2015

2015 feels like a good year already. It's crazy to think how different my life was at this time last year - still living with roommates in a stressful apartment and having just left a toxic workplace anxious to see what the future would hold. This year, I am happy to report, I don't feel any nervousness about what the year will bring, only excitement. I'm settled in at my job at Lincoln Center - with a great boss, awesome coworkers, and interesting work. And, after a lot of planning and organizing, our apartment truly feels like home. 2014 was quite a journey.

Instead of a resolution, I promise to take better care of myself and those I love in 2015. I promise to meditate, exercise, eat healthfully, maintain close relationships with friends, be there for my family, and be the best me that I can be.

This year as the ball drops in Times Square, Alex we will be mid-flight on our way to Thailand for a vacation to start off 2015!! I couldn't be more pumped for our trip. We've got a lot of excursions planned and a list of Thai food to taste. My favorite part about being with Alex is the fact that we never run out of things to talk about and adventures to go on. Every single day is exciting. But the first week of January will be our most exciting yet!

Sawasdee Pii Mai Ka! (or Happy New Year in Thai)

Om Shanti

Last week, I spent 7 days in the Bahamas experiencing life at an ashram. It was peaceful and relaxing - my time was full of reflection. I took a 5 day course on positive thinking and the power of keeping negative thoughts at bay. Aside from learning a great deal about yoga, I learned a great deal about myself. Most importantly - I actually enjoy spending a significant amount of time alone with myself.

The daily schedule was regimented: morning satsang at 6am sharp (meditation, chanting, and a lecture), 8am yoga class, 10am brunch, 12pm positive thinking class, 4pm yoga class, 6pm dinner, 8pm evening satsang (same format as in the morning).

The cuisine was vegetarian, mainly vegan - no tofu, mushrooms, onions, or garlic and very little fat. I ended up fully embraced the meal times as there were only 2 each day. It was also up to the guests to clean up after ourselves. It's amazing how cleaning made me feel so much more at home and invested in my stay. Each day, I would spend a few afternoon hours on the beach, in a hammock, or in the ocean. I made a group of girlfriends from around the world who had each come on their own as well. We easily bonded over our love of yoga.

This vacation was everything I needed and more. I feel like an entirely new person. The horizons in my life are less foggy. I've been back for a week now and the feeling of inner calm and self-love hasn't gone away. I continue to practice yoga daily.

Upon arriving home (after making a quick stop to my parents' home to do my extremely gross laundry), I began to look at my life with a new set of eyes. It's easier to pick out all the negatives than the positives. It takes serious effort to have a sunny outlook. And, as it turns out, being positive leads to a happier, longer life. After taking a deep look at my innermost self and after spending a considerable amount of time inside my own head, I fully appreciate the power of positive thinking. A more positive version of myself is who I will strive to be every single day.

29

As I approach 29 and a 1/2, it seems silly to be writing about my birthday which took place 2 whole seasons ago but that's where this idea all started.

My 29th birthday was the most low-key birthday I've had to date. A small celebration in the office, Passover seder at my aunt's apartment, a quick exchange of presents.

Instead of ringing in another year with booze or food, Alex and I put on our creative hats and took a pottery class at a really cool local shop.
We made beautiful bowls to use in our apartment. And we actually use them everyday! I was so happy to learn that I love pottery and it felt great to do something quiet in a group. Just like yoga - something I've always really loved to do.

The first half of 29, I focused a lot on the needs and wants of others. I barely even took time out of my schedule to celebrate my own birthday! I was just too busy doing other things. I was exhausted trying to please every single person in my world. And so, I've decided to take some time for myself. A 29th birthday present from myself, to myself. A trip to somewhere I've always wanted to go. Not a vacation with my friends full of too much alcohol and too much sun. Not a romantic getaway with my boyfriend to a new place to explore. Not a family focused holiday with all of my near and dear ones. A true present to myself. Just for me.

In a month's time, I'll be studying yoga at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas. I'll be traveling solo with a clear head, a few books on my kindle, and a lot of sunscreen. For years I've been toying around with the idea of one day retiring and studying yoga, practicing more seriously, maybe even teaching. I've practiced yoga for over 15 years now. It brings me to my happy place where I'm my calmest and most in tune with my inner self. It's beautiful. And it's something I don't get to do nearly often enough. After a stressful period in my life, I'm ready for some calm.

Namaste!