Maps don’t know everything.

I can remember sitting in a yoga class just days before the new year, and hearing my teacher Ashley say her motto for the new year: “2009 is mine!”  Her no fear attitude and her enthusiasm were inspiring, and I have thought about that single moment in class several times over the past year when I needed a little boost of confidence, or just a hint of that “no fear” attitude.  As I look back on the year, I can’t help but be blown away with where I am now. It really is true…if you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.

 

Well, here goes.

 

In early January I had lunch with Jenna from Eat, Live, Run. We were sitting outside at Greenwise, munching on somethin’ delicious (obviously) when she planted the seed for me to start my own blog. Well, why not? The name “The Hungry Yogini” popped into my head almost that instant, and I started the blog that night! So Thanks for the inspiration, Jenna!

 

That very same day was the first day of the yoga teacher training program at my studio here in Tampa. Stephanie Keach from the Asheville Yoga Center would be doing a 9 month 200 hour Yoga Alliance teacher training throughout the year, right in my own backyard. I went to one of my favorite classes that morning (Yoga Grooves), and my teacher Jen planted another seed (lots of seeds here…) that maybe I should consider teacher training. Hmmm…. Well, after a back and forth day of “mental hockey,” as I like to call it, I actually decided not to do the training, mostly out of fear.

 

I instantly regretted the decision and knew I’d be missing out. I emailed Stephanie Keach and everything just came together so easily, like it was meant to be. I joined the teacher training a little late, and the rest is history!

 

This year was all about learning, too. In school, for one. In August I left for my senior year of college after a Summer spent in the kitchen,

not knowing that it would be my last semester spent in good ole’ Gainesville (down where the ol’ Gators playyyyyy). What I learned is that you can only do your best, and sometimes your best is a little different than your best the day before (Are you following me, here? Or am I just talkin’ crazy?). I had an overwhelming course load, and an obscene amount of emotional stress this past semester but you know what? I got through it.

 

Yep, lots of life lessons. How many cheesy clichés can I use to explain that. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. When one door closes, a window opens…you get the picture.

 

I was fairly certain that my 2010 would look a little like this:

- Spend Spring in Gainesville, take my last two classes and graduate in May 2010.

- Move back home and get a job after graduation and just work, work, work.

- Fall in love with Mr.Right, get married, and buy a house with a fluffy dog and a white picket fence. (Well, a girl can dream…)

 

While I was okay with my plans, I’m so happy that God had a better one. After an interesting chain of events that were difficult at the time (but such a blessing in disguise) I booked my flight to Paris, France.

 

I’m leaving in just one week on January 4 and won’t be returning until the end of May. Sounds mucchhhhhh better than work, work, work, yes? So change of plans…I won’t be graduating until December of 2010, but I’ll be living in Paris for the first half of the year. Now that’s a trade-off I can handle. 

 

Oh, and another thing. Remember this past Summer when my hair started falling out? Well, it’s because my T3/T4 hormone levels were so low. Yep, hypothyroidism.  I’ve recently started a low dose of synthroid to help get back to normal and am so glad we caught this early. It runs in the family and my Mom suffered with it for years before the doctors would do anything about it. They were convinced she was crazy…and even recommended she see a therapist. Turns out she had a huge goiter and that her blood work had turned up normal despite it. I’m so thankful that mine was caught early and I can do everything in my power to keep it from getting any worse!

 

So now that’ I’ve rambled on and on (…and on) I’m sure you’re wondering where I’m headed with all of this, yes? You see, I have been thinking a lot about how every little thing that’s happened this year, and every little person along the way has led me to right where I am, right this very second. It’s nothing like I planned, and I’m so happy it isn’t.

So my goal for 2010 is to continue on this path…just letting it happen, whatever it might be.

What has been your biggest lesson in 2009? Favorite moment? A blessing in disguise? I’d love to hear it!

Embrace the mystery, my friends. Here’s to a wonderful 2010!

 

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-Rumi