New Year Thoughts By: Denise Orsulak

I love the time around New Years. It reminds me to look back at the past year to see what felt great in my life and what was just meh or downright awful.
 
I look through my calendar day by day "to see" where my time, money, and attention was spent. This is done while having a written list of my personal values close by to see if I have been true to myself or not.
 
I must do this to remember. I forget so many things good and not so good. I think we tend to remember the not so good things more than the good. So, a reflection on the past, helps to plan your future. And focus on the good and the progress and growth that happens in a year and maybe even in several years.
 
This past year brought me:
 
To a new yoga space, one that is filled with warmth (literally from radiant floor heat) and so many new friends I have met through our community.
 
To meeting so many new professionals talking about Yoga Therapy, to Tai Chi, to meditation.
 
To being awarded a mentor pin from my 15-year-old son who received his Eagle Scout Award.
 
To paying extra close attention to my body and building strength to help alleviate back pain I had been experiencing for some time.
 
To starting an "exercise class" Core Strength and Balance that was new to me teaching that has been so much fun and helpful in keeping me motivated to do core strengthening.
 
To letting go of the things that were not enriching my life.
 
To letting go of relationships that didn't sync up with my personal values.
 
What was missing in 2018?
 
Education...The stuff that keeps my creativity flowing and time away to give me space from my day to day.
 
I realized in my year review that I had been putting off some course that I have been wanting to take for some time now. I love to take courses and to learn new things and ways to help myself and my clients as well.
 
For example, I had been looking at this Life Coaching Course at a local community college for more than the last year, but it's only on Saturdays and Saturdays are busy with my family and I teach yoga on Saturdays. Case in point....there will never be a good time to take this course, AND I signed up for it New Year's Day and I will not be able to teach my Saturday Class and I will miss a Gymnastics and Swim meet, AND it will be just fine when I explain that all to my students and family members.
 
SO, I registered, and I can't wait to attend!
 
Other exciting opportunities that I already scheduled? A weekend in a Tiny House to give it a go, a sports medicine class in Boston that will keep my young gymnast her healthiest, A myofascial release course that's been on my to do for 10 years!
 
How many people have you heard I'll do that when...I am on vacation, or when my kids are older, or some other time in the future? That when might never come.
 
I say listen to your heart and start today. Make the time for what's important to you. Write those things on the calendar before your calendar gets filled up with all the other things to do.
 
I encourage you to look at your calendar and see what you did last year and see what is calling you and challenge yourself to follow the call...Make it work somehow. Don't wait to learn and grow. Do it now. Ask for help. Take baby steps to design the life you want to live.
 
Happy New Year! And let us know what it is that you have been drawn to doing.... writing a book, learning an instrument, painting, starting an exercise program, switching jobs, spending more time with family, traveling adventures?
 
With Love,
 
Denise