yoga, it's a lifestyle
HOW IS MY BABY ONE YEAR OLD? These past weeks have flown by as I have slightly dreaded Lucca turning one year old. Of course, I want him to grow and am beyond grateful for his life. However, his time as a baby is moving way too swiftly for my liking. As a typical new... Continue Reading →
Self-love comes easily for some, and no so much for others. It's my mission to create that healthy, loving space for Lucca. When he learns to love and accept himself, he will be confident, caring, compassionate, kind, and generous. He will thrive and succeed. Many of us have been surrounded by negative self-talk, society and... Continue Reading →
Being a stay-at-home mom is no easy job. Unless you're a mother, it's hard to comprehend how much of your day is jam packed with preparations, chores, and busyness while staying with the kiddos. My infant boy has never been an "easy-going" child. He is pitta, full of fire and motion. He has lots of... Continue Reading →
Our society, very unfortunately, puts a lot of pressure and focus on outer appearances. We are told by companies and advertisements to lose weight, change our hair, buy these pants, use this makeup, and on and on and on. Basically, we are told we are not enough. It is untrue, and frankly, exhausting. We are... Continue Reading →
I say it regularly, and I'll say it again: I prefer to set intentions instead of goals or resolutions. Intentions come from a place of compassion and positivity, igniting hope for change. Resolutions can stem from a place of judgment or the thought that we are not complete as we are. So my intentions are... Continue Reading →
With a few days left of the year, I have mindfully decided to step back from social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook. While I enjoy being in touch with friends, finding yoga inspiration, and communication, I need a break. Some days, I'll scroll endlessly. Sometimes I'll get pissed at the amount of judgement, consumerism, and... Continue Reading →
As someone who identifies with Christianity, I have become increasingly triggered as of lately. There are everyday people, public figures, leaders in the community and country, and all over social media who claim to be Christian, but are forgetting what the whole religion is based upon. This religion, and the associated beliefs, is centered around... Continue Reading →
This morning's class was Kapha. Grounding, acknowledging feelings, and preparing for the upcoming full moon. 🌕 Lately I've been irritable, not towards my baby, but towards everyone else. I've gotten lost in my emotions and annoyed with how I've been mistreated. Then, this morning, I made the connection to LET IT GO. I realized I... Continue Reading →
Fall has been here for a few weeks, but with the weather finally cooling down, it FEELS like autumn is officially here! Some people enjoy pumpkin spice everything, and while I can appreciate that, I'm excited to get outside in the fresh air! Friday afternoon, my husband, baby and puppy took a short drive to... Continue Reading →
For my entire life I have always said I will be the one to stay at home with my children, raising them. Fortunately, my husband works hard enough that I am privileged to do so. For the 28 years of life before baby, I idealized this dream. I could see my babies and me cuddled... Continue Reading →
It is crazy how our baby fights sleep. At night, naps during the day, just sleep in general. He does not want to miss a thing and wants to talk and play and be awake all the time. Obviously, we are exhausted. He is overtired too, but will never admit it. Just when I think... Continue Reading →
Hey there! I know I have not been posting regularly (due to that mom life), but if this blog is helping me work through feelings and share my experiences, it has to be a priority. To see where I am, it's interesting to go back through older posts to see where I've been. I... Continue Reading →
Goodness gracious. Sunday night was the new moon, and apparently I thought it was a good time to adjust Lucca's sleeping routines. We bed share, and even though it is controversial, it works for us. We do it as safe as possible, and I do not see it as an issue. What needs to change... Continue Reading →
There are days in all our lives when we feel run down, spread too thin, lost, without purpose, or just tired. I become tired often, so often it is as though I live in a perpetual state of tiredness. During these times or days or maybe weeks, it is common to question personal decisions. I... Continue Reading →
My word. Traveling is difficult enough with a baby who does not enjoy car rides, but a weeklong beach vacation is not really what I would call relaxation. There were a few moments of sweet napping, smiling at family, and watching the waves, but there might have been more whining, confusion, and exhaustion (for the... Continue Reading →
Some people are weird about breastfeeding, especially in public. I believe I was even raised to think the same thing, it should be in private. Did you know it is much more accepted in Europe and Africa? Most people don't give it a second thought if they spot you nursing your child on a park... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Positive Self Talk. How you talk to yourself and about yourself affects how you act and speak around others. Are you loving towards yourself or do you have a tendency to get down and harsh when you stumble? Do you give yourself room to breathe and compassion or immediately turn to self-pity? ... Continue Reading →
Being a mother is never easy. Even when days, or more likely moments of the day, run smoothly, there is always a chance of that changing. Here are a few truths I have learned with my three- month old boy: The Good Lucca naps lying on my chest, and I have just gotten used... Continue Reading →
With motherhood in full bloom, I find myself a little sleepier than I prefer. To be honest, I am someone who needs 9 hours of sleep to be rested and ready for the day. That has gone out the window now days, obviously, and it is quite alright. Some days though I am more zombie... Continue Reading →
Nothing could prepare me for motherhood or a postpartum yoga practice. People warned me, but motherhood is something no one really understands until it's experienced on a personal level (like many life phases). I was told numerous times how hard, wonderful, and tiring having a baby would be. I was prepared as much as possible... Continue Reading →
It has taken me quite a while to write this story. Nothing went as I planned (even though I was open-minded), and I think I have been feeling slightly guilty and embarrassed since I gave birth. Lucca arrived perfectly, and all is well now. But I am still not content in how it all happened,... Continue Reading →
We all question ourselves and our abilities. Am I doing a good job? Am I doing this wrong? What can I do better? Am I the problem? The first night home from the hospital, I was a mess. Mainly due to the fact I slept 2-3 hours a day for our 3 day stay... Continue Reading →
Ever since I became pregnant, I have been more irritable than I have ever known. Things people say get under my skin, things I see on the Internet piss me off, and lots of little things drive me crazy to my core. This is where my human nature comes out. I lose all my yogi... Continue Reading →
A few nights ago: Sitting quietly, watching The Office (what else), enjoying a beer, and being so thankful. We have gotten into a routine, and I think it helps baby bear. Each night at 8:30, Lucca gets a bath or showers with me, pajamas, big bottle of breastmilk from Papa, snuggles, and falls asleep on... Continue Reading →
Ther other day I listened to a webinar that really resonated with me. One of the topics was body positivity versus acceptance and reality. What one of the women said spoke directly to me. Here is what I took from the conversation... We don't have to LOVE our flaws, we just have to find PEACE... Continue Reading →
Dearest Lucca, You coming into our lives has been a gift. You try my patience as you teach me infinite love. You worry me with your crying while you warm my heart with snuggles. You have stolen sleep from my nights, but I get to watch you sleep and make precious breathing sounds. You... Continue Reading →
I saw this cycling around Facebook a while ago and wanted to save and share it. Whenever we do have a girl, this will be helpful. *Also, I do not know who originated this, but if you do, please let me know so I can credit them! Rules For My Daughter: 1. Make your bed... Continue Reading →
Help! Not just anybody. It is SO hard for me to ask for help. One of my go-to themes in my personal yoga practice and classes is surrender. To let go. It is exactly what I need to work on now and is becoming increasingly more difficult. Having control makes me feel organized, put together. ... Continue Reading →
It has been a day. Prepare for some candid, colorful language... Holy shit, motherhood is hard. My sweet baby and I drove to Springville (about 30 minutes away) and back this morning. He cried loudly at least 85% of the drives. Today was one of those days he hated the car. I have listened to... Continue Reading →
With a 2 month old, a working husband, a puppy, two kitties, yoga classes to teach, and a house to take care of, life tends to become a little hectic. Days might run together and I can feel as though nothing has been accomplished. What is important to remember: if the baby is well fed,... Continue Reading →
My little baby bear, I promise to let you dream. Big, wild, magical dreams. I vow to protect you, but let you think and grow on your own. I will always hug you and tell you how much I love you. I vow to teach you about compassion, tolerance, ahimsa, and enjoying the simple things... Continue Reading →
I have recently made the mistake of asking some questions or for advice for my baby on social media. While most people are kind and helpful, there are a few that have no place in giving their opinions. Men (no uterus, no opinion about pregnancy or breastfeeding). Women that have never experienced pregnancy, have no... Continue Reading →
At the beginning of each year, we set intentions or expectations of things we want to improve throughout the year. As the days and months go on, some of those intentions drift away and our focus lessens. There are a few ways to help you throughout your year! It is only a few weeks into... Continue Reading →
Is planning a wedding or preparing for a baby more stressful? Both occasions, although celebrating love and life, are very different. My experiences with both were/are a little of a roller coaster. First off, wedding planning was MUCH more stressful. Second off, it was pretty worth it! I know preparing for a baby will... Continue Reading →
One thing I learned in Yoga Teacher Training was that mid-winter (New Year's) is not the most logical time to set demanding Resolutions. During this time of year, we are wanting to relax, stay warm inside, and indulge in yummy holiday treats. While it is important to WANT to improve our lives, it is also... Continue Reading →
Literally, dreaming! In the past, I have had dreams about being pregnant, when I was younger and was not ready. But since I have been pregnant (24 weeks now/6 months), and more so recently, I have had dreams about the baby. For now, in the majority of my dreams the baby is a girl. I... Continue Reading →
"Letting go" has become a theme in my life the past few years. Whether it is getting rid of old emotions, toxic relationships, harmful habits, stress, or negativity, I have been faced with the realization to surrender. Every week, I offer this as an intention to my yoga students. There are so many things in... Continue Reading →
I am not one of those people who says "Adopt, Don't Shop," because I think that ALL cats and dogs deserve a loving home. My family dog, Henry, who just passed away was bought at a pet store. Sarah Belle, my husband's and my black labrador, was also purchased from a breeder. Both of their... Continue Reading →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Ever since I was a child, I loved carrying a book around with me. I remember making my little brother sit with me as I made up the stories to pictures in the books. To this day, I am not a fast reader, but that is not my... Continue Reading →
"I am beautiful. I am loved. I am worthy. I am enough." It can take a lifetime to realize our self-worth and beauty, but these qualities have been with us since conception. Each of us has been made in God's image; we are a thoughtful masterpiece meant to be loved and share love. Society... Continue Reading →
One of the best and most beautiful areas of Gadsden is Noccalula Falls! This 90 foot tall waterfall is surrounded by gardens, majestic trees, a petting zoo, and a full park. It is quite easy to spend a whole day here! Being near to the Falls was one of the biggest draws of our new... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I was painfully let go from a job. For this position, I was overqualified and underpaid to say the least. Most of the women there were- and still are. Anyway, I loved the children I worked with and most of the co-teachers. The majority of women there were kind and understanding.... Continue Reading →
We had some family in town last week, and afterwards I was completely zoned out. My brother-in-law and his wife came in from across the country with their four little ones. I rarely see them, and each time I do, there is another blonde baby! Anyway, the week was so full and fun and left... Continue Reading →
Isn't the Universe awesome? Isn't the Power of God amazing? The Creator of the Universe is speaking to me, and I want to share this with you. Sunday morning at church the message was, "The Power of Forgiveness and the Power of Unforgiveness." AND the theme of my daily devotional for the same day... Continue Reading →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Since we have moved and still have much work left to do on our new home, I have not had much time to devote to diving into a story. My father-in-law bought a Sea-Doo the other day, and we have been out on the river playing as much... Continue Reading →
So many of my mentors and inspirational women in my life have recently stated how writing dreams down helps us to more forward them. I personally love making lists and love dreaming, big and small, so this action seemed to be exactly what I need. Sometimes we become bored, stressed, or lonely without goals, projects... Continue Reading →
The other day on my Instagram story, I shared a situation I felt very strongly about. During this story, I vented about how I disagree with the use of shock collars for pets. Here is what happened and my argument: I went into the bank to change my official name, and sat down with a... Continue Reading →
Today is Luna Mango's fourth birthday! I cannot believe how much a tiny, little kitty has changed my life. She is the sweetest little girl, just like her sister was. It is also very bittersweet; our sweetest puppy will celebrate her sister's and all the rest of her birthdays in Heaven. Looking through the stages... Continue Reading →
I'm going to be quite honest. This is something that I still struggle with, literally on a daily basis. I feel like I keep getting bigger; some days I am okay with it because I can see the muscle and feel my strength. And some days I hate how soft and full my body is.... Continue Reading →
Human beings are very complex and confusing creatures. As I get older, I realize that there are constantly challenges that face me, and I wonder if I will ever have a grasp on my own being. Finding my identity feels so close, yet not within arms length. I have always been the most emotional person... Continue Reading →
Regret is not something I claim. There are mistakes in my life, but I believe they all have taught me lessons. Sometimes the lesson is simply "don't do that again," or maybe the explanation is much deeper. Whatever the mistakes, everything has brought me right here, where I am meant to be. If I were... Continue Reading →
When I was a freshman in college, I had an experience with sexual assault. I never thought I would be sharing this, for various reasons. I think one of the main reasons I couldn't see myself sharing this trauma is because I couldn't admit it happened. I was not raped, beaten, bleeding, or severely injured.... Continue Reading →
My first grandparent passed away when I was in the sixth grade. I remember it more clearly than the loss of my other grandparents, not because of his significance but because it was my first traumatic loss. He had pancreatic cancer and passed away within 8 weeks of his diagnosis. A few days after Christmas.... Continue Reading →
"Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action. It is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the... Continue Reading →
Why did I write and publish the electronic book, "Healing Yoga: Volume 1"? Why is this guide for YOU? How does one stay committed to the healing process? There are so many yoga guides, books, teachers, and resources out there! With all this information, it is important that we search for the truth. Why do... Continue Reading →
My husband and I have recently decided to move from Nashville, TN to Gadsden, AL. I am originally from Shreveport, LA (a population of about 100,00), and he is from Gadsden. We have been here for about 5 years, 6 for me, and are ready for a big change. Even though we are only about... Continue Reading →
Ever since my little brother was born, 22 months after me, I was obsessed with all things babies and cute kiddos! I blame a lot of this on him, because he was the cutest baby with the most kissable cheeks. I always tried to kiss his cheeks, even on the school bus. He didn't like... Continue Reading →
My husband and I lost our sweet black lab, Sarah Belle, several days ago. Here are some of my favorite recent moments with our angel, puppy face. . .
The spring of 2010, my junior year in college, I was blessed to study abroad in Florence, or Firenze in Italian. As a student majoring in Art History and working towards a minor in Italian, this was a DREAM! Sometimes it feels like it still was. For a semester, I wandered the charming streets... Continue Reading →
Living in the chaotic, modern world of today, with all the distracting media, technology, and complicated hardships, is quite challenging. Several weeks ago, a dear friend brought a good point and conversation to my attention. These are questions I hear quite often: "WHY is all this pain allowed to happen? WHY all the hatred? WHY... Continue Reading →
And this is why I'm still a babysitter at 28 years old. 😍 These specific kids I began babysitting in the fall of 2011. I moved to Nashville for an art internship not knowing but a handful of people. I babysat one family part-time and was scared away by their intensity. So I looked for... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends sent me a video. My immediate reaction was, "Laura, I don't have time for a 5 minute video! Haha." The next thing I knew, I was looking at my computer screen crying. Not sad tears, but overflowing with joy tears. Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo--H_yx2vg&app=desktop... Continue Reading →
Merriam Webster defines considerate as: (adjective) 1: marked by or given to careful consideration 2: thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others considerately (adverb) : considerateness (noun) *Also sympathetic regard. This is a concept that has become very present in my life. I think a lot of times we are focused on accomplishing a... Continue Reading →
Exactly two years ago, John and I were packing up and planning our final decisions for our trip to The Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. As I remember this exciting time and recall the surprise proposal, I am delighted to have these precious memories captured. Here are a few "selfies" of John and me from... Continue Reading →
After blogging about the book I have now started reading, Wherever You Go There You Are, I have been making the effort to be more aware. Often it is difficult to accept this is where I am and embrace this place. Making a few changes and observations helps me and can help you maneuver intentionally during this... Continue Reading →
My love language has become so obvious to me. Quality time. I feel the most loved when I am spending TIME with my loved ones. I love, love, love my friends. It might be an insane amount, kind of like my love for John and our pets, but they light my heart up! Now since... Continue Reading →
I am about to embark on a new training - yin yoga. It is a short intensive weekend in the mountain town of Asheville. One of the required readings is, "Wherever you go There you are." Unknowingly, I purchased this book at a discount book store several weeks ago. Maybe even months ago. I have... Continue Reading →
Since I was in the second grade, I have been watching children. Yes, I was still very much a child, but I knew very early in life I was born to be a mother. As long as I have known, I have wanted to have babies. What better way to practice than with kids? Babysitting... Continue Reading →
Before this month took off, I was working on ideas for my yoga classes. I decided to explore the yamas, one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, during the month of June and have classes related to them or mentioning the ideas. Depending on the style of class, of course. The yamas are the restraints... Continue Reading →
Rome wasn't built in a day, and most likely, neither were our physical ailments. It has taken me quite some time to get where I am right now. And as a human being, there is still always room to grow, improve, and learn. There is still much more for me to experience, but I am... Continue Reading →
So many things are happening and quickly. In my life and in the world. Everything has happened, is happening, and will happen for a reason, every little and big thing... John and I got engaged November 14, 2014, (a story I will share another day. It's magical!) and I feel like I was... Continue Reading →
Growing up, I was always running away from my family. I have felt like the black sheep for a while (even though it is probably only in my head), but everyone still loves me. During high school, I was a brat, a lot. Suffering through eating issues the way I did, I didn't want... Continue Reading →
With planning a wedding long distance and less than three months to go, the stress is kicking in. I know at the end of the day I will be marrying my John and live happily ever after. I have no doubt in our relationship. There is no doubt the wedding ceremony will be just lovely.... Continue Reading →
I share this link from one of my favorite blogs. I will continue to share other useful information, and will also contribute my own! https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/1-mindset-tweak-that-will-help-you-lose-weight/?user_id=234639976041837&alt_source=mfp&alt_medium=email&alt_campaign=weekly20160201&utm_source=mfp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly20160201&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoluqTIZKXonjHpfsX77%2BguWKCyiokz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMT8FqM6%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7DBLM153N8QXRTg
Ciao! Welcome to my website and blog! I will joyfully be sharing some yoga tips, stories of love and optimism, healthy food options, and ways to relax using art. I have found so many aids in developing the spiritual and physical practice of yoga and want to spread my love for the ancient tradition! I... Continue Reading →
