Inspiration

Lemon & Strawberry Oat Bars

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Lemon & Strawberry Oat Bars
Welcoming spring one sweet bite at a time.

There’s something so simple and sacred about baking with seasonal ingredients—especially when they bring brightness and joy into your kitchen. These Lemon & Strawberry Oat Bars are the kind of recipe that feels like a love letter to spring. They’re soft, golden, just the right amount of sweet, and filled with the zing of lemon and the goodness of strawberries.

Baking can be such a grounding, heart-opening ritual. As you stir and pour, layer and bake, you’re not just making food—you’re creating nourishment, comfort, and care. Whether you share them with loved ones or savor them solo with a warm cup of tea, I hope these bring a little sunshine into your day.

Spring calls for something sweet, light, and bursting with brightness. These Lemon & Strawberry Oat Bars are like sunshine you can taste—easy to make, naturally sweetened, and the perfect blend of tangy and comforting.

Made with fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and wholesome oats, this treat is perfect for an afternoon snack, picnic, or simple celebration of the season. They’re gluten-free and can be made vegan with a few swaps.

Ingredients

For the base and topping:

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour)
  • ? cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ? cup coconut oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

For the strawberry filling:

  • 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (to thicken)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Make the filling: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and get jammy (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in chia seeds and set aside to cool and thicken.
  3. Make the base/topping: In a large bowl, mix oats, almond flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Stir in coconut oil, vanilla, and maple syrup until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
  4. Press about ? of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries and gently press it down.
  5. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the top is golden. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

? A Few Tips

  • You can use frozen strawberries—just thaw first and drain any excess liquid.
  • For a vegan version, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
  • These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).

Mindful Moment:

While the bars bake, take a moment to sit with a cup of tea and breathe in the aroma filling your kitchen. Gratitude lives in these quiet, simple rituals—the scent of lemon zest on your fingers, the sweetness of strawberries, the warmth of the oven.

Let this be a small celebration of the season and your own sweetness.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.

Gratitude as a Path to Abundance

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Gratitude as a Path to Abundance: More Than Just Money

When we hear the word “abundance,” our minds often leap to money, success, and material gain. But true abundance is much deeper than what we can count or measure. It’s the feeling of contentment after a good laugh, the peace of morning sunlight, the love in a quiet hug. Abundance, at its core, is a state of being.

Gratitude helps us see what’s already here. It softens our striving and reminds us of the everyday miracles we might overlook. With gratitude, we begin to notice the richness in our lives that has nothing to do with wealth or possessions.

Ways to Recognize Non-Tangible Abundance:

  • A conversation that nourishes the soul
  • The scent of blooming flowers in spring
  • A moment of silence where everything feels okay
  • A deep breath after a hard day
  • The inner strength that carried you through a storm

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It means making space to honor what’s good—even when life is messy.

A Simple Gratitude Practice:

Each evening this week, write down three things you’re grateful for that can’t be bought. Let this shift your awareness from “more” to “enough.” You might be surprised at how abundant your life already is.

Affirmation:

I honor the richness of my life. I am surrounded by quiet abundance.

Abundance blooms when we realize how much we already hold. Gratitude is the doorway.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Living with Uncertainty

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Living with Uncertainty: Navigating the Unknown with Mindfulness

Uncertainty has been a constant companion in my life lately. On a personal level, my journey with my hip—multiple surgeries, setbacks, and unknowns—has tested my patience and resilience in ways I never expected. Beyond my own experience, the world around us seems equally uncertain. From global challenges to personal struggles, we are all living in a space where certainty feels out of reach.

Setting intentions is like planting seeds in the garden of our hearts—each thought, belief, and action nurturing the growth of something beautiful. Just as a seed needs sunlight, water, and care to flourish, our intentions require patience, faith, and gratitude to take root and bloom.

For me, this season is about growing faith over uncertainty, trusting that even in the unknown, something meaningful is unfolding. I choose to fertilize this seed with gratitude, focusing on what is present rather than what is missing, and allowing each small step forward to strengthen my roots. With time, love, and consistency, these intentions will blossom into something greater than I ever imagined.

In addition to intentions, how else do we cope when the ground beneath us feels unsteady?

1. Acknowledging the Uncertainty

For a long time, I resisted uncertainty, desperately wanting answers and a clear path forward. But I’ve learned that fighting the unknown only creates more stress. Instead, acknowledging it—saying, This is hard. I don’t know what comes next, and that’s okay—allows me to soften into the moment.

2. Grounding in the Present Moment

Mindfulness has been my anchor. When my mind races with “what-ifs,” I come back to my breath, to the feeling of my feet on the ground, to the smallest sensations that remind me this moment is manageable. Even when the future is unclear, I can still find moments of peace in the now. I also find daily gratitude is the soothing balm for the painful uncertainty.

3. Finding Stability in Rituals

In a world that feels uncertain, small rituals create a sense of stability. My morning tea, my mindful movement (even if it’s limited), my evening gratitude practice—these simple things remind me that I still have control over my mindset and how I show up for each day. As I said a few days ago, a daily routine or ritual is key to stability.

4. Trusting the Process

Healing—whether physical, emotional, or collective—takes time. I don’t have all the answers about my hip or where this path is leading me. But I trust that I am moving forward, even when I can’t see the destination. The same is true for the world around us. Even in chaos, change is happening, and growth is unfolding.

5. Leaning on Community

Uncertainty can feel isolating, but we are not meant to navigate it alone. Talking about it, sharing the struggle, and finding connection reminds us that we are in this together. Whether it’s through a message, a mindful conversation, or just knowing someone else understands, community is a powerful antidote to fear.

Final Thoughts

Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. By grounding ourselves in the present, creating small moments of stability, and trusting that clarity will come in its own time, we can move through uncertainty with more ease and grace.

If you’re navigating uncertainty in your own life, know that you’re not alone. How do you find peace in the unknown? Let’s start a conversation in the comments. 

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

The Healing Power of Giving: How Baking Bread Connects Me to Kindness

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“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso

The Healing Power of Giving: How Baking Bread Connects Me to Kindness

Pain has a way of making our world feel small. When we’re struggling—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—it’s easy to become consumed by what we’ve lost or what feels out of reach. For me, my journey with chronic pain and the inability to work in assisted living has been a deeply challenging transition. But I’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to shift my focus away from what I can’t do is to pour my energy into something kind, something bigger than myself. For me, that something is baking bread.

Every week, I bake fresh sourdough loaves for a church that feeds the homeless. There is something profoundly healing about mixing just three simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—into a wholesome, nourishing loaf. But the true magic lies in the love and intention that go into each batch. With every stretch and fold of the dough, I pour in my care. As the bread rises, so does my heart. And when I place those warm loaves into the hands of someone in need, I feel a connection that transcends my own struggles.

Science supports this too.

Acts of kindness release endorphins, reduce stress, and even lower levels of pain. When we give from the heart, we create meaning in the midst of our own suffering. Baking bread has become more than just an act of service; it’s a form of therapy, a way to stay connected to purpose when my body limits me in other ways. It reminds me that even when I can’t show up in assisted living facilities like I once did, I can still contribute in a meaningful way.

I talk more about this on my podcast, where I share how acts of kindness can be a profound part of our own healing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own pain, I invite you to listen and explore ways to shift your focus outward. Maybe for you, it’s writing letters, making meals, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need. Whatever it is, I promise—it will not only lift others but will also lift you.

So, the next time you’re feeling lost in your own pain, ask yourself:

What can I do for someone else today? The answer might just bring a little healing to your own heart.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Inner Strength: The Pros and Cons

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For as long as I can remember, inner strength has been my guiding force. It has carried me through life’s challenges, helping me create a life filled with purpose, growth, and resilience. I’ve always prided myself on being independent, capable, and strong. But this past year—navigating hip surgery and the long road to recovery—has challenged me in a way I never expected.

The Power of Inner Strength:
I have always believed in pushing forward, finding solutions, and relying on my own willpower to overcome obstacles. This mindset helped me build my career, follow my passions, and navigate personal hardships. I thrived in my independence, knowing I could count on myself no matter what.

The Unexpected Challenge of Recovery:
But then, recovery forced me to slow down. It demanded patience, rest, and something I had never been fully comfortable with—accepting help. At first, I resisted. I wanted to prove I could still handle everything on my own. But the truth is, healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we allow ourselves to be supported.

Learning to Receive:
This year has been a profound lesson in a different kind of strength—the strength to receive, to soften, and to let others in. I have learned that true resilience is not about doing everything alone, but about recognizing when we need to lean on others. Accepting help is not weakness; it is an act of trust and courage.

Closing Reflection:
As I continue on this journey, I am embracing a new balance between strength and surrender. I still honor my independence, but I now understand that there is immense power in allowing ourselves to be supported. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is open our hearts and say, “Yes, I need help.”

What about you? Have you ever struggled with asking for help? Let’s start a conversation—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

To hear about my personal story with inner strength and why I have a certain tattoo, listen to this!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating.

The Spirit of Spring

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The Spirit of Spring: Awakening to Possibility Through Yoga & Mindfulness

As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, spring invites us to embrace renewal, growth, and transformation. Just as nature begins to bloom, we too have an opportunity to step into a fresh season of possibility. Through yoga, mindfulness, and intentional living, we can align with the energy of spring and choose to create our best life—one breath, one movement, and one conscious choice at a time.

Renewal Through Yoga

Spring reminds us that change is both necessary and beautiful. In our yoga practice, we can mirror this renewal by shifting our focus toward heart-opening postures, energizing flows, and deep, cleansing breaths. Poses like Warrior II, Tree Pose, and Cobra encourage stability while inviting expansion—just like the budding trees reaching toward the sun.

Consider stepping onto your mat with the intention of shedding the old and welcoming the new. What no longer serves you? What beliefs, habits, or limitations can you release, making space for growth?

Mindfulness: Planting Seeds of Intention

Mindfulness in spring is about presence and possibility. Just as gardeners plant seeds with care, we can plant seeds of intention in our own lives. Through meditation and self-reflection, we cultivate awareness of what we truly desire.

Try this simple Spring Awakening Meditation:

  1. Find a comfortable seat or lie down.
  2. Close your eyes and take a deep inhale, imagining fresh spring air filling your lungs.
  3. Exhale, releasing anything heavy from the past season.
  4. Picture yourself standing in a vibrant garden. What are you planting for this new season? Joy? Strength? Inner peace?
  5. With each breath, visualize these seeds growing, nourished by your intention and daily actions.

Choosing to Create Our Best Life

Spring is not just about external change—it’s about the choices we make to fully embrace life. We are constantly given the opportunity to rewrite our story, to step into joy, purpose, and authenticity.

What can you say YES to this season?
Where can you let go of fear and step into trust?
How can you nurture yourself like the sun nurtures new blooms?

By moving with the rhythms of spring, practicing yoga with intention, and embracing mindfulness in our daily lives, we create the space to grow into our fullest, most radiant selves. Let this season be a reminder: you have the power to bloom, to transform, and to create the life you desire—one mindful moment at a time.

How will you embrace the spirit of spring?

Embracing the Slow Transition from Winter to Spring

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As February winds down, we find ourselves in a quiet in-between season—not quite winter, not quite spring. This time of year offers a unique opportunity for reflection, renewal, and gentle preparation for the vibrancy of spring ahead.

The Beauty of the Transition

Winter invites stillness and rest, while spring brings energy and new beginnings. Instead of rushing through this seasonal shift, embracing it mindfully allows us to honor both cycles—letting go of winter’s heaviness while welcoming spring’s freshness.

Ways to Gently Transition into Spring

1. Adjust Your Daily Routine

  • Begin incorporating more movement, like light stretching or yoga, to awaken the body.
  • Spend a few moments outside each day, even if it’s just a short walk to notice signs of spring.

2. Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods

  • Start adding fresh greens, citrus, and lighter meals to your diet.
  • Continue enjoying warm, grounding foods like soups and herbal teas for balance.

3. Refresh Your Space

  • Open the windows to let fresh air in on milder days.
  • Declutter a small area in your home to create space for new energy.

4. Set Intentions for the New Season

  • Reflect on what you want to cultivate in the coming months.
  • Write down a few small goals or affirmations to guide your transition.

Embrace the Moment

Rather than seeing February as a waiting period, embrace it as a time of quiet transformation. The shifts happening in nature are mirrored within us—reminding us that growth doesn’t happen overnight but through gentle, steady change.

How do you welcome the transition from winter to spring? I’d love to hear your thoughts! ??

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

From “I Can” to “I Can’t”—And Learning to Be Okay with That

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For most of my life, I have been an “I can” person. I can push through. I can figure it out. I can keep going, no matter what. That mindset carried me through challenges, fueled my passions, and shaped the way I moved through the world. But this past year—facing three hip surgeries, constant pain, and now preparing for yet another grueling surgery—has taught me a lesson I never expected: it’s okay to say “I can’t.”

At first, those words felt foreign, almost like giving up. I resisted them, believing that if I just tried harder, pushed a little more, I could still do everything I used to. But the reality of my healing journey forced me to pause.

I began to recognize that saying “I can’t” wasn’t about weakness—it was about truth.

It was about listening to my body instead of fighting against it. It was about setting boundaries, asking for help, and honoring what I needed, not just what I wanted to be able to do.

Learning to accept “I can’t” has brought an unexpected sense of peace. It has opened the door to self-compassion, allowing me to focus on what I can do in this season of life—whether that’s gentle movement, meaningful connection, or simply resting without guilt. It has shown me that strength isn’t measured by how much we push through, but by how well we adapt, accept, and allow ourselves to be human.

The Benefits of Accepting Limitations

Accepting our limitations doesn’t mean giving up—it means making space for a different kind of growth. Here are a few ways this shift has been a gift in my life:

  1. Less Pressure, More Peace – Releasing the need to always push forward has allowed me to be more present. Instead of feeling like I’m falling short, I’m learning to embrace where I am.
  2. Deeper Self-Compassion – Saying “I can’t” doesn’t mean I’m failing; it means I’m honoring my needs. This mindset shift has allowed me to treat myself with the same kindness I would offer a loved one.
  3. More Meaningful Connections – When I let go of the need to do everything on my own, I opened myself up to receiving help and support from others. That vulnerability has deepened my relationships in ways I never expected.
  4. Redefining Strength – True strength isn’t about endurance at all costs; it’s about knowing when to pause, when to ask for help, and when to let go.
  5. Finding New Possibilities – While I may not be able to do certain things the way I used to, I’ve discovered new ways to move, teach, and connect. Accepting my limitations has made room for fresh opportunities.

If you’re struggling with your own limitations—whether physical, emotional, or something else entirely—know that “I can’t” is not the end of your story. It’s an invitation to shift, to soften, and to embrace life as it is, rather than how we think it should be. And sometimes, that shift brings more healing than any amount of pushing ever could.

For me, I have even learned that saying “I can’t” to mowing the lawn or doing heavier house work has brought so much freedom into my life. I never thought I would be okay with handing over the reigns of the lawn mower to a paid yard boy but it is truly amazing!

Have you ever had to learn to be okay with saying “I can’t”? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. ?

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

What is Karma

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“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” — Wayne Dyer

Karma is a concept that is often misunderstood. Many people see it as a system of punishment and reward—a cosmic scorecard that doles out justice. However, at its core, karma is not about retribution but rather about cause and effect. It is the natural unfolding of consequences based on our actions, thoughts, and intentions.

As I continue to struggle with my hip recovery, I often get people saying that I don’t deserve this because I do good in the world. Would I be experiencing this if I didn’t do good things? Is what they are referring to karma? I do not think so.

In my mind, karma is not punitive or rewarding.

In many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is seen as a teacher rather than a judge. When we act with kindness, integrity, and compassion, we tend to experience more peace and fulfillment. When we act with harm, dishonesty, or negativity, we may encounter challenges—not as punishment, but as an opportunity for growth and self-awareness.

A key aspect of karma is that it is not instant, nor is it always obvious. Sometimes the effects of our actions take time to unfold, and they may not always manifest in the ways we expect. This can be frustrating, especially when we feel we are acting with good intentions yet still face difficulties. However, rather than seeing these moments as punishment, we can view them as an invitation to reflect and realign with our highest values.

In our daily lives, karma reminds us to be intentional with our actions. How we treat others, the energy we put into the world, and the mindset we carry all contribute to the experiences we attract. If we want more love, we can offer love. If we want more kindness, we can be kind. This doesn’t mean life will always be fair or predictable, but it does mean we have more power over our experiences than we often realize.

Ultimately, karma is a mirror.

It reflects our choices and allows us to take responsibility for the energy we cultivate in our lives. Instead of fearing karma as a force of punishment, we can embrace it as a guide. A guide that helps us live with greater awareness, intention, and purpose.

As I move forward with my struggles I will continue to do good without any attachment to being rewarded (or punished). In my downtime I am crocheting hats for the needy, making cards for my neighbors, sharing uplifting messages on social media, baking bread for others and generally trying to share goodness from my heart.

Serving Others and Cultivating the Greater Good

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In a world that often feels fast-paced and self-centered, the act of serving others stands as a profound counterbalance—a way to connect, inspire, and build a greater sense of purpose. Service to others doesn’t require grand gestures or vast resources. Instead, it begins with small, heartfelt acts of kindness that ripple outward, creating an impact far greater than we might imagine.

Why Service Matters

When we serve others, we tap into a deeper sense of humanity. Science and spirituality alike remind us that helping others not only benefits the recipient but also nurtures the giver. Acts of service release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, fostering connection and joy. Beyond this, service cultivates empathy, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the beauty of interdependence.

Small Steps Toward Big Impact

Often, we underestimate the power of small actions. A simple smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day. What may seem ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone in need. Consider volunteering a few hours at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with groceries, or simply being present for a friend who needs to talk. These moments of service weave a tapestry of kindness that uplifts everyone involved.

Cultivating the “Greater Good”

The “greater good” begins with individual intention. When we act with selflessness and compassion, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where these acts multiply—where kindness becomes contagious and communities are transformed. By cultivating an attitude of service, we contribute to a collective spirit of unity and hope.

Reflect and Engage

Take a moment to reflect: How can you serve today? Perhaps it’s through your talents, your time, or simply your willingness to listen. Every action, no matter how small, carries the potential to plant seeds of positivity that will grow and flourish in ways you may never witness.

As we move forward, let us remember the power of service. Together, we can build a world rooted in compassion, one act of kindness at a time. Serving others isn’t just an act—it’s a way of being, a path to cultivating the greatest good within ourselves and our communities.

What will your next step be in creating this ripple of service?

Implementing Your Intentions

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Let’s face it, setting an intention is the easy part. Implementing your intention can be the true work. To implement your intention, you are basically saying to the universe you are willing to step into a relationship that requires work. All relationships take work and this spiritual marriage between you and the universe is no different.

My Intention for the Year

I have set out to bring a sense of renewal into my life. It is not that my life is bad, but I do have certain lifestyle choices that I know need to be adjusted. At one point in my life many of those choices worked for me. That is no longer the case.

To implement a sense of renewal, and align with the forces of the universe, I must be willing to have deliberate actions. Publicly proclaiming your intention is a powerful step to begin the process. Plus, it gives me a record for accountability.

Implementing My Intention

I know that some changes have to happen to bring my intention of renewal into action. To me, renewal means the process of making something fresh, new, or strong again. Here is how I plan to implement the energy of renewal into my life this year.

  • Ditch my tracking of steps walked. Yep, that is correct. After twenty five years of logging my steps, I am going to release it. I am not going to look at the amount of steps, but rather look for quality of steps. Are they in nature? Were my daily steps meaningful? Did I enjoy my time walking?
  • Shift directions a bit. By fostering the things that bring me joy, I am going to make more space for them. That will give me less space for things that cause me stress. I still intend to teach adaptive yoga as my primary “job”, but implanting my own bakery business is next up for cultivating JOY.
  • Nurture my creative side. I intend to create some magic in my life through publishing affirmation cards, a teaching manual for yoga teachers, and an online course for mindful manifesting. Watch out! It is going to be another new direction I take my business. These options will allow me to renew my physical body by reducing my demanding workload.
  • Foster my friendships and relationships. Most people know I work a lot. I genuinely love what I do so it never feels like work to me. However, in my desire to do what I love, relationships and friendships have been less of a priority the last 10 years. I want to renew some old friendships and create new ones.

Tips for Implementing Your intention

To implement your action plan for your intention you must do a few things that will bring the intention into your daily life. I find these simple things bring great power to your world:

  • Write it down. Put the word of your intention everywhere you might see it. Your mirror, car, planner, desk, and screen saver on phone. Anywhere your eyes will be, the word needs to be there.
  • Tell people your intention. You have to talk about it to anyone in your life. I have been known to even tell my dentist and barista my intention! When you speak it, you become it.
  • Choose daily. Everyday you must be willing to think, speak and act in alignment with your intention. Not everyday will be a success, but at least you can know that you are on your way!
  • Affirm your intention. Every day spend 3-5 minutes speaking your intention into an I AM affirmation. For example, “I am renewing”.

Not sure what your intention is? This video will walk you through the process of finding your intention! This step by step tutorial will help you find the direction your spirit is wanting you to take this year!

Word of the Year-Renewal 2025

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I believe wholeheartedly in the process of choosing a single word that becomes a thread to be woven throughout your life each year. This intention becomes part of you in thoughts, words and actions. This word of the year embodies your choices and actions.

Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one's purpose and connection to the world.

Word of the Year

For over 25 years I have chosen a word of the year. I do this not to set goals or resolutions, but to instead weave a thread into the tapestry of my life. The choices and thoughts that I make need to align with my word. In the yoga world we call intention a sankalpa.

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, a solemn vow, an intention, or a resolve to do something. It is similar to the English concept of a resolution, except that it comes from even deeper within and tends to be an affirmation.

Choosing a word or sankalpa for your year gives you direction in which to lead your life. For 25 years I have chosen many different words and have taken action. I have worked on some great things over that time span and all of it has lead to some greatness! A few of my recent favorites have been: refinement, deliberate, bold, reverence, and limitless. My least favorites have been peace and equanimity as they were two of the hardest years of my life.

Word of the Year 2025–Renewal

2024 and all the physical challenges of the last decade cumulated with three hip surgeries. I am ready for a big shift in my life. To restore a freshness into my life much like we do as we renew our strength in sleep. I want to make new in how I self care, how I work, how I serve and how I love. In some sort of ways I feel regeneration is in the works.

To seek renewal is to embark on a deeply personal journey of rediscovery, shedding the weight of past burdens and embracing the boundless possibility of becoming whole again. It is a soulful act of nurturing the inner self, replenishing depleted wells of energy, faith, and hope. Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one’s purpose and connection to the world. It is the quiet yet profound courage to step into the light after seasons of shadow, to reclaim joy, and to realign with the essence of who we are meant to be.

My ideas so far to finding renewal include:

  • Choosing quality over quantity as it relates to movement, friendships, hobbies and more.
  • Moving my habits to a more yin style and quiet space
  • Shifting my work from being so active and to more passive
  • Creating content that is meaningful and lasting

Reclaiming My Power is Key

Here is how I intend to do it:

  • Set Boundaries: Renewal often requires protecting your energy. Learn to say no without guilt.
  • Embrace Self-Acceptance: Let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
  • Make Daily Changes: Choose mindful activities rather than active activities when stressed.

Essential Oil Blend for Renewal

Each year crafting a custom blend to support my vision. Here is this year’s aroma blend to support my word of the year.

  • Basil: The Oil of Renewal. This essential oil supports a strengthened and renewed outlook to life.
  • Peppermint: The Oil of the Buoyant Heart. This oil supports optimism and rediscovering joy.
  • Red Mandarin: The Oil of Perspective. This oil helps to feel refreshed and joy in simple things.
  • Green Mandarin: The Oil of Potential. This oil gives feelings of wonder and hope.
  • Bergamot Mint: The Oil of a Revived Heart. This oil brings feelings of hope and openness.
  • Ravintsara: The Oil of Expansion. This oil helps to expand the mind and find flowing ideas.
  • Immersion Blend: The Blend of Renewal. This blend assists in a peaceful, renewed mind.
  • Rainbow Moonstone: The Stone of New Beginnings. A stone for new beginnings & inner growth.

Affirmations for 2025

Daily affirmations can reinforce my healing intentions. Here are a few I have chosen:

  • “I release the past and embrace renewal with open arms.”
  • “Healing is a journey, and I honor my progress every step of the way.”
  • “I am worthy of love, peace, and happiness.”
  • “My heart and mind are open to the beauty of new beginnings.”

What Will You Choose?

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Follow along with me this year as I take action on my intention and renew areas of my life!