My best friend from high school, whom I adore, and think the world of… is about to change her life.
Dukes and I became friends late in adolescent life… seniors in high school. We bonded over soccer and the Beastie Boys and since then, she truly has witnessed my human evolution. We don’t talk every day, but every time we get together in person… it’s amazing. As though not a day has passed and each and every time is an adventure. It’s like the universe says, “oh, yes, you two again. What ridiculous memory shall we concoct today?”
I’ve always thought she was a bigger personality than our hometown. I always knew I was bigger than our hometown. That there was more out there to see and do, sure. But really… there was more out there that could help shape and define who we were as people… and Seattle wasn’t going to do that for me, and it isn’t doing it for her.
I’ve known this since I was a kid- that Seattle, although wonderful, just wasn’t the right place for me. It wasn’t the environment that I needed to grow and become the person I always was – finally free, open and true. People (in general) didn’t embrace or get what I was about. I couldn’t be my best me. Not only does L.A. provide that environment- it welcomes it. Encourages it. Exemplifies and multiplies it. Which is probably why, I won’t be returning to Seattle.
I feel my same sentiment about certain individuals in my childhood- that this gorgeous city Seattle, is at the same time so limiting to certain people/personalities. I would say that everyone I’ve ever thought should leave (or at least for a little while, then they could go back), did. Or did so permanently. Many of my hometown friends can be found all over the world. Yes many of them… except Dukes. She stayed in Seattle.
This week, when she sent word that she was going to be moving to New York… I was ecstatic for her. Really truly insanely happy for her. Because I know what’s coming to her- an environment made for her, that will allow who she is to explode exponentially. This is going to take her to the next level in life; in profession, in experience, memories and most importantly growth… and she’ll have all the resources, inspiration and wonder that Seattle could never fully offer her. And I couldn’t be happier.
Why is that we limit ourselves in our potential? How do we break through the fear so we can grow as individuals- reach the potential of who we are to be and accomplish more than we ever thought possible? Here are some of my little tips on how to GROW:
G – GO. Honestly, if you want to do something- just do it. Just go. Get out of your comfort zone and travel, move somewhere else. Take that job in Paris. Maybe it’s not a good fit? So what? Now you know something new about yourself. Just go for it. Things will always be here if you want to come back.
R – RELAX. Don’t freak out about a big change. Fear is your biggest obstacle to growth. The unknown. Get to know fear and tell him to take a break for awhile while you figure it all out. Then chill and enjoy the ride!
O – OPEN. Be open to new things. Keep an open mind. Don’t sweat the minutia. Don’t give up when things are hard. Maybe it’s not the ‘normal way’ – who cares? Hard=growth. New opportunities and experiences = yep, growth.
W – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? lol (W was a tough one for me to come up with).
Give yourself the opportunity to grow…. trust me, you’ll amaze yourself. 🙂
And Dukes…. you grow girl. Proud of you.
Now for a little yoga (I know it’s been awhile)… and how appropriate… Tree pose.
Vrksasana, Tree Pose
Stand in Tadasana. Shift your weight slightly onto the left foot, keeping the inner foot firm to the floor, and bend your right knee. Reach down with your right hand and clasp your right ankle.
Draw your right foot up and place the sole against the inner left thigh; if possible, press the right heel into the inner left groin, toes pointing toward the floor. The center of your pelvis should be directly over the left foot.
Rest your hands on the top rim of your pelvis. Make sure the pelvis is in a neutral position, with the top rim parallel to the floor.
Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor. Firmly press the right foot sole against the inner thigh and resist with the outer left leg. Press your hands together in Anjali Mudra. Gaze softly at a fixed point in front of you on the floor about 4 or 5 feet away.
Stay for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Step back to Tadasana with an exhalation and repeat for the same length of time with the legs reversed.
Life, Love and Yoga 