Life

Here's how my life has been lately:

(Adventure down to the water with Derek)

We have been trying to go on so many adventures lately, and this was the one that kick started it. It was a beautiful day and the most amazing time spent. The feeling I get when I'm by the ocean is unexplainable. I get butterflies in my stomach and I feel more at peace than in any other circumstance. I am meant to be by the ocean.

 

 (keeping up on yoga)

Yoga is something I practice almost every single day, but my back pain makes it had to do certain pose. I have made it a goal to start practicing those poses as best I can to get my back into shape and to start improving so that maybe one day I can do amazing poses and to be motivation that anything can happen if you want it bad enough.

 (Another example of practicing advanced poses)

 (I love him so much)

Being able to share everything positive happening to me with this guy. He is the most amazing thing in my life, he is my motivation to push myself. He accepts me for who I am and loves that I'm different, that I'm weird. He is my best friend and my soul mate. 

  (Watching a million interviews of Rachel Brathen before I got to see her live and get my book signed by her)

Having the time to finally have  "me time" a few mornings a week. I get to sit back after house work is done, drink a coffee or a tea, and do whatever I feel like. I used to feel guilty for having time for myself  when I was jobless for a few months. Even though I was applying everywhere and trying very hard to find a job, it wasn't in my luck for the longest time and it made me feel guilty putting any time into doing something for myself -- aka not doing anything at all. I wouldn't allow myself to paint, to write, to spend too much time on the internet. But now that I am working great hours, I can finally do these things without giving myself such a hard time about it in my head. It's relieving and has helped with the stress factor greatly.

 Getting to meet my biggest inspiration and getting to be in a yoga class taught by her. When I heard that Rachel Brathen was coming to Vancouver, the only stop in Canada for her book tour, I knew it was a sign and I had to go. And I am so fortunate that I did, it was one of the most amazing opportunities I've had my whole life. I will never forget it.

Writing myself little notes throughout the day, mostly at work or if I am having a bad day. For me, they are just as useful as meditation. But if I am just on a quick break, having the worst day, it is calming to write myself these notes to look at through out the day.

(Mine: Turtlenut and cookie monster Dereks: chocolate explosion and maple bacon)
We have been loving to go out for donuts lately. We even decided to make it a sunday tradition to get donuts and coffee for breakfast. Not only is it ridiculously delicious, but sitting down in a coffee shop first thing in the morning and just talking is a great way for us to appreciate eachother and really get to spend quality time together. No distractions from home.

~~ Justine