During the week when I have to wake up for a job I’m not thrilled about, mornings are rough. However, when I rise feeling uninspired on the weekend, it’s even worse. One recent instance comes to mind.

I arose with that empty and sad feeling that I became so used to, but hate. Morning sunshine tried to peek through my window, so I figured it must be nice out. I remembered it was forecast to be warm. I lingered in my bed and wondered if I should drag myself to yoga.

The excuses started piling in, “My knee is still sore. I don’t want to drive in Saturday morning traffic. I’m not in the mood to be around anyone. I can practice in the comfort of my own home.” But, I convinced myself that I should just cut the crap, go and take it easy due to my knee.

It’s dangerously easy to make excuses for yourself…

I brushed my teeth, put on some sunblock, and quickly changed into some gym clothes. I didn’t have time to make my bed before I left, which bothered me a little, but it was more important to get my a** to class.

As soon as I walked outside and felt the warm air and sunshine upon me, I instantly felt better. It was the first warm day since winter’s departure. The heat and sun brought such a lovely feeling. “Finally, a break from the cold air,” I gladly thought to myself.

I sat in my car and put on a song I wanted to hear and started driving to the gym. Thankfully the drive didn’t make me consider homicide. The ride was surprisingly chill, which is always a great surprise for a late Saturday morning. 

I was concerned with how I’d do in class because of pain in my right knee. I reminded myself to listen to my body and do the best I could. I was pretty pleased that I went.

As I flowed through the poses, I remembered why I make yoga such an essential part of my life. As the sadness and anxiety gently melted off of my psyche, my mood quickly improved. Yoga makes me feel strong, calm and focused. It also makes me feel so grateful that my body can smoothly participate in the practice.

The warrior poses never fail to remind me that hell yeah, I’m a warrior, and always will be! That might sound cheesy, but it gives me such a powerful feeling that travels with me even after I leave my mat.

YOU ARE A WARRIOR

The yoga teacher always tells us to smile, which is hard when I’m exerting myself while looking back at my hothouse tomato complexion in the mirror. But, I appreciate the hell out of that command. I might not be outwardly smiling as I flow through the practice, but inside my heart is rocking one fierce smile.

As I rolled up my mat and got ready to go back home, I was happy I went. I felt proud that I attempted to be stronger than my excuses and my blah mood.

Attempting to move through lackluster feelings is challenging. But you have to push yourself. Make those initial steps to get the ball rolling so that along the way, little things that uplift your mood can sprinkle your day with a humbling grace.

Create space for your version of self-love

What carried me through the beginning of this day was a mixture of events all made possible by my action. I forced myself to go to a yoga class even though I initially didn’t want to leave the house. When I stepped outside, I received a gentle hug from a gorgeous day. Who doesn’t love those blue skies and initial warm days of spring?

I met my love for a delightful day as March went out like a lamb. As I started driving, my love for music greeted me with open arms. Afterward, my passion for yoga smacked me right in the face. I could feel all of this love running through my veins, bringing me back to life.

I had to create space for this love to come back to me, which can be a struggle. I get crippled and don’t want to take action. But once I remind myself to be stronger than my excuses, I can allow that love to find it’s way back to me. 

Focus on the things that make you come alive!

What are the things that amidst your sadness bring you back to joy? Keep those things in mind and nourish them like your most cherished house or garden plant. These are candy for your soul.

They will help you carry on through your darkest moments, but you need to allow them in. Try to remember how they make you feel so that perhaps you can crawl out of that dingy and dark space cavern. It’s not easy, but I know you can do it! Give it a try.

You owe it to yourself to put in the effort.

The sun that tried to peek through my window as I woke up reminded me that the light is there; I just need to go after it.

CHASE YOUR SUNSHINE!

You are stronger than your heavy feelings. And as my yoga teacher always says, “remember to smile.”

XoXo,

Mandy