It's been a year.

It’s been a year since I published a blog post, but not since I’ve written one. Looking back in my drafts, I see one about my marathon experience back in October. I see one about goal setting that I wrote in January. Then, there are a number of “tips for runners” and recipes I intended to share.

When I first created this website, I intended to publish blogs regularly but sitting in front of my computer outside of work hours wasn’t filling my cup. The past year has been a whirlwind. From adopting a rescue dog, to moving across the country, to buying a home, settling into a new city – it’s a lot. Before and after work hours, I find myself craving dog walks, long runs, and (honestly) time on the couch.

Even on weekends, I have a hard time opening my laptop to be “productive.” When I first started blogging on here, I had many tips, tricks, and motivational words to share… then I lost them. For a while, I beat myself up about this. I thought, “There’s so much more you could be doing,” and, “There’s so much more you could accomplish.”

Then, I realized… It’s been a year.

At one point, I offered myself some grace and forgiveness. Also, I decided to stop showing up with expectations. If you’ve taken a class with me before, you’ve probably heard me say: “If you showed up with an expectation of how class would go, how you would feel, or how your body would perform, instead choose to be present and accept what unfolds” (or something to that effect). It was time to take my own advice.

Life happens in chapters

During this particular chapter of my life, my priorities are spending time with my dog and husband, fostering new friendships, and focusing on running and other movement modalities that bring joy. Things like teaching free classes, writing for my blog, and sharing Instagram content weren’t bringing joy. Instead of feeling energized by those activities, I got to a point where I felt like I was stretching myself thin. I felt tired.

I want to be intentional with how I spend my time. I want to feel energized by what I have going on in my day-to-day. Only adding new things to my plate if they feel good. That’s the chapter I’m in.

It’s OK to close one door – or many doors – so other’s can be opened (or not). It’s OK to move on from something that doesn’t feel right.

Speaking of new things…

I started teaching at Adidas HQ here in Portland last week. I’m signed up to teach two spinning classes and one boxing class each week to employees on campus. When I toured the space, something felt right. I was excited. I felt light. I knew I was making the right choice in pursuing this adventure. I’ve also decided to teach live yoga classes online (YouTube for now) when it fits into my schedule and only if I’m really feeling it. I want to show up as the best version of myself and not force things if I don’t have to. When things are meant to be they’ll be. Let’s all try to find a little more flow and ease in our day to day.

It’s been a year.

Life happens in chapters.

Accept things as they are.

Show up as you are.

Do what feels right.

Do what energizes you.

Here’s to more of that.