We've now spent a year under the influence of COVID. When the lockdown began, I found myself in an unusual situation. I had never worked from home before, nor was I unable to leave my apartment. It was certainly a challenge. I turned that challenge into something I'm very proud of—this very blog! I never imagined in a million years that I would create a blog. I actually never understood why people wrote blogs. I started this site to write about yoga and how it has supported me over the years, but as I began writing, I ventured into many other topics. It was as if I could just sit at the computer and start writing. I received both positive and negative feedback, which was great, and the support I got was truly special. When I received messages about how I helped someone, it touched my heart, and that's why this blog is still going strong a year later. Let's begin...
Over the past year, I've written numerous favorite blogs, all based on real experiences I encounter daily. This year has been challenging for all of us; I've stumbled many times in various aspects of my life—work, friendships, and relationships. And that's okay! As I mentioned in my "I'm NOT PERFECT" blog, we often strive to please everyone and sometimes need to prioritize our own happiness. I'll admit I neglected my yoga practice this year (please, no falling off your chairs at this revelation). I tried practicing at home but couldn't concentrate, and if I'm not in the right mindset, it doesn't help. Neglecting my practice affected everything else in my life. My mind was overwhelmed with negativity and imaginary scenarios. I was my own obstacle, harming myself mentally, emotionally, and physically. I even ended up in the ER with burst cysts because I was so focused on making others happy that I forgot about myself. I forgot about yoga, let my ego take over, and fed it every story it craved. I felt lost and unable to regain control. It took hitting rock bottom emotionally to realize this wasn't okay. Here I am, blogging about gratitude, mindfulness, happiness, and spreading love, yet I was losing it! I share this because I want you to know I'm a real person. I mess up, more than once, and forget self-care. We all do, but we must acknowledge it. I can't blame anyone for my actions; I can only hold my head high and move forward. I've returned to reading my yoga books and searching for a new space to practice. I recently moved, and there's a place next door offering sound bath sessions and chakra-opening classes. If that's not a sign saying, "Get your act together, Amanda," I don't know what is! Yoga might not be your passion, but everyone needs an escape from life's chaos. Another activity I enjoy, which might seem silly, is coloring. I have several adult coloring books (which sounds a bit odd—LOL). I play music and color for hours, creating some cool pieces I hope to turn into a coffee table book (as if I don't have enough going on). Just know there's something out there for you, and you'll be surprised by what you discover. I never thought of myself as creative, yet here I am with a website/blog and coloring books :)
This year has undoubtedly been challenging, and living like this takes a toll, even if we don't realize it. We need to make the best of these difficult situations. Looking back at my blogs, I thought, WOW, this girl is spot on! We sometimes stumble, make mistakes, or mess up badly, but we must remember that we're human and living in a chaotic environment. When chaos surrounds us, we start to think it's normal and accept our negative behaviors. So, we need to stay aware and clear-minded to see the good around us. We must look beyond the chaos, or it will consume us and our thoughts. Believe me, I've let it happen. If this has happened to you, accept it; you're not a bad person, you're just struggling, and that's okay. We need to learn and grow from our struggles but also acknowledge them. We need to support each other; if you see a loved one struggling or in pain, reach out, ask if they're okay, and listen to them. We all have different feelings, and often what one person feels doesn't make sense to another, and THAT'S OK! Just be there, offer a hug, and reassure them that everything will be alright. The smallest gestures can be the greatest help. All I can do is keep writing and sharing my true self with you. It's okay to be imperfect because that's what makes you beautiful. I can be a handful at times, but I know that my big heart makes my imperfections beautiful. We'll all get through this, and if anyone feels like they've fallen off the "I can do everything" wagon, please read this and reach out!
MUCH LOVE. XOXO
P.S. below are some of my fantastic works of art! ;)
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