Small Steps

December is almost upon us. Not only does it bring with it my favorite time of year; but it also marks the anniversary of my second year in remission from lymphoma.

Being diagnosed with cancer was a huge turning point in my life, as I'm sure you can imagine. Not only did it bring my mortality into very sharp focus; but the months during which I was going through chemotherapy allowed me to really think about and clarify a clearer vision for my life.

Although it took some time for me to actually act on some of the things I was considering; this past summer I did take a huge step in realizing one dream by moving to New York City.

Recently, a friend and I were having a conversation about life and where we saw our futures heading. In having this conversation, I realized that the life I have always imagined for myself is no longer the life I necessarily want.

This summer I have plans to travel to South Africa and I'm giving a lot of thought as to where to go after that. 

I'm forming a picture in my mind of becoming a world citizen. Living in different countries and immersing myself in other cultures. I want to know what it feels like to live in a society that does not live to work; where material wealth is not the end goal. I want to live simply and experience the joy in that.

My friend had a different vision for where he ultimately saw himself, but we did agree on one thing; it's important to start small -  to take one step each day that will help get us closer to our individual objectives. 

I challenge you today to think about the vision you have for your life. Consider your future, and then start small. Do something each day that will eventually help you realize the future you have always imagined.

Loving the Journey...

As I'm sure most of you are aware, we are experiencing some severe weather here on the East Coast (thanks Hurricane Sandy). I'm not complaining too much though, as it does give us an extra day to rest and relax; which I personally, desperately need at the moment. I'm also using some of this time to consider my next steps. 

New York has been great; but I am starting to feel restless. I'm considering my options and putting great thought into what I would like to do next. I've put in an application to volunteer at a wildlife preserve in South Africa this summer and am considering simplifying life considerably and moving to Vermont in the fall - renting a little cottage, working part-time and concentrating on the things I love doing (a sabbatical of sorts). If not now - when, right?

In all honesty, I do miss Virginia, but I don't think its time to go back yet. There are still some things I need to see and experience. I feel a little like the leaves blowing outside my window - I'm floating, not sure where I'm going to end up. I'll guess I'll get there eventually. Right now, I'm staying excited for the journey and learning to love the process.

Until next time...

Take your risks now, as you grow older you become more fearful and less flexible.

                                                                                           -Amy Poehler

If Not Now, When?

It's been a busy weekend and I was really looking forward to a lazy Sunday. That being said...I'm not sure how I found myself running on a high school track at 7:00 this morning. 

Those of you that know me, know that I am NOT a runner. In fact, it has always been one of my least favorite things to do in the world. So much so, that if I was being chased by a bear, I would seriously have to debate whether to run for my life or fall down and play dead.

But I digress...back to this morning...

When my mother invited me to go running this morning, I wanted to decline, roll over and go back to sleep; but I decided to get up because I've been all about trying new experiences lately. "Who knows," I thought, "maybe I'll get out there and decide I love it."

Well, I did not decide I loved running; but it was not as bad as I thought it would be...in fact, I will admit (grudgingly), I felt really good afterward. I then proceeded to come home and complete an at home cross-fit work out, which maaayyy have been a bit too much after this morning's foray around the track, but hey, you live and you learn right? The point is, I tried something new; something I never thought I could even remotely enjoy and discovered that it really wasn't that bad. 

We all know, doing the same thing day after day and expecting different results is the definition of madness. If we want something different for our lives, we must be willing to branch out and do things differently than we always have. 

I recently read the following quote by Colin Wright:

You have exactly one life in which to do everything you'll ever do. Act accordingly.

I am reminding myself of this everyday. Life is a series of moments called now. Don't wait for tomorrow to live the life you've always envisioned                                                                       

This Month...

Fall is upon us. The air is crisp, temperatures have cooled and everywhere you look, you can see vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves beginning to peek out from amongst the green.

As we transition into this new season, take the time to try something you've always wanted to do, but could never find the time for.

School has been so busy the past month, that between work and moving, I haven't had the time to really enjoy my "free time." Yoga has been on the back burner, and I haven't been to the park in weeks. This month, I have decided that I will mindfully make the time to do the things that nourish my soul, mind and body.

I've signed up for Cross-Fit training and am signing up for a pottery class. My decision in signing up for these two activities is two-fold. First, they are both something I am interested in and feel I would enjoy, and by taking part in group activities I enjoy, I will meet people who are also interested and enjoy said activities.

My hope is, that in trying out new things, I'll meet new people and begin to make friends in this new city of mine. As we all know, friendship makes the world a brighter place, and friendship is one thing I am woefully lacking here in New York...so that being said, here's to new experiences and the forging of new friendships.

What have you been trying to find the time for, that you might try this month?

Living My Story

I recently found a journal of mine from years ago. Looking at the pictures and quotes I had included amongst my daily thoughts gave me some pause. There were so many visions for my life that I had forgotten about. One picture in particular caught my eye - a picture of the New York City skyline. Leafing through that journal allowed me to remember some of the goals and aspirations I've set for myself over the years, and while some of them no longer applied, some definitely did; such as my desire to live in New York City at least once in my life.

Well, I'm here, and my life at the moment is one huge learning curve. I'm tired beyond imagination; both physically and mentally. But I can honestly say - I'm happy.

I'm having the time of my life and I haven't done much beyond work for the last three weeks (smile). Maybe it's the fact that I am starting to shape a new vision for my life. I'm broadening my horizons and making a list of all the new things that I'd like to try (trapeze classes, knitting, guitar lessons, exploring the Hudson Valley - just to name a few). 

I'm looking out at the world and gazing at the infinite possibility of what the future holds and I'm excited. I am living my story.

Until next time...

Take the time to remember what you've always dreamed of for your life and then ask yourself - What's stopping you?

Jumping In...

This past summer was one of the best of my life so far. I began to find the person I've always been and somehow lost sight of. In doing that, I also realized I could not go back to the way life was. I went back to Virginia and knew that it was no longer my place. Something was missing...and I had to find out what that was. Life is too short to live with regrets - sometimes we just have to jump into the unknown and see where it takes us...

So, here I am; this is me jumping in...I relocated to New York City this past Monday. 

Everything has happened so fast that my head is still spinning. I must say, the way everything came together, I believe it must be fate or kismet that I am here; in this city, at this time.

 I recently read a quote that summed up what I was feeling -

You cannot always wait for the perfect time, sometimes you must dare to jump.

Mustering the courage to do what would truly make me happy regardless of the consequences has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do...but I have full confidence that it is going to be totally worth it...

Until next time, remember - 

some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. 

life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what is going to happen next.

delicious ambiguity...

                                                             - gilda radner

Bittersweet...

Well, my time in NYC is over for now. I go back to Virginia tomorrow; and though I miss my life at home, I have come to love this city.

Yoga teacher training ended on the 27th so I've used the past week to spend time with wonderful friends, eat at great restaurants, explore the Museum of Natural History and watch children play in the fountain at Washington Square Park. I went to Broadway in Bryant Park where I saw performances from Silence the Musical and Mamma Mia. I've visited a lounge with incredible city views at the Dream Hotel and had a relaxing glass of sangria at a very cool wine bar.

Yesterday, as my time here came to a close, a friend took the time to show me some last minute peeks of the city. We had brunch in Brooklyn and then made our way to Central Park, where we laid in the grass, stopped and watched an awesome skating/dance party, were amazed by a woman hula-hooping while playing the violin (how cool is that?), and watched a blazing sunset from the reservoir.

The last 5 weeks have been such a great experience and I'm sad to see it come to an end; but I will be back - more yoga teacher training in September - so...until next time New York...

Views of the city from the Williamsburg Flea Market in Brooklyn

Mamma Mia @ Broadway in Bryant Park..looks like such a fun show
Definitely going to see it on Broadway

Central Park

Skate/Dance party in Central Park. Everyone was having so much fun.
I felt like I had been dropped into a 70's disco movie

For those of you who have seen the movie Enchanted...recognize this bridge?

Spectacular sunset seen from the reservoir
Beautiful end to a great day