Helen Dotson’s Reviews > A Year of Living Your Yoga: Daily Practices to Shape Your Life > Status Update

Weds 123125 - VH1 Spring Lake - I read some of this most days this year, probably the first time I was that consistent. A few recent really encouraging thoughts are to develop a healthy ego to create my ability to have clear boundaries, sit still for a few minutes every day, and make a commitment to laugh every day. It’s a beautiful winter wonderland out there with more snow falling. Savoring our family time here.

Sat 122025 - 36 ORD Dining Table - Love today’s sentiment to “Choose Contentment.” I caught up on reading this for the first time in a while. We are super excited to have the kids & my Mom home for the holidays soon & making final preparations for a very special holiday season here. I’ve been pretty down this month though my spirits have brightened a lot this week overall. Feeling optimistic & peaceful today

Sun 120725 - 36 ORD - It’s foggy here & there is still snow so it reminds me of Michigan. We enjoyed going to Findlay this morning to attend Wayne & Connie’s church service followed by a lovely Christmas brunch w/their family. Our tummies are full!!! We are also excited to go to Trees on the Tees tonight at 5 pm. We loved that last year. We were shopping at Kohls last night & got a view from afar. So pretty!

Mon 120125 - 36 ORD Dining Table - Ice has started forming on Lake Decatur & we still have snow. Just when I thought the pelicans were certainly gone, I noticed some still swimming & flying around this morning. They’re here much later this season than any other year so far. Today’s wisdom is to find your natural rhythm; I’m honoring that by easing into my day doing some soul nurturing to help lift my spirits.

Tues 112525 - 36 ORD Foggy & Overcast - That’s a magic date! I’m admittedly feeling a bit down today & reading this is a chance to shift my thoughts a bit. I have a mix of feelings today & trying to stay focused on being thankful. Recent bits of wisdom that resonate for me: what intention guides me today? Remember my difficulties are chances to let go. Don’t get caught up in external measures of success.

Sat 112225 - 36 ORD Dining Table w/Larry - We’re enjoying our Peppermint Mocha coffee & visiting. Saturday mornings are our time to relax & ease into our weekend & we’re doing that for a bit. We’re baking a few batches of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies to take w/us on our overnight trip down to New Baden. Meeting w/my family while Josh’s here tonight from GA to pick up Mom for Thanksgiving. Life’s a gift.

Mon 111725 - 36 ORD - < 2 weeks until Thanksgiving already. Time is flying. A recent bit of wisdom was to practice being deeply present. I’ve been much better about that ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic. A reminder is always good. It was lovely being home at our sanctuary on Lake Decatur, earth’s doorstep, all weekend. 70 degrees on Saturday was lovely being outside & opening the house. Biaggi’s rocked. YUM!!

Sat 110825 - 36 ORD Dining Table w/Larry & Stitch - Yesterday’s reflection was spot on wisdom. “Emotions arise when beliefs are challenged.” I’ve experienced that w/my past job, losing my job, & starting my new job at a very different company. I’ve been getting into a better rhythm w/my work days at home & still making time for my personal life needs & wants. Feeling good. Happy with how our life is going.

Sat 110125 - 36 ORD Dining Table - It’s a cloudy day. We absolutely loved & had so much fun joining Wayne & Connie for Trunk or Treat in Findlay last night & our extended family dinner at Monical’s. We enjoyed dressing up as Wolverine & Rogue, my all time best costume ever!! It was sweet to see so many kids all dressed up in their cute costumes & spread some cheer. Ethan was Where’s Waldo & went to Hetler’s.

Thurs 103025 - 36 ORD Dining Table - It’s been over a month since I paused to read this & I’ve missed it so much that today I spent time over my breakfast break to read all the reflections since last time. There’s so much wisdom here, pausing to read it helped me slow down & reconnect with my inner soul. I needed this today to help refocus on the positive & the present as life has been moving too fast lately.