To the Toes

I understand this is not a big deal for most, but it's kind of a big deal to me.....

In my 38 years I have NEVER touched my toes, until now!
I am hooked on yoga, I LOVE everything about it. I was reading some bios of yoga teachers recently and most say yoga came to them when they most needed it. I likely needed it the most when I was going through my divorce, but being the solo full time parent with little help from my Ex and on a tight budget it wasn't in the cards.
Last year when I signed up for the Costa Rica retreat I was actually at a great place in my life, but this was something I hadn't tried. It intrigued me to actually see if I could get better. The feeling has been similiar to when I signed up for the Ironman 70.3 without ever competing in an open water event, much less ever swimming a mile and a half. You step WAY out of your comfort level, with zero guarantees of succeeding, but then miraculously you do, and anything seems possible.
This is what starting a regular yoga practice was like for me. I have cycled, ran and lifted for years. Flexibly and balance have never been a part of my life. However, in order to enjoy the retreat I needed to immerse myself in it between October and February. Here now in May I can touch my toes. I've noticed other changes in the way I am able to open up in poses. My balance is actually decent. My body is different than it's ever been, and I love it. I used to do cardio 6 days a week and lift 1-2. I like being toned, however when my arms toned up my chest was almost nonexistent. I don't go to the gym now. I run on the trails, hike and cycle (outside is crucial for me), and do yoga 2-4 times a week. I'm fit, but curvier. The things my body is capable of now I know I am stronger, AND I actually have a chest, probably for the first time in 38 years (ok, that's not totally true, but close)!

Plus the calm it brings, is a but like the best natural high ever!

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The Approach

I'll be 39 this fall. The last year of my thirties.I've been thinking about this decade. Of course what comes to mind first and foremost is how grateful I am to experience it. Several friends have died, one a 31 year old mom of two. So anything less than gratitude for aging would be disrespect to those that didn't get the opportunity.
I'm trying to sum up the decade of my thirties, from where I sit now I would say the happiest, however six years ago would've been anything but. YET, some of the most amazing experiences of my life arose from that. I also got to see how wonderful and caring real friends are. My love for those authentic souls around only intensified. I found the love of my life, and got to experience a relationship that brings love, kindness and the perfect calm. I am secure in myself. I have had travel experiences I n the last few years that have changed my life for the better.  One child has graduated from High School and onto college, the other gets 5 years of being an "only"ish child at home!
I guess it would be the decade of growth....for the better.
Now, my plan is to write a list of the 40 things I wanted to do, experience or accomplish by the time I was 40.....

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Longer Days

Aside from allergies, I love this time of year. Our days ar longer, my heart feels content. It's amazing what a little extra light in the days does for the soul, but to be able to squeeze in the quiet late afternoon/early evening walks, I love it.

 

I stepped backed and watched this, and couldn't help but think there is no other place I'd rather be. I am so happy I get to raise her. I'm happy I now have a partner in it.

As she gets older and busier, I want to suck up as many of these moments I can. Having one child graduated, I'm very aware my role as a parent has changed. There will never be a baby stage again, preschool, elementary, and now we are about the close the door on middle school and enter High School. It's bittersweet, to think that's over is sad, yet to be here witnessing them grow and become their own person is truly a gift.

 

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