New Year, new Buddha 🙂
I think there’s real value in reflecting on the past, not only for the sake of creating New Year’s resolutions but in order to see what’s shaped you, who you’ve been and where you need to go. 2014 was a crazy, rocky, beautiful and transformative year for me. I went through a lot of major life changes and I’m really proud of myself for rolling with the punches–you know, going WITH the flow, not against it.
This time last year I had just left my career as a news reporter and had started to create my own freelance writing business. I had to stomp out my fears, ignore outside opinions and just do what I know I wanted and needed to do: follow my heart.
Shortly after I started writing independently I learned my Grandad had terminal lung cancer. I was so lucky to spend time with him in the hospital during his last days, but his passing–just 2 weeks before my 25th birthday–was difficult. His death reminded me of how precious life is and how important it is to make self-care, health and wellness a priority.
With that in mind and with my Grandad’s lingering belief in me, I knew it was time to follow another major passion of mine: yoga. I pushed self-doubt out the door and decided to sign up for yoga teacher training in June. I came out a certified instructor feeling completely connected to myself and the world around me, inspired and powerful! I immediately started teaching anywhere and anytime I could to gain experience and confidence.
Practicing my hollowback handstand in my new apartment!
While I was building my life around teaching yoga and writing, my boyfriend and I were also looking for a place to live together as his historic, cozy family home was going up for sale. We eventually settled on a welcoming apartment in Toronto with a breathtaking view of the lake, ample space and lots of soothing, natural lighting.
Amidst all that I also got in my first real car accident and totalled my Grandad’s last gift to me–his cherished Toyota Tercel. From that experience I learned how important it is to focus on one thing at a time, how precious our bodies are and how easily compromised they can become. It took me months to physically recover from that accident and I’m grateful every day to be alive and mobile!
In 2014 I changed careers and became self-employed, lost my Grandad to cancer, got certified as a yoga teacher, totalled my car and moved to the big city. I cried, laughed, took risks, made changes and survived–no, I lived! With 2014 being a year of changes for me, I’m setting my sights on stability and presence for 2015. I’m finally getting settled in my new career and my new place and I’m ready to explore new possibilities with the support of the earth under my feet.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! Ask yourself this: who was I in 2014 and why? AND who do I want to be in 2015 and why? Peace, love and light to you all.
Namaste.
❤