January Resolution: Spontaneity || 1.5.15

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||ON FIRE||

One week to go until I'm reading over books filled with economic based calculus and texts about Hinduism. One week of relaxation coupled with intense panic of the unknown, and I'm back in Winston-Salem, making sense of everything all over again. I'm not as agitated as I was for the beginning of the fall semester; I've made my choice to remain at Wake, and I'm sticking to that decision. But it doesn't mean I don't get a little nervous at the idea of going back to a fuller than full workload. Will I get exhausted again? Burn out? It's the new year, new me kind of deal, but is it? It's never easy transitioning from a little work here and there to a packed, 19 hour day, 7 days of the week kind of deal, but I'm determined to make it work.

This past weekend, I hung out around the house, became frustrated, watched a few seasons of Bones, made a recipe that I can't wait to put a twist on, and thought long and hard about what this new year will mean in the long run. My plan this year? One resolution a month mixed with some new habits and attitude adjustments -- all will be minimally planned and I'll be spending life in the moment (thanks to resolution #1 - Spontaneity). I'm really excited. This week I'm hoping to catch up with friends before I go back and really start living the life I want for my future. Amazing 2015 here I come!

How was your weekend? What are some of your resolutions this year?

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for trusting friendships.

I am grateful for love.

I am grateful for a desire to be more spontaneous.

I am grateful for hope.

I am grateful for passion and commitment.

I am grateful for living a life I am proud to live.

I am grateful for the sun, the moon, and the stars and how they will always keep me on track.

What are you grateful for?

xx

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Slow Down & Take a Load Off || 12.15.14

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||LAZY & FRUSTRATED||

Okay, so the title is a slight exaggeration, but not far from the truth. I feel like the stress that has been building up over the last few weeks -- what am I saying, the last few months -- has caught up with me and reduced me to an exhausted Emily, lying on the couch, and watching Blue Bloods like my life depends on the show. Which it kind of does right now. The lazy, hazy weekend has been extended into the week, into my veins, and into my bones. Hopefully this week I'll get moving, catching up on much needed work, writing some great posts for all of you, and getting ready for my Kula Christmas at the end of the week. I do love the holiday season.

P.S. I made this cornbread over the weekend - twice - it. was. that. good.

P.S.S. If you're traveling home for the holidays over the next week or so, check out my holiday survival guide.

How was your weekend? Eat anything yummy? 

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for -  in the words of Joanna Goddard - "my gorgeous best friend who texts every morning, holds my hand in scary elevators, and sneaks wine into movies." Yep, she's a keeper.

I am grateful for beautiful nights in twinkle lit gardens with my beautiful Momma.

I am grateful for tea with a wonderful woman and incredible friend.

I am grateful for having a puppy in the house who reminds me what yoga off the mat looks like.

I am grateful for Netflix. It had to be said.

I am grateful for love, for I am never without it no matter where I go.

What are you grateful for?

xx

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Be Willing || 12.02.14

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"Yoga is not for the flexible. It's for the willing."

A lot of the time, the new and unknown can be met with trepidation and fear. When introducing yoga to others, the first thing I hear often is that my body can't or oh I could never do this. What is holding you back? The negativity. Yes, maybe you do suffer from some nerve damage or back pain or immense heartache. Yoga can fix this. It can most certainly hurt it if you are not careful, but I believe that yoga can cure everything. That and some leafy greens of course ; - ). But really, the first muscle that needs fine tuning is the brain. Be willing to try. Given half a chance, the body will heal itself. Allow it the opportunity.

Not just in yoga, try and do this with everything fearful in your life. Be willing to tell that person that you love them; laugh so loudly the whole world hears; read books that spark your interest, not necessarily an intense conversation; love without abandon; think first with peace, and act on your thoughts; walk in your truth and be exactly who you want to be in this moment. No fear, just hope and breath and love. Just give yourself a chance. It'll be worth it, I promise.

From what have you been holding yourself back?

 xx

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