So being a Taurus this is my month to shine. And shinning I am. All my “stuff” seems to be oozing forth from every little corner in my mind and body.

It started with what appeared to be a patch of eczema on my left eye. Controllable, fine. The day of our four year anniversary my eye decided to swell, almost shut. We were off to Canmore for a few days.

I accepted the eye and thought, “ok, clearly the universe wants me to adopt a new perspective on life. Bring something to my attention that I have been turning a blind eye to.”

Onward to the mountains. I fell asleep in the car and we missed our usual turn off to Olds. I told the husband to just turn at Didsbury then Carstairs.

Rumble. A flat tire. First one ever in my life. We pulled into the Golden Gate Motel. We changed the tire. I texted my mom and she found a tire repair place. The owner was willing to help us out. We had dinner plans that evening at The Crazy Weed. I called to push it back a bit.

We received directions to the auto repair shop. Turned out to be literally behind the motel! We pulled up. It was a family business complete with a bulldog, a little boy named Remington, and a 20 year old Mckaw parrot named Merlin. I’m not making this up.

We got a new-used tire and made tracks to Canmore. Had a lovely dinner and retired to our hotel suite. Turned on the fireplace and I fell asleep. So much for the romance.

We awoke the next morning. It was my birthday. My eye, well, it was still quite the sight. We had breakfast and made our way to Lake Louise. We spent the day there and then headed back to Canmore for our massages.

My husband had a great massage. Mine was not too bad. Halfway through we were interrupted. Gave me a start as someone entered the room and the bright lights went on.

After that we went out for a birthday dinner. I was even surprised by a birthday slice of cake. Afterwards we went back to our resort and visited the hot tub. Great way to end the day. We came back to our room and fell asleep! Again, another romantic evening.

That trip was the beginning of some issues in my life that decided to appear as a gift to me. Rather than run, hide, and cry I’ve been meeting it all head on. I’m welcoming the challenges and embracing the lessons to be learned.

This time around, I’ve asked for help. My arsenal includes: a wonderful healer and nutritionalist, my craniosacral therapist, my writing, my awesome mother, a fabulous new friend that just gets it without judgement only love (thank you Leese), my husband, yoga, meditation, guides like Gabrielle Bernstein and Marianne Williamson, myself and spirit.

Many teachers have been brought into the mix. I’ve been inspired. I am inspired.

And so begins the journey and the real healing.

Remember, healing reveals itself in many different ways. We have to dig down deep and be willing to do some hard work. It is through the journey of darkness that we find the light. Keep keeping on. Be honest with yourself and ask for help.

Today, on this soul Sunday, I chose to read, write, reflect in stillness and quiet.

The inspiration: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.

How do you find stillness? How do you connect and be here right now? I would love to know! Share with me the tools you have acquired and the space you’ve made.

Here is my first Vlog telling a story that I have been sharing for the last four years.  Be warned, it’s about 27 minutes long, so grab some popcorn or a yummy cup of tea or wine. I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you share your story with me.

Zen out at home!

I believe that the healthy habits we adopt to live a radiant life can be easy and fun. That’s the key to success. Rather than trying to haul yourself to a 1.5 hour long yoga class 3+ times a week, try doing quick 10 minute routines at home throughout the day. Depending on the season, supplement with outdoor activities: walking, hiking, biking, running, skiing, skating, jump rope, dancing…the list can go on depending how much you want to imagine.

I tune in to Tara Stiles and choose a simple yoga routine when I have time.  She has many different yoga routines to choose from. Great for morning, mid day, and evening. Usually I do one right in the morning and then move on to meditation.

I joined Deepak Chopra’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge. The theme was perfect health. Oprah did the opening dialogue for each day. Who doesn’t want to start their day being motivated by Oprah! The meditations are only 15 minutes long. Perfect to do anytime, anywhere! After the 21 days I moved on to his other meditations: love and abundance.

The yoga and mediation help me get grounded and focused for the day. I am always left with an intention that I save in my iPhone every day. It reminds me to be here, now, and what my goal for that day is.

What routines do you incorporate into your day so you can be your best, radiant, awesome self? Let’s share!

Related articles

• My 10 things for a healthy lifestyle routine (missellasaid.com)
• Yoga for deep sleep with Tara Stiles (exerciselossweight.wordpress.com)
• Oprah & Deepak’s Meditation Challenge (alexiaisaak.com)

Green Envy: apple, carrots, cucumber, kale, dandelion, cilantro, celery

I did this juicing thing back in the early 90s with my parents. The cocktail of that time was apple, celery, carrots, and lemon.

Green juicing has become a bit of health and spirit revolution. Eating clean and alkalizing food prepares your body, mind, and soul to function at its optimal potential.

This fad is not going away.

I often need a challenge to keep me on my toes and committed. It started in the beginning of 2013 with a 30 day yoga challenge, a 21 day mediation challenge, and a 41 day soul challenge.

Last summer I tried my hand at raw food. I love it and appreciate it, but could never be a purist. Not now anyway. My body needs and craves more right now.

I’ve played around with my juicer on and off for a year. Today I am launching my own personal 40 day juice challenge. If you want to join me please do so! We can even set up a Facebook Page to keep track of our efforts.

Why 40 days? According to Kundalini yoga, it takes 40 days to break old habits and allow for new thinking to enter. Want to really drill in a good habit, go for the 90 day challenge.

For now, the most profound experiences in my life to date has been the subtle shifts. The ability to see things differently than before. The chance to open your heart up a little more and bring in forgiveness. Knowing that the Universe has your back. Always has, and always will. Subtle shifts lead to great discoveries.

Are you willing to make some shifts? Come along on this journey with me. I would love to hear the changes you brought into your life, and your discoveries. The more we share, the less alone we will feel. So…share with me!

Peace out

Miss Ella xoxo

Related articles

• Juice inspiration (dailyfitfooddiary.wordpress.com)