blessing in my life!

Teaching yoga ~ has been and continues to be such a gift!

Having over 50 people in the room on Thanksgiving Day was certainly a highlight.

And I can’t tell you how much I miss teaching in the park, and at the jiu jitsu gym!!!

I read somewhere once that we tend to think the same thoughts over and over again, day after day.

I’ve also heard that the brain can’t distinguish between what’s an actual experience and an imagined one. Both are so vivid that they cause tangible responses in the body.

So, my thought— why not meditate on the good times?

If you’re experiencing anxiety, or having trouble sleeping, try adding a new routine into your day: spend five minutes envisioning a positive memory that you absolutely love. Bring to mind everything you can remember from that time. What did you see, feel, taste, touch, smell? What emotions did you experience? Let your entire being be swept into that memory, and how good it felt.