Happiness

I've had a really great last few days. I'm not sure what it is or what magical combination of ingredients are responsible, but I am high on life and radiating a genuinely joyful glow.

Here are a few possible contributing factors.

1. Yoga. I am in my second week of the 30 Day Yoga Challenge and my body feels great and grateful for so much loving attention sent its way. I started back at the studio August 1st and have been averaging  4-6 Hot Yoga classes a week since then. I love everything about the studio. The smell of scented sprays and essential oils in the air, gentle not cloying, puts me at ease the minute I walk through the door. The soothing music and quiet voices and the pitter patter of yogi feet on the slightly tacky studio floor as my fellow practitioners set up their mats. Most of all the symphony of breath - inhales to nourish, exhales to release and the slow even breaths of shavasana - all sweet music to soothe my soul. The teachers always meet me at my mat with exactly the lessons I need to learn that day. Every single class feels like a gift from the universe. And all the sweet radiant faces filling the halls, the change room, walking in and out of the front door - these glowing hearts reaching out to offer just a little glimpse of their love.
Deep lovely sigh. I love this place, this practice, this path.

2. Green Smoothies!! I have been on the green smoothie train for breakfast for the past week or two and my diet in general has been loaded with fresh veggies, green soups, smoothies, salads and teas! Sweetener has been eliminated as has pop, dairy, meat, soy, and sugary treats - though I still indulge in my favorite baked chips and 85% cacao organic chocolate when I want a treat (which is often!) Bread is nearly non existent at the moment. And I have to say. I FEEL AMAZING!! I have energy to spare most days and when I don't I'm just listening to my body and resting till I do again. My skin has a rosy glow and I don't feel like my eyes looks nearly as tired as they did not that long ago. I've lost a couple of pounds but mostly I'm just maintaining the weight loss I accomplished before the summer which is a fantastic thing as my tendency is yo yo up and down - lose for 6 months - gain for 12 months - lose for 6 months - and so on.

3. No Booze. And of all the things I've given up - except for meat - I miss it the least (shocker of shockers)! I don't think all of this is leading to me never drinking again, but I think it helped me break a pattern of behavior in which I was looking to the wrong things to find comfort, or relaxation, or escape.
Because alcohol is a depressant, I think I'm now enjoying a brighter outlook without it. I have more clarity, more energy, and most wonderfully, I have more of my true self to offer anyone I engage with - including myself. I expect when I have seen my challenge through to the end I will occasionally once again enjoy sharing a bottle of red with my husband on a cold winter night, or with a girlfriend as we pour our hearts out to each other. I certainly believe that a party night with a brand new outfit and a sinful martini will see me letting loose on a dance floor and enjoying total abandon in the moment. But my sincere wish for myself is that I never lose sight of how wonderful it feels to be clear, and bright, totally myself and available, because I nourish my body and soul on a regular basis with things that fill me with energy and strength. And that I always remember that I do not need to alter my mind or mood with substances, because what I have to offer when I am totally sober and present is beautiful, genuine, powerful and interesting. And that I am far more relaxed after yoga, a long walk and Bubble Bath Sunday, than after any glass of Red I can ever remember.

4. Sweet Phebe walks, and nature appreciation. I am so blessed to have this amazing puppy who gives me the best reason in the world to go to most beautiful spots I can get to and walk for miles and miles every day.  We have been so lucky to spend so many sunny fall afternoons exploring the fields of Nose Hill Park. Or basking in the golden leafy canopy of the tree lined streets of our neighbourhood. We share a huge  bottle of water along the way and try to avoid accidentally killing any grasshoppers. She does her best not to chase after bicycles and I try to remember that no matter how many calories you'd like to burn, sometimes you've just got to slow down and smell things. She looks up at me with so much happiness that I can't help but laugh and tell her she's a goof, and such a good girl, such a good, good girl. And then she runs off to the next smell disappearing into the tall grass and I look up and try to memorize the beauty of the trees and taking a deep deep breath to fill up on the joy of it all.

I am so unbelievably blessed right now. I am full of love and gratitude and hope for tomorrow. I am falling back in love with life and with myself. And now to bed - because I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.
xo!