change is good~new blog

Sometimes we just need to make a change~big or small. We just need to act, do something different. I've been playing with the idea of changing this blog for a long while now, and I decided today was the day. Instead of recreating this blog, I decided to create a new one on wordpress. You can now find me here. I hope you stop by, and if you do, please leave a comment because I'd love to hear from you!

Peace, Love, Lipstick, & Namaste'
Leslie

p.s. Not sure if I will continue to write on this blog or not. I'm just going to see what happens...

taking positive risks...saying "Yes!" to life

In general, I would describe myself as someone who doesn't take a lot of risks in life. As I reflect on this, there are a few factors that probably contribute to my "play it safe," mindset...perfectionism, the way I was raised, and fear of failure are just a few. I would say the most recent big, positive risk I have taken (and this has been almost two years ago now) was agreeing to be the commencement speaker for the graduate program at my graduation. When I was asked, it was one of those moments I didn't overthink, I just said, "Yes." Speaking in front of a large audience was a bit nerve-racking, but hugely rewarding. In fact, one of my dreams growing up was to become a motivational speaker and presenter. This experience gave me a little taste of that, and I am now so thankful I said, "Yes."

Since this risk-taking experience has been two years ago now, I am definitely realizing I need to work on stepping out and taking more positive risks in my life. I recently completed an independent study graduate course and one of the lessons was on being willing to take positive risks. It listed some commonly used excuses to avoid taking a positive risk:

1. I am not doing that bad.


2. I am not old enough to worry about that yet.


3. I can't get help because I have to work to take care of my responsibilities.


4. If I change, the friends I have won't like me anymore.


5. The people who have pressured me to be different will think they have won.


6. I am trying so hard, but I get almost no appreciation for my efforts.


7. Well, this is just how I am.

While I have mentally used a few of these excuses a time or two, I would say probably the one I find myself thinking the most is: "I don't have the time, energy, or financial resources right now." This excuse is definitely not serving me, so I declare here and now, I am done with it!

My focus word of the year for 2009 was ACTION for a reason. I decided this year I'm going to take ACTION, which includes taking positive risks. I'm going to push myself to make changes and try new things. I am going to say "Yes!" to life more often...

So, all you lovely ladies and gents out there, please help me out here and share how you find the courage to take risks, both big and small, and get out of your comfort zone! How do you say "Yes!" to life?

Namaste'
Yogadiva

pure potential

Change is in the air. I'm reminding myself: when one door closes, another always opens. We just have to make sure we're looking for it, not stuck staring at the door that just shut!

I'm very excited about the potential for great things to come.

Here is the yogathought for the day:

"You are pur pure potential." --Maat

Namaste'
Yogadiva

change

As you've probably noticed, I decided it was time for a little blog layout and color change. Change is good. (I'm mainly reminding myself of this as I tend to resist change much of the time.) Sometimes it's just good to mix things up, right? So, I'm going to be experimenting a bit with my blog layout and colors this weekend. Right now, however, I'm hearing my big, comfy bed calling my name. It's time to get some Zzzz's.

Sweet dreams.

Namaste'
Yogadiva