New Year, New Me (Inspired by Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess)

Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful, prosperous and healthy new year.

I set the intention to start this new year with a new me (stronger, happier, successful, giving, and more loving). I made many decisions in the past, especially in 2012, that lead me to where I am today, a new path and new direction.  Some choices were risky, some were from the heart, and other were pure reaction, impulse, and hurt.  However, it is in the past and I have vowed that 2013 is my year to dare to dream. 

"Things may happen and often do to people as brainy and footsy as you" - Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess is a classic motivational tool for me, one that gives me inspiration to continue growing in life, to embrace my experiences and to realize that often it is up to me to soar to new heights and to climb over some of the challenging mountains.  I will not deny the fact that I loved having my partner cheering by my side, and realize that there are times when I'm faced taking my own ride.  

"And when you're alone, there's a very good chance, you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.  There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on..."- Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

It takes personal strength, confidence and power to steer myself in the direction I choose and lots of daily affirmations to avoid having to loose. I take pride in loving people, places and things, which leads me to look forward to the adventures that life brings. 

As scared as I am today, here and now, I know in my heart of hearts that I will take risks that will raise most brows. I dare to dream and see where the places I'll go, who I'll be, confident with me, and overwhelmingly filled with glee.

I dare you to dream and to make positive thinking a 2013 theme.

Namaste.

When Life Takes An Unexpected Turn

There are times in this life when you are tested for strength and not the physical kind, but the mental.  A dear friend of mine three years ago was standing against those tests in time and chose to take his own life.  Felt too much pressure from family, career, and the community that he belonged to, from a life he created.  I witnessed the pain that he left behind, it was cowardly and selfish.  That type of pressure can only be described when going through some major life changes, when life takes that unexpected turn.

It is not the direction of the turn that shocks our system or world, but the turn itself.  It is important to look beyond the turn and look at the new direction ahead, picture it as a new journey.  As a direction that will lead you to your goals in life, to accomplishing those intentions that you may have set in the past.

Let's use golf or car racing as an example.  A golfer is looking at the ball at all times, even when they are swinging the club to drive the ball down the green, but what if they didn't calculate the wind speed, if they hit the ball with too much power, or if they were just having a bad day, they still focus their gaze on where they want and hope the ball should land.  They constantly rebuild strength knowing that there are more holes or tournaments ahead.  As for car racers, they are looking beyond the turn to rev it up on the next straight away to chose which of the many gears they need to use in order to make the turn and power through it.

As humans, when life takes a turn, we too must look at the path beyond the turn, so that we are not consumed with the turn itself.  Allowing ourselves to build the strength we need to power through it and continue on this journey called life.  Reminding ourselves that the turns in life are all teachable moments, and you never know when a sharp turn can lead you back to your goals and to a journey of self discovery.

Trust yourself and the course you are taking in this life, and know that there are always turns.  How will you handle the next turn in this life? Are we grateful to those that cheer us on during the turn that may jolt us back into reality?

Namaste.

My Motivation in Life

My motivation in life stems from a need to make a difference, a desire to leave a legacy, and a hunger to stay in the present moment.  I have always had a passion for everything I do in my life.  I am often intentional about what I do.  At times, life throws a curve ball to challenge my balance, which leads to an evaluation of actions I've taken over time.  I then remind myself that what happened in the past, is just that "the past," however past actions have shaped my here and now.


I am proud of the fact that I am a passionate person. That passion drives me to do what I do and to achieve everything I set my mind to. I tend to focus all my energy on things I love, which has enabled me over the years to accomplish many dreams. Not to say that some experiences were not painful, caused me anger, or even made me question what I've become, however, I have learned to overcome those feelings, often generated by fear, by being grateful for every experience that I've had.  I remind myself that I am an able being that has the support of family, friends and teachers that have influenced and mentored me over the years. (Teachers in this context refers to anyone who has taught me a lesson over the years, those teachable moments that can occur at work, home, in a relationship, or in any interpersonal communication interaction).


I am currently pursuing a Virginia Real Estate license, which is very exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. It is an exciting venture because I know that I will be helping people find their home, which is a rewarding experience.  It is also a nerve wrecking experience because it is a brand new industry, one that I am unfamiliar with, but I recognize that there are teachers helping me accomplish my goal.  I then remind myself that what happened in the past, is just that "the past," however past actions have shaped my here and now.


Let's meet on the mat at your next meeting or event. Check out www.themeetingyogi.com for more information or email bana@themeetingyogi.com.

Namaste!