Freedom of 2019

​My theme for 2019 was centered around the word freedom.  In the beginning of the year, I made observations as to where I needed and wanted more freedom in my life.  One of my complaints was I never felt I had enough time to do all of the things I wanted to do.  I wanted more time to complete projects and space to enjoy them.  
 
I started with re-evaluating what I did day-to-day and compared that list to what I wanted to do daily.  Many of the tasks that appeared on my list were tasks I had to do, but had grown bored with them.  Cleaning the house, helping with homework and preparing meals were draining my energy and taking up too much space in my day and my mind.
 
I refocused my energy on meditation.  (Let’s be honest for a second.  I’m like everyone, and fall off the meditation wagon for a few months at a time.)  However, when I started meditating, I began to see how much I was just moving through the motions and not actually “being” in the moment.  Meditation helped me see the problem, but I needed a jolt to wake me up.
 
In the fall, with both of my children in school, I decided to take on a few creative projects.  I dedicated time to studying Spanish and began teaching yoga to preschoolers at Head Start of Washington County through Open Minds.  Challenging my mind in a different way on these projects helped me enjoy those quiet moments of wiping down a countertop or reading a new book to my children.  I even felt more energetic to experiment with new meals at dinnertime.  
 
I am grateful to the tools I have within.  They’ve created more freedom and enjoyment to be in this moment.  I’m not sure what lies ahead in 2020 for me, but for now, I’m sitting with eyes wide open and savoring this moment.
 
What word or phrase will you choose for 2020?  Open your yoga toolbox and use everything within to have a most wonderous year.