A Love Story to Take Home

This was written as a free-write, in my journal, on New Year's Eve. I taught a yoga class a few hours later and read it aloud as a wish for my students. Here it lives for those of us who are in need of the most epic love story.

As we step into the New Year, it’s time to realize your cup is not half empty, nor is it half full. You, the cup, are beyond full. You are full of just as much worth as potential, you are whole, and you are loved. And if you’re nodding your head thinking, I know, I know… Do you? Do you actually? Are you telling yourself those words? Most importantly – do you hear them?

If you haven’t already, this is the year to fall in love – with yourself. To switch the focus from external relationships to the one that might be suffering the most – that which lives inside of you. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. This one, this is the love story that will last a lifetime. And once it’s there, you will stop seeking external matter that is missing from the bond you have with yourself. Instead, every additional relationship you cultivate, whether work, friendly, romantic, or even happenstances amongst strangers, will simply add to your splendor, as well as theirs.

You will show up whole. Everyday. For yourself. And you will support yourself, care for yourself, and forgive yourself as you would a child. The child that still lives inside of you and is dying for your approval. What about telling that little person, “I’m proud of you.” Or, “That’s okay, we did the best we could.” Or even, “Yes, we messed up. We will do better next time won’t we?” From this full cup of compassion, empathy, love and understanding, you can give openly - to those who are fit for receiving your gifts.

But don’t start there. Start at home. Start on the front porch of your own life. Open the doors, take an honest look inside, and create a love story that will last a lifetime.