I Create ... the next step

The second day of Yoga Camp is the mantra of "I Create". I create a lot of things each day. I create worksheets, lessons, meals, laughter, etc. But this is obviously not the purpose of the "I Create" mantra.

The place that I took the mantra during my yoga practice was to create the vision for my future. Over the last five (plus) years, I have often struggled with knowing whether or not I had chosen the correct profession. The more time I spend in education, the more I know that it is the right profession, but I am still not sure if classroom teacher is where I am going to end up.

As I was working through the "I Create" practice, I decided to meditate on what I want to create for my future, and my families future. Through this meditation I was able to focus on what I really hope to be able to accomplish in education moving forward. I was also able to create a plan to reach some of these future goals.

And so comes the next step. I have applied and been accepted to a master degree program. This is absolutely terrifying for me. It has been six years since I was a college student, and it has been four years since I have taken a graduate level course. And now, I am diving in head first to two years of courses, papers, assignments and discussion posts. It's not that bad you may say, but I also know that I am getting ready to enter into what are panning out to be the two craziest years of my life. A new house. Starting a family. Life is not going to be slowing down, and now I'm adding another item to the list.

At times, the idea of accomplishing all of these goals I have set is overwhelming, but I have decided to create a space in my mind where I will be able to find peace and motivation to reach my goals. I know that in the end I will be better off and my family will be better off in the long run.

So I challenge you, if you are reading this, to create a plan to accomplish the goals that you want to accomplish. There is no wish to big, no idea to crazy, nothing to hold you back except for yourself. So create in whatever way to create means to you.

Until our next adventure,
C

30 (ish) Day Journey - I Accept

2016 is winding down, but the excitement in my life seems to be ramping up. 2017 is looking to be quite an eventful year and often when I think about everything that is coming our way, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few of the highlights of what's to come.

Buying a House

Eric and I are currently working with a realtor and looking at potential houses. We have been seriously looking for the past two months and I can feel that we are reaching a point where we will be making a decision soon.

Graduate School

Now is the time. That is what I have convinced myself. I have applied to a masters program to begin in January. With my new school district having a better reimbursement program, it is now feasible for me to earn my masters degree without going into debt, and then enjoy a healthy pay increase.

Moving (AGAIN)

Along with buying a house (very exciting) comes the fact that we have to move again (very unexciting). If you know anything about our journey, you know that Eric and I have moved SEVERAL times over the past five years, and we have just about had it. We are hoping that our next move is a permanent and long lasting one.

Starting a Family (?)

Although not in the immediate future, 2017 is the year that we would like to start a family. Due to our jobs there are ideal times to begin this journey, and fortunately we will be able to settle in a bit before we being this next major journey. 

With all of these exciting life events getting ready to take place sometimes it is too much to handle. Last year, I began subscribing to Yoga with Adriene on Youtube and followed along for about the first 12 days of her 30 days of yoga camp series. I had really enjoyed the videos and in even just the 12 short days I felt stronger, more flexible, and generally more at peace. These are all things that have seriously been lacking over the past two months and so I have decided to begin again. No need to wait until the new year, it's better to just start now, and build the habit while I have the motivation to do so.

The first video in the yoga camp series comes with the mantra "I Accept". I thought it was very bold of Adriene to begin with such a challenging mantra, but I suppose it will set the tone for the rest of camp. Accepting my place in life has always been something that I have struggled with and while focusing on that mantra during the video yesterday I was able to make peace with some struggles I have been going through. Namely, other people getting what I want before me. 

I know I'm 28, and I know I should be more mature, but it has on occasion been soul crushing when I log into Facebook and I see a pregnancy announcement, or a picture of my friends in front of their newly purchased homes. Eric and I have lived in limbo for the last five years and over that time is has been devastating to see others taking steps in their lives that I so badly wanted to be taking. This internal struggle has been something that I have really had to work on, and although I have improved, there is always room for improvement.

Now, please understand that I am extremely happy for my friends who are taking these next steps, but I just would love to be able to be walking along side them as they continue their journeys, rather than feeling like I am watching from the sidelines.

The mantra of "I Accept" is one that is very powerful for me, because it gives me permission to be happy with my stage of life. I am well known for saying to my friends "It will happen the way it is supposed to happen". But as always, this advice is easier to give than receive. 

I am excited about my 30 days of yoga journey, and I hope to grow physically and mentally, as well as stay grounded as the excitement in my life begins to pick up.

If you are interested in coming along on the journey with me, I encourage you to comment, or visit Adriene's channel. I may not do 30 days in a row, but I hope to move through all 30 days before the end of 2016 and begin the new year with a new perspective (and hopefully a new house!).

Until our next adventure,

~C