Gratitude for 2020

This year has brought so many ups and downs.

Life during a pandemic… life during fire season in California… the rollercoaster ride of chaotic and unpredictable times and global change… immense personal growth and healing… changes in my work life, relationships and routines…

Through all of this, I choose to stay grateful.

2020 has been filled with blessings for me. I am so grateful for…

My Trail Running Practice

Trail running has truly transformed me, physically and mentally. It continually teaches me resilience, adventurous spirit, focus, determination, and balance.

7 Half Marathons in 7 months!? New friendships. New awareness of my body and how to care for myself.

This is only the beginning of my running practice, and I’m so excited to see where things go from here!

More Time Spent Outdoors

Pandemic life and working from home really gave me a kick in the butt to get outside and I’ve kept that trend going throughout the year. Being in nature gives me peace. It helps me ground my energy immediately and puts my life in perspective. Nature reminds us that everything is going to be OK, no matter what season we are in. ;)

I’m grateful that 2020 has inspired me to hike, walk and bike more, and to keep exploring. Highlights include Mount Shasta, Burney Falls, Harbin Hot Springs, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and lots of beautiful local spots here in Butte County.

A Resilient Workout Routine & Balanced Nutrition

Fire season starting this summer has been challenging. Smoke-filled skies have made it hard to run and practice yoga in the park the way I’d like to. Yet, I’m grateful that I’m learning to build more resilience into my movement routines.

On days when the air isn’t healthy, I focus more on an indoor workout and mixing up my routine. Jumping rope, doing bodyweight exercises, and diving more into yoga taught online with master-level teachers has been amazing.

I’m proud to say I’m consistently working out 5-6 times a week and my movement practice is adaptable no matter where I am or what the circumstances are. Resilience ~ what a gift from 2020!

I've been working hard with my fitness routine, finding balance, and healing so much around my nutrition, too. At the start of quarantine I was struggling with emotional eating and have been able to explore why that is, look at my beliefs about body image, and do some profound healing. Shifting my habits and awareness from a space of self acceptance and love has been so empowering. Not easy to do, and so worth it! It is through the inner emotional work that I’ve been able to make sustainable changes with what I eat and how I feel about myself.

Courage to Create Online Video Content

This year I’ve been expanding my comfort level around being on camera for video posts. It took years to become comfortable doing photo shoots, and I’m working on finding that same level of authenticity and relatability when I do videos. Healing my skin has been a big part of this, too! For years, I’ve struggled with acne and sensitive skin (breakouts, redness, super fun) and so there’s been this part of me that wants to hide. A new skincare regimen and stepping up my nutrition and hydration have been helping my skin heal a ton, so I’m feeling newfound confidence to share yoga videos and be my natural self on camera.

I plan to continue to grow in this area in the weeks and months to come, sharing more of my story and embracing vulnerability.

Publishing Book Projects

2020 has been an incredibly exciting and productive year for me in terms of creative projects. I finished and published Inner Fire and also released a new edition of Spark. I’m currently working on my next book and can’t wait to share it. I want the book writing process to be an ongoing part of my life and am so grateful to continue learning and growing through my writing!

Rest & Reflection

I’ve been doing a lot of inner work this year. Reflecting on past experiences, traumas, cyclical patterns and behaviors…noticing when and how I give my power away, and finding new ways to protect my energy… using my voice to speak my truth… giving myself permission to do less and just be.

Some of my favorite practices lately:

• Early morning meditation and journaling from my cozy little spot in the garage ;)

• Salt baths

• Foam rolling, myofascial release, and mobility work

• Slow walks with Kila

• Reading (current favorites: The Four Agreements, Can’t Hurt Me, Rethink Love, and Love Warrior)

• Saying no to things I don’t really want to do

• Keeping time on my calendar where there are no plans and enjoying slow mornings

Fun with My Pup

Kila is always such a gift in my life! We’ve been enjoying great walks, adventures and cuddles all year.

Personal Healing

2020 has been a period of immense personal growth. I attribute this to a variety of things:

• Leaning in toward discomfort

• Honoring my emotions but not letting them determine my behavior

• Letting the breakdowns become breakthroughs and seeing emotions as energy in motion

• Using my voice to speak up about my needs

• Meditating consistently

• Waking up early

• Hiring a financial coach

• Keeping a consistent and structured schedule

• Taking ownership for all areas of my life

• Sobriety and living an active lifestyle with clarity and purpose

Gratitude & Love

The level of depth, authenticity, appreciation and love that I’ve been experiencing in relationships has been incredible this year! I’m so grateful for my support system and I have such amazing people in my corner! My local yoga community and the Alive in the Fire community are such a gift in my life, too. YOU are a gift in my life!

What blessings has this year brought to you?

What are you looking forward to this fall season?

I’d love to hear!

May we continue to build resilience and support each other as we continue on the rollercoaster ride of 2020.