The best gifts are trips and massages.....

Last month, someone said to me that the only presents that they ever wanted anymore were trips or massages. I must agree that those are two of the best gifts anyone could give! Both of them are experiences that allow you to fully enjoy the present moment and what could be better than being in the now?

I love massages but, a few weeks later, I don't have distinct memories of the experience. Trips, however, are a different story. Traveling is one of the most amazing ways to spend your time. You get to experience a new or an old favorite locale, enjoy food, drink, scenery, activities and more. If you get to do it with a loved one or close friend, even better!

I recently returned from a fabulous trip my boyfriend took me on to celebrate my birthday. We drove up the coast to Central California and stayed in Pismo Beach and explored the wineries in San Luis Obispo County. Nobody warned us that the wineries are a dangerous 5 miles from Pismo! It was all too easy to head over for a day of tasting.

The scenery was magical. Rugged California coastline quickly gives way to rolling golden hills sprinkled with wineries, beautiful trees and vibrant flowers. It was 72 degrees and sunny. At Wolff Winery, we were able to sit out in an enchanted garden, under a tree with a tinkling fountain beneath it and taste wines. Our host Clive was a hoot and a wealth of information. We felt like we were a million miles away in the quiet, scenic SLO valley. No thoughts of home, work, responsibilities interrupted our escape.

Experiencing a new place is just one of my favorite things to do. You have the opportunity to just be. And, even just a weekend of getting out of your head and living in the now is rejuvenating. So, I will always remember my birthday of 2009 through the memories and photos of our trip to Pismo Beach. Much better than a new necklace or pair of shoes any day!!

We have to keep transforming ourselves

to become who we ought to be. I love this quote and it really seems to sum up my life path.

I was feeling a little discouraged the other day because I was questioning if I'd made the right choices in my career. A niggling little fear crept up and made me ask the question (again) whether I was crazy to quit corporate life as a lawyer and teach yoga and pilates full-time. What was I doing again? How was I going to support myself? Was I wasting my education? ...And, and, and....

But, as usual, whenever fear creeps in, an affirmation comes to remind me that I am in the flow, I am living my dream, I am doing what I should be doing with my life!

One of my newer yoga students came up to me after class and told me that she wants to cry at the end of my class because she knows she has to wait a week to take it again. She said it was the favorite part of her week. How amazing is that? How grateful do I feel? I receive these reminders almost every single day. I never got this type of validation when I was an attorney. Or in sales. Or any other "traditional" career hat that I tried to wear.

The bottom line is that wellness and nurturing have always been my passions. I made a giant detour leaving the personal training field for a 10 year detour into law and sales but, I've returned. And, I know I am on the right track!

Many of my lawyer friends, well, many of all my friends, tell me that they can't leave their current career because 1. they spent a lot of money on school, 2. they've invested time in the field, etc etc. I always say, Who cares! Are you happy? The last 6 months that I practiced law, I cried daily in the shower before I left for the office. Not happy.

Life is too short to waste it. We are all really good at several things. That doesn't mean that we have to do them for 30 years and be unfulfilled.

I really do believe that if you've got a passion for something, go for it. Of course, be responsible, set up a safety net (at least a little one!!) but, try it. What is the worst that can happen? Failure? I think that my great failures were my biggest learning experiences and were just part of my path.

This is my first real blog entry...not sure if I'm doing it right?? But, I've got to get it started, right? Until later.

Yoga is a journey, unique to each person who embarks upon it. An effective method of self-transformation, yoga teaches us to be present each and every moment of our lives. Anyone, regardless of body type, age, experience or physical ability can practice yoga. People are drawn to yoga for many reasons, such as relieving stress, healing an injury, seeking greater flexibility, balance and strength. Achieving happiness and peace of mind are the end result, regardless of where you begin.
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