Happy New Year, love bugs!
As I sit here reminiscing and pondering over 2015, I am filled with so much gratitude. So much has happened. So much has changed. For each experience (entirely inclusive of the good, the bad and the ugly), I am so utterly thankful for. It has led me to where I am and who I am today.
I’ve heard a lot of people talk lately about how awful 2015 was for them. I am a firm believer that we are never given more than we can handle. I also truly believe that we are responsible for how we choose to react to each offering life gives us. Sometimes we need to learn lessons. We occasionally need to take a roll in the mud to find clarity. Sometimes we need to grow…change…evolve. Growth doesn’t happen without hiccups and challenges. The events that shake us most help shape us into the incredible higher beings that we have deeply rooted within us. They connect us with our inner knowing – our true Self.
We are fully capable of handling everything that comes to us in life. It is up to us how we choose to react and respond to each given situation that we happen upon.
2014 was life-changing for me. I was laid off. A two and a half year relationship came to a screeching halt. My sweetheart 11 year old rabbit (Lexx) died. My Mum got sick and lost her life to cancer two weeks after being diagnosed. Those were just the big things. That year could have shaped me in so many different ways. It could have seriously flattened me out on my ass, had I let it. I had choices to make. Be strong, persevere and be grateful or just let everything drag me straight down. Was it an easy year? Hell no! I chose to trust that the universe had a plan for me. I chose to trust myself – my strength, my inner fire and a deeper sense of knowing.
My choice of mindset through the “shit storm” that was 2014 led me straight here. All of these things shook me in to remembering that life is too short to sweat the small stuff (and, trust me…in the grand scheme of things, it’s all really effing small). I gave up working at a desk and I decided to pursue my dreams. I stopped worrying about whether or not I was ready and simply trusted that I am enough exactly as I am. Sure, 2014 was enveloped with a bunch of losses, but in the end it brought me so much more joy than all of the heartache. It brought me to the point of pursuing what I wanted instead of waiting around for it. I had the power of choice (as we all do) and I took this path with all of my might.
2014’s hardships offered me a fresh perspective and led me into this incredible journey through 2015.
Oh, 2015. I have my dream job where I am grateful everyday that I get to share my passion with so many beautiful souls. I work with / for some incredible people at six different facilities – one of these places is the studio I had dreamt of teaching at since the first day I stepped foot inside my now-yoga hOMe. My dream job has also led me to meeting a loving army of yogis that meet me on the mat regularly (and sporadically) that I am so grateful for – without you lovely yogis / students, I wouldn’t be able to live this beautiful dream that is now my reality. I am also proudly an Inner Fire Luminary and a Mala Rae ambassador – two beautiful and incredible Canadian companies I love and support. Most important of all, I have some of the most fabulous loved ones in my life that have allowed me to lean on them when I grow tired of being strong all the time (and who have trusted me to do the same for them), who I can share endless and belly-aching laughter with and who love me just as I am (who I am lucky enough to love right back. I am so bloody grateful for today. 2015 has had its hiccups, too, but nothing to write home about.
It’s been an incredible year. So much growth and personal evolution has happened. I feel more centred and ready to keep pursuing my dreams. I feel incredibly blessed for all that I have and, most importantly, everything I have to offer.
Reflecting on 2015, what will you choose to make of what it offered you? What will you choose to cultivate for 2016?
I can’t wait to see what will come in 2016. Cultivating endless love, dream chasing and growth. Wishing you everything your heart desires for this beautiful New Year, my loves!
See you on the mat! xoxo
Yoga with Ciara 