Out of clutter, find simplicity-Albert Einstein

Are you a giver? Do you overgive?

I know it's the holidays and we'll all be giving to different degrees, but do you give too much on a regular basis? You can give too much you know, and it can creep up on ya in a bad way.

I am a giver and I have suffered from burnout on more than one occasion. A couple of times this year in fact. Thats when I retreat and my self care goes into overdrive. Sometimes I catch myself 'teetering on the brink' of burnout. Sometimes its my partner that notices and reminds me to slow down. One of the hardest lessons of my life has been saying no. But you have to sometimes. You can't say yes to everything. We've all been there.

This year in particular I have been looking hard at the things that drain me, and some of those things I have let go of altogether. It can feel a little selfish, but at the same time it feels soooo good to emotionally and physically free yourself up. I haven't found the perfect balance (by a long shot), but I am on a roll and working on it more everyday. I am finding that getting started is the hardest part. I've been asking myself all kinds of questions and finding (and dealing with) ALL the big energy drains in my life.

Do you have things in your life that weigh you down just by thinking of them?

These things not only cause us exteme stress but can make us feel crappy about ourselves as well. We all know there are things in our lives that we can't change. But what about the things you can change?

Its sort of like therapy. It isn't "easy" but it is so freeing and worth it...

If you are an over giver like me I highly recommend saying no once in a while. You will not only be doing yourself a favour, but you will have more to give to the people and causes that really matter to you. Give back to yourself. Nurture yourself. Make time for you.

Its good to give what you can, just remember to give back to yourself too.

*Registration is on for all of my classes for January. Daytime, night-time...Classes for everybody. Delicious, affordable yoga -in both Yaletown (click here) and Mount Pleasant (click here)

There is a mat with your name on it waiting for you. Namaste.

Too much of a good thing is wonderful-Mae West

The library is one of my favourite haunts.

I love them. Big ones, little ones, dingy ones, brand new ones. Just give me a library and I'm happy.

I spend oodles of time at them and feel real comfort.

I also like the borrowing aspect. You can have anything you like. For free! I don't watch much in the way of movies, but did you know that the library even has new releases? For free?

They also have all sorts of children's programs/baby and me programs etc.

Again...

*the word is free.

The convenience, the tranquility and the atmosphere are only 3 huge reasons to revisit your local library. I have been a lover of libraries for a very long time and don't see that ever changing.♥

To see what's shakin' at your local neighborhood library click here

yoga you can eat. yum!

Aren't these cute and yummy looking!? They are made by a woman named Patti Paige who owns a place called Baked Ideas in New York City.

Heres a link- Baked Ideas

Their work is really incredible! They sell items online but sadly not to Canada at the moment.If you love sweets and Art you could always check them out the next time you are in the Big Apple!

Beginnings are often scary

Beginnings are often scary, endings are often sad, but it's the middle that counts. You should remember that when you find yourself at the beginning - Steven Rogers

some of the little reasons why i shed a few tears after yoga yesterday.

This reads: Thank you for The Y.O.g.a. and I hop you have a happy Chrismis ano a happy new year! and There aer only 21 more sleep's until Chrismis.

awww...and this is supposed to be me lol!

(just one side of my fridge)

love them all. the teachers i met, the parents...everyone.

everybody loves a nice pom pom blessing once in a while

the girl who made this one is even on my facebook. she is an amazing yogi and so grown up now!

Yesterday was my second to last yoga class with those wonderful Elsie Roy kid's I have grown to love so much these past few years. I have reminders of them all over my apartment and feel so lucky to have had the pleasure and joy of their magic and wisdom and fun for so long. It has been such an privilege to watch them grow and share in yoga with them each week, and they will absolutely LOVE my replacement! That I know for a fact. I know I will still be running into them at my favourite place in the world (the Roundhouse) which is so nice! It was a difficult decision but sometimes you've got to pass the torch! Change is good, it really is. I have taken a class up at UBC Hospital in more of a clinical/theraputic setting in place of it (and in addition to ALL of my other classes), and will be devoting some extra time to my volunteer activites... and the kids will get a wonderful fresh and new yoga teacher! It all works out. It always works out. If you are debating a change think long and hard... but don't be scared! just go for it. The world is waiting for you!!!