I turned another year older on Aug. 7, 2016, and looking back as I usually do when my b-day comes around, this year is especially important. Not only have I turned 33 (yes, I am not ashamed to admit my age like most women tend to be), but I have been spiritually growing in the past month or so. A blessing in disguise, my left ankle fracture was another wake up call from the universe, ‘Kathleen! Ava! You were doing so well last year, you need to pick up where you left off. You need to learn and practice more on how to take care of yourself. This is your chance.’
So, I did. I made sure not to feel sorry for myself. In the beginning, my fear was gaining weight because of the injury, but I googled like crazy and found amazing ways to modify on the mat than just doing only chair yoga poses. I would alternate between getting on the mat and using the chair. I used the kettlebell while seated or lying down, did some yoga infused pilates moves, and even found chair exercises through an FB post. Moreover, I also ate more healthy. From my starting weight on June 23rd to Aug 1st I have lost 5 lbs. For me that was an accomplishment. I didn’t let this obstacle of an injury hold me back. As cliche as it sounds, where there is a will, there is a way.
Aside from losing some weight, my time off from work as an RN provided me with time to nurse myself— physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Usually, I am not someone who can practice yoga at home. I crave the hot power yoga studio, the teachers, and being in class. However, this time doing yoga at home became part of an everyday morning ritual. One that almost makes me think I might not go back to the studio. My morning practice is sacred to me, and one I enjoy more than starting off the day rushing to a hot power yoga class. In addition, I also journal, pray, and meditate in the morning.
A month ago today, July 12th I even took a Reiki I class. In Reiki I you only learn how to do reiki on yourself. I am not sure if I will ever continue to the next level of reiki, but the experience alone of that class was a huge turning point for me. I am grateful for what I learned because it led to me realizing how important our own energy and our own intention can affect our lives. My energy right now is at a high vibration. And because of that I believe that is why certain people have either left or come into my life. I have heard about the law of attraction before, and felt it to some extent, but now within this past month I am a huge believer of the power of positivity and attracting the like.
Last but not least, I began studying what it means to be an empath and more importantly how to find strength in my sensitivity. Growing up, friends to family would say, “You’re so sensitive.” I felt like there was something wrong with me. I didn’t want to be so “sensitive”. Finally, I am grateful and empowered that I AM AN EMPATH. Being an empath is what makes me the best nurse I strive to be. Being an empath guides me in life because now I listen to my intuition. Being an empath strengthens the relationships I want to cultivate.
33. Alive and thriving, and always forever learning.
