Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.

-Margaret Young

"Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment."

— Rumi

My favorite ballerina....

This is a photo I took of my friend, Miss M, last week at the East Nashville Farmer's Market. She had some BIG news to tell me. She could hardly speak, she was so excited. She had just signed up for ballet classes earlier that day. Her little fists were just waving around with joy (see photo) as she described the shoes, tights and the leotard that she got for class. I just had to capture this moment. She was so darn excited about life. I can't remember the last time I was so excited about something that I did a happy dance in public. I want to be so excited about something that I can barely speak. Finding myself so grateful, once again, for inspiration from this little lady. Looking forward to Miss M's first ballet recital.

Pre-haircut panic

I've been having dreams about making some drastic hair changes. In one a few nights ago, I dyed my hair blonde. It could be interesting, but my hair grows way too fast for that. I'd have dark roots in an hour after leaving the salon. I've thought about cutting it short again. I've had hair down to my waist and I've shaved my head....and I loved both. I'm not sure what I want, but I know I'm ready for a change (and I have an appointment tomorrow at 11am with Amanda at Cognito Salon). Time to come up with a plan! I'm open to suggestions. (My hair is a little below my shoulders right now, so that is what I have to work with.) Here is one hairdo I will definitely not be asking Amanda to recreate. There, I've narrowed it down somewhat at least.

Baby Holding Tour 2011

I feel like everyone I know is having babies. Today I drove up to Louisville to snuggle with just a few of my favorite babies and their families. It is so fascinating to me to see people I've been friends with since we were 8 years-old become moms and dads. I'm loving every minute of getting to know their kids. Here are a few photos from my day.

meeting mister w for the first time!

hanging with sweet miss c. later in the day. she smiled a ton. i just happened to snap a photo the one time she wasn't grinning.

a girl and her cat. so sweet.

Yoga Lesson

Last week was tough, but in different ways than I expected. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to say about those few days. Or what is the most honest thing to say about them. I promise I'll say something soon. Anyhow, that major milestone passed, and while it was passing, I didn't go to yoga, hike or eat anywhere near as healthy as I have been. When Monday morning rolled around, I was feeling sluggish and uninspired. It was kind of amazing what the unhealthy foods, lack of movement and serious stress did to my body over the course of less than a week. I knew I needed to lovingly shove myself back in the right direction, so I went to two yoga classes in a row. After my morning superfood smoothie and three hours of yoga, I felt much better. At the beginning of the second yoga class, the instructor shared this with us. I needed to hear it, and it really resonated with many feelings and thoughts I've been having lately. After class, I asked her if I could share it on this blog, and she agreed.

"1 1/2 years ago my father died, a few months ago my mother died. A couple of months ago I closed my yoga studio. I think most would agree that I “deserve to” or “should” feel sad or bad. But here’s the interesting thing, for the most part, I don’t.

Do I now judge myself for not feeling how I think other people expect me to feel? No, I focus on myself, and try to not concern myself with what others are thinking, because what they think does not REALLY affect me.

When we think we need to be, or act a certain way we restrict ourselves. Then energy can’t flow freely through us, and life certainly can’t flow through us.

This thought about restrictions applies to all areas of your life. Are we suppose to be a certain way? Is there something you want to do, but don’t because of fear of other people judging you? For example, when I decided to go natural with my hair, my longest friends were pretty mortified. Why, does this reflect directly upon them? Are they so uncomfortable with someone being okay in their own body or okay being different, that they feel the need to criticize it? I don’t know, but I do know that when I challenge myself, and try not to concern myself with other’s reactions, I grow - I gain clarity and I feel wiser. I believe that those are all things I am here to experience.

Release restrictions of how you think you are suppose to be, and believe you are free to be yourself!

(if you would like to, silently repeat)

I release all restrictions, and I am free to be me!"

Colleen Dwyer, CI, E-RYT - www.blossomingyoga.com

Colleen is such an awesome yoga instructor, and I'm looking forward to taking more of her classes. Check out her schedule of classes and workshops on her website above.)

My Money Tree!

I bought three tiny money trees about two years ago. I killed them all. Oy. What does that mean? I don't even want to think about it. Today I was walking into Kroger, and they had these GIANT money trees for $12.99. It is almost 4ft tall!

They are supposed to bring prosperity and wealth. I can use all the help I can get as far as those things go right now. Hoping I can keep this one alive!