The start of a new year always comes with hope, promises, and resolutions. I have made many of them in the past. At some point most of us seem to lose these agreements we make with ourselves. Why is it so hard for us to keep these promises? The simple answer is... you are not doing something you love. By love I mean something you are truly passionate about. Something that moves you and engulfs your heart. It may sound silly but you can truly find something you are passionate about.
Let's first talk about time. I understand more than I'd like to about having no time for yourself. I am married with three beautiful little girls, I am teacher training for yoga, I work seasonally, I oversee two blogs... did I mention I have three kids :) I get it I really do but let me tell you a secret, taking care of yourself mentally and physically is so very important. We want to keep doing for the people we love and feel good and happy. We want to have fun and enjoy our lives. Not taking care of ourselves today can lead to worries tomorrow. That is why it is so very important to love yourself enough to make time. You are beautiful and one of a kind there will never be anyone like you on this earth, love yourself and make time for yourself.
Exercising can be such a struggle for many of us. We all know that we need to get up and move to take care of ourselves. Yoga can offer you a beautiful balance. It will transform your mind and body. Though I didn't always feel that way about it. I remember trying yoga many years ago when I was all about the gym. I just kept thinking there is no way I'm going to lose weight doing this, it's so boring. I figured it just wasn't for me. I continued doing cardio and lifting. I looked fit but I felt absolutely horrible. I was short tempered I had a headache all the time and I was just downright miserable. I kept thinking what am I doing wrong I'm taking such good care of myself and I feel like crap. The problem was my mind and body were on two different pages I had no balance and no love for what I was doing. I hated it and I forced myself to do it every day! That's the problem with our promises to take care of ourselves. We force ourselves into things that just aren't for us. I found yoga and it has been a beautiful journey. I love everything about it. I love my teacher Lesli she is amazing she continues to teach me so much. I am still learning and taking my time absorbing everything in at my own pace and I will enjoy every step of the journey.
Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee. Montaigne
I wanted to share the books pictured above with you because they changed my life so much. They are not all new books but they are books I read last year to present that resonated with me. I want you to start the new year off loving yourself, being gentle to yourself, and finding inspiration wherever you can.
The Four Agreements: Don Miguel Ruiz
This book will absolutely free you and have you nodding your head in agreement. The Four Agreements will change your life and open your eyes to everything around you. I have passed this book on to so many people. My teacher told me to read it and was the first book I read while teacher training. It is so beautifully inspiring and enlightening. You will take so much away with you reading this. It teaches us how to enjoy true freedom. If you have never read this book it is a must read. It will truly change you.
Make Your Own Rules Diet: Tara Stiles
While this book has diet in the title I feel it is a lifestyle change book but with your own rules. It feels like Tara is speaking straight to you through the book. Whatever diet you were going to embark on this new year read this book first. She teaches us how to move our bodies, calm our minds, and nourish ourselves. The book is written with ease and will make you understand how to take better care of yourself. The book covers everything you want to know about being healthy, feeling good, and loving yourself in the process. Another life changing book for me. I adore Tara and this book. This is the only diet you will ever need. This will provide you with perfect inspiration.
Om Yoga A Guide To Daily Practice: Cyndi Lee
When I first started doing yoga a carried this little book around the house with me for months. I still use it to this day. It has adorable and simple illustrations with daily practices tabbed with everyday of the week. This book is wonderful to start yoga at home. It isn't overly technical. It is great for beginners and busy people. If you are just getting started this book is perfect for you. The book has a fun approach that is uplifting. It also make a wonderful reference guide. When I first started this book got me moving everyday.
