Breathe First...And Try New Things

I think I have a dual personality.  

I've always been a dreamer.  I marvel at that person who jets off alone to exotic locations to experience new cultures.  I admire those ladies in their "golden years" who sign up to take art classes, or photography courses or salsa dancing.  I am awed by the young girl at the coffee shop who has dyed her hair all the beautiful colors of the rainbow.  I am envious of that person with the less-than-perfect body who wears the most bold and outrageous outfit and rocks it with ultimate confidence.  I am moved by the older gentleman with Parkinsons who comes to my class and decides to try yoga for the first time even though it is physically challenging for him.  These are the people who inspire me.  

I love those people who aren't concerned with fitting in.  Those people who try new things and experience life to the fullest.  I want to be that person.  

But unfortunately, the other side of my personality often holds me back.  I've always been the logical one.  The practical one.  The planer.  I'm also a worrier...a "what if" person.  I lack that "who cares what people think" attitude.  But, I'm trying.

I am taking small steps.  Doing new things.  Trying new things.  Making mistakes along the way, but at least I'm doing SOMETHING. 

When January First hit, I made a decision.  I was going to make a list.  A list of things I would do or try in the upcoming year.  They're not necessarily huge, life-changing things (well, some might be), but they are things I've always wanted to do and never had the guts to do them because they're a little outside my comfort zone.  

So here I go....taking a deep breath....and trying new things.  

My "Breathe First...And Try New Things" List   

1. Become a Health Coach
2. Take a Cooking Class
3. Try Floating (AKA Life Float or Urban Float)
4. Post a Video  (Yoga anyone?)
5. Blog...consistently and openly
6. Read self help and nutrition books--and then actually put the advice to work
7. Draw, paint or create something...and then display it or share it
8. Learn a song on the Ukulele and play it well
9. Make something with the sewing machine that I've had for 5 years and not touched
10. Experience new Healing Modalities, Relaxation Techniques and/or Exercise Classes (even if they seem a little weird)

So, what about you?  Any new things you'd like to do or try in the upcoming year?  You've got 12 whole months (almost)!  Make a list of your top ten things.  Then BREATHE...and do them, slowly but surely!

Now, I showed you my list...wanna show me yours?  :)   

Namaste Friends,

Dorothy

2018

The Year Of Breathing First and Trying New Things

I'm On My Way...

It's so funny to go back and read my posts.  It seems my goals have been morphing continuously over the past year or so.  I'm happy to say, though, I think I'm on my way...

I'm pursuing my passions.  

After much deliberation, I chose a school to study Health Coaching.  In September I started my program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  I love it.  Over the course of a year, I will learn the basics of over 100 Dietary Theories and I will discover how to use coaching techniques to help people define their health goals and reach them in a holistic and sustainable manner.  I get to guide people to a better state of health, so they can be their best selves--happier, healthier, more energetic.  What could be more fulfilling than that?  

The best part is, I can incorporate my Yoga background.  You see, IIN believes that good health isn't just about nutrition.  Nutrition is your "Secondary Food".   It matters of course, but there are other things that affect your health as well...things like relationships, physical activity, spirituality, and your career.  These are your "Primary Foods".  If your Primary Foods are out of whack, good luck resisting that pint of ice cream!  Stress can do a number on your primary foods!  So, Yoga to the rescue!  Yoga combines physical activity AND spirituality to help you manage stress and get you into a healthy mindset.  Plus, in my classes, I really LOVE to promote a sense of community and foster relationships between my yogis.  So BOOM!  Three Primary Foods addressed by yoga!  Ha!  

I'm joking a little bit there...yoga won't solve ALL your problems, but man, it can sure make you feel healthier and happier!    :)

Anyway, that is what is going on here.  I'm on my way.  Pursuing my passions.  I'm also hoping to squeeze in my other passion, which is writing.  Hopefully, this is the start of my string of blogs.  We'll see....

Namaste, Yogis! 

Tall Mountain at Yosemite National Park

Yoga Snack:  When feeling "blah", stand in Tall Mountain--Reach up to the sky and take a deep breath in.  Relax your shoulders down. You will re-charge instantly!