I’ve given a lot of thought to how I want to approach this new year. Resolutions aren’t my favorite things–although last year’s green smoothie resolution went pretty well. One of my FB friends is beginning the year (as she did last year) by choosing a word to guide her throughout the year. I tried that on for size–gave lots of words consideration, but what I’ve ultimately decided on is not just one word to guide but words (plural) to guide me through the year:
It’s sort of an extension of the daily mantra I used to get through the end of the year. It’s my 2015 mantra. I’m not entirely comfortable with it–but that’s kind of the point.
This mantra is somewhat reminiscent of the life philosophy I adopted in 2010 (which I referred to as The Year of Jenn). It was a year in which I refocused my energy on me. And it was a year in which I said “yes” to things I normally would not have (within reason–without violating my personal morals/values or the law and without endangering my life). It was a pretty good year. I learned a lot. It’s ultimately how I met my husband.
So this year, I’m going to intentionally try new things–things that normally don’t appeal to me. I’m starting with a Zumba class next Friday. That’s definitely outside my comfort zone. I am not graceful. Or coordinated. And I’m just a little (ha) out of shape currently. Oh, and group activities? Definitely not my favorite–especially group exercising activities. Thus, I’ve said no to Zumba since people started raving about it. So now I’m saying yes. My friend Angela is going with me–she’s actually a Zumba instructor. And she remembers from our sorority days how uncoordinated I can be. I can’t really say I’m excited about it. It really makes me feel anxious. But who knows? Maybe I’ll love Zumba (I suspect not, but maybe).
I think I’ll also try a beginner’s yoga class. And maybe one of those painting classes. Who knows what else? (Please feel free to share possibilities!) But I know that when I start to feel uncomfortable with a possibility, I’ll come back to this mantra: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Here goes nothing…
Wider than the Sky 
I took a class, Vinyasa Yoga, while at Clemson University (complete with a final exam of putting together a routine and leading the class through it -lol). It will make a huge difference if you have an instructor who explains why you are supposed to breathe a certain way, what the goal of each movement is, etc., as you are doing it. I LOVE yoga.
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