Trust!

I’ve come into contact with so many people that have trust issues. Whether it’s from a past hurt in a relationship, childhood memories, or a cynicism about life in general - trust is hard for some.

What if…what if you let go of the hurt and tried trust again? What if you surrendered to the sweet calmness that forgiveness offers and being to trust?

Am I saying be naive and trust everyone?! Nope - but we can free ourselves from the emotional roller coaster that comes with not trusting people, environments or experiences…I’m talking to myself here, but if it lands with you, you’re welcome!

There is a release that happens in the mind and body when you begin to trust. Sometimes I don’t understand the when, what, where, how of situations and people (still learning to not lean on my own understanding!), but when I begin to let go of the emotional decisions and completely random opinions, gratitude fills my heart for the experience and I learn to trust reality and not the stories that I’ve concocted in my head. Is it hard? Yes. Thankfully, you/we can do hard things!

I‘m continuing my intention to trust in my Power and Yin classes this week! I hope that you will join me - first class is always free! www.charlottefamilyyoga.com/schedule

It’s ok to say, “I wasn’t ready”

It’s ok to look back and say, “I wasn’t ready.”

I absolutely love this pic (thread the needle and I was there for every relaxing bit of it!)! It was taken at the Van Gogh with Lifeway Kefir Immersive Yoga experience last week. I’m so excited and HONORED to teach at the Immersion experience on Thursday mornings at 8:30 am! There have been so many opportunities for me to practice and teach yoga in some amazing spaces this past year - so much gratitude for my name being in the room where it happens!

I’ve been practicing and teaching for awhile now and I remember thinking, I want to teach here..and there, and I should be an ambassador here and there. This weekend, as I taught my first all-levels class at the White Water Center, while driving home it dawned on me…I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to teach, and cue, and notice/acknowledge each person individually and allow them to see me. The real me, not the me I showed to the world because I was busy being everything to everybody. But this weekend, I showed up as myself. Corny, playful, full of shenanigans, but able to bring the students back to the basics of practice - breath and movement.

I wasn’t ready to answer questions about breath techniques because I was barely taking deep breaths 3 years ago. My shallow breathing, fast paced life was all I knew. Gratitude for this path that I’m on and the teachers that were patient enough to walk with me, notice my immaturity and still love on me and guide me in the right direction. I love how God strategically places the right people around me at the right time!

These days, as I slow down and move into being instead of doing (it’s still a balancing act!), I’m able to find comfort in knowing exactly who I am and how I’m show up in this world. It’s taken a whole lot of courage to face some deep fears, prayers to release control, and surrender to the purpose and will that God has for my life! I still have aspirations to do great things, but I’m ok with acknowledging, with the biggest smile, “I’m not ready”.

Mother’s Day 2021

Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that people either love or hate, for various reasons. I realized that Mother’s Day can be especially hard those those that lost their mom or have a strained relationship with their mom. To those, I hope that you find one seed of joy in the day, instead of stating how much you hate Mother’s Day :-)

I personally LOVE Mother’s Day - It’s like a second birthday in my household! My kids are always making me some random picture or craft and trying to get something from TJ Maxx for me! My hubby will get me some sneakers or something random that I would never buy for myself…it’s usually all rainbows and butterflies! There are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day, but my way is with my family and my auntie/BFF! We planned a quick trip to Baltimore, MD to enjoy lobster rolls, Chick-fil-A and Marvel movies.

My mom is still here and will remind us (my brother and I) that she doesn’t need or want anything…so I usually send her a Saks gift card to use at some point during the year when she “wants” something. I can’t remember doing anything special or giving her anything when I lived at home, but I know she’s worth everything in the world that she wants or needs!

Mother’s Day this year is a bit more special because it marks 1 year of my website launch! It’s been a wild ride since then, being quarantined for longer than originally anticipated, leaving Corporate America and working in the yoga studio more than usual. I’ve tried to keep the site updated as much as possible, and it’s been a great landing pad for my yoga schedule and events, financial planning sessions, and devotion musings! I love my path as a CPA, Yoga Teacher, wife, and daughter, but my favorite title is mommy/ma/mom/mama/mummy! My two little bunnies make my heart sing in addition to frazzling every single nerve…and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Happy Mother’s Day!