Breathing Hope!

      During the craziness of the holiday season I often have found myself challenged to stay healthy. I currently am in a place where I need a healthy dose of alone time to be able to function with other people. I need time for myself, time where I can reflect, refocus, and recenter myself without the input or influence of others. The holidays brings about a time with many social gatherings, shopping, preparations and a fast pace moment by moment. I over the 6 years since my 'enlightenment' have found the holidays to be an over sensitizing and overwhelming time. Often times facing much anxiety when socializing and having panic attack after panic attack while out shopping. My biggest nightmares all wrapped into a few weeks. The social anxiety and feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and a deep sadness would come over me weeks before the holidays would actually begin. Having a parent that is ill often brings about emotions, questions, and panic. I always have gone rig...

      This week has been extremely difficult for me. I have faced many stresses, added challenges, and personal moments. I have had one of those weeks where it seems that the dust never settles because there is just to much to be done. I however was challenged this week to see through the dust even as it was settling.        I began practicing yoga back in October after a co-worker invited me. At first I was extremely apprehensive about it. After leaving the softball scene six years ago I had a really hard time getting back into physical activity. The emotional wounds that are connected with softball and the physical injuries that still at times plague my ability to do as I want were holding me back. I had a fear of challenging myself physically again. I had a fear of challenging myself and failing. I also had the fear of having to face how my body has changed over those six years and learning to love myself no matter what. I decided to go becaus...