Shine Bright

Well hello new decade! It's hard to believe it, but it's 2020. A whole new decade, with shiny new possibilities. And man oh man, am I ready for an easier, happier, more joy-filled year. Twenty-eighteen and 2019 were not simple by any means. It was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to clear out situations that were no longer serving me and, in their place, rebuild a new, more authentic life. Curious what that was all about? You can read about my 2019 and 2018 in prior posts.

But enough with the past. I'm ready to move forward. Ready to let bygones be bygones. Ready to ditch all baggage and focus on the future instead. As always, I've done some soul searching and goal-setting for my year ahead. Here are the highlights of what I hope to do, enjoy, explore, and accomplish in 2020:

•  Explore the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula (happening February 2020!)
•  Develop at least a moderate level of skill with a bow and arrow (yasss inner badass!)
•  Go sky diving (terrifying!)
•  Tour Bran ("Dracula's") Castle in Romania
•  Audition for and join a ladies salsa troupe
•  Ride in a hot air balloon
•  Get a photo shoot published in Envious, a fantasy boudoir magazine
•  Bare it all as a naked biker in the Fremont solstice parade (also terrifying!)
•  5-day Tone It Up detox (because holiday food and drinks have been no joke this year)

Overall, my aspiration for 2020 is to shine bright. That is in fact, my theme for the new year. The affirmation and intention I will be reminding myself of as the months progress. I encountered so many difficult circumstances over the last two years; situations and hardships that dulled my sparkled and dimmed my shine. I'm so ready to leave all that behind me. I'm ready to live in the light. No more dancing with the shadows. I'm ready to exude radiance and glow from the inside out.

Twenty-twenty, I see you. Let's go. I'm ready. I'm more than ready. The last two years have polished me, smoothed out some of the imperfections and rough edges. I've been tumbled and refined, and now I'm ready to shine. 

Happy & Healthy 2019

It's that time of year again. A time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Shiny resolutions and crisp, juicy goals, ripe for the picking. And oh man, am I on the band wagon. My 2018 was a rough one (which you can read about here if you like). Thus, I am more than ready to leave the old year behind and start anew. A clean slate, a fresh page, a new me.

As part of the new year, I always pick a word or theme for the year. This year I've chosen 2019 to be the year of "happy and healthy". Yeah, it's perhaps not as eloquent or clever as some of my previous themes, but it gets right to the point. Happy and healthy: that's exactly what I want for 2019. No more struggles, no more sadness. No more fears or resentments. Rather, feeling joyful, grateful, and excited for what's ahead. Waking up energized and looking forward to what the day will bring. That's what I want to embody in the year ahead.

Once I pick my theme for the year, I always pick what my goals are going to be that support that theme (as well as goals that align back to my overall core values, which remain consistent year to year). Thus for 2019, my main goals are:

1. Participate in and complete the Love Sweat Fitness 5-Day Detox and 21-Day Challenge.
2. Vacation with Ketanga Fitness for a fitness retreat in Barbados, followed by a week exploring the island of the Dominican Republic.
3. Join Bozenka for her belly dance retreat on the island of Crete in September.
4. Try out water-skiing for the first time
5. Compete in the La Dance Orientale belly dance competition
6. Try the Daily OM 21-Day Goddess Workout
7. Take a tap dance class
8. Join The Community run by Maxie McCoy
9. Stay at the Orondo Earth House B&B

Overall, I want to focus on optimizing wellness, prioritizing self-care, exploring my passions, and just generally having fun.

2019, I'm ready, let's do this!

Photo by Eric Green

Manifest Magic

Hello 2018! And I do sincerely mean that, because I love the feeling of a fresh start, and there's practically nothing I like more than setting new goals and intentions and working out the action steps on how to achieve them.

Thus, I always start the first post of the new year off with a little look into my over-arching theme, goals, and dreams for the new year.

My theme for 2018 is Manifest Magic. To me this really signifies tapping into the energy of the Universe and the connected nature of all life, as well as my own intuition and guiding light. It means harnessing the power of the lunar energy and my spirit guides to make conscious decisions, claiming my own personal power, and crafting goals and dreams that align with my highest calling. And to execute those goals like a boss.

I've been working with manifesting on the monthly New Moon for some time now, so it's definitely a practice I plan to continue with. For me personally, I both believe and have experienced the incredible power of putting what you out into the Universe, and watching the Universe conspire to make it so, assuming you follow it up with action. That's key: you also have to put the work in. But you can really maximize your results when you take the time to set the right intentions and lay the best possible foundation for your endeavors to flourish from.

I've also been working with the power of crystals. Full disclosure: I sleep with a rose quartz and a moonstone under my pillow every night and have definitely seen the changes it's brought into my life. And I have a collection of other crystals at home. Additionally, I've been reading my tarot cards for probably over a decade now and using their insights to make empowered decisions.

But I'm ready to step all of that up. So here's my 2018 looks like to me:

1. Step up my new moon manifesting by connecting with a like-minded tribe of women each month. I'm looking into doing this with the Numinous Moon Club. 
2. Further explore the power of crystals, as well as the association between tarot and astrology, especially in the context of the Major Arcana. One resource I will be using for is the book Crystal Muse. By the way, I'm feeling it's time to start working with a new tarot deck. If anyone has suggestions on decks they like, please let me know! 
3. Find an agent and a publisher for my recently completed novel, because I do firmly believe that being an author is my purpose in life and my highest calling.

I know, I know, for some that might all sound very woo-woo. But hey, it works for me. It's what's lighting me up right now and calling my name, so I'm going to get after it. To each her own. 

In addition to my directly Manifest Magic related goals, I also have a few other projects for the year that I want to bring to fruition. They are:

1. Learn to belly dance on goblets
2. Head to Austin to visit a close friend and check out the SXSW scene
3. Complete the Tone It Up 5-Day Detox
4. Compete in a belly dance competiion
5. Read a poem at a poetry slam (frightening!) 
6. Work on my splits with Action Jacquelyn
7. Complete the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Challenge
8. Make a unicorn headdress
9. Do some fun, crazy photo shoots (can you say Vikings on horseback?!)
10. Get out in nature with some combination of glamping and/or backpacking

Well, those are the highlights. I'm definitely amped up for the new year. I'm ready to create some magic, light it on fire, and watch that shit sparkle.

Happy New Year everyone! Remember, what you seek is seeing you, so go get it. 

Glow Baby, Glow

I know 2016 was a rough one for a lot of people. The heartbreaking results of the U.S. elections aside, I feel like I was one of the lucky few to have a pretty good year. It was busy, but blessed.

But regardless of how 2016 treated you, we are now moving on and into 2017. Hello new year! Don't you just love that new year smell? Ripe with new beginnings, and fresh with energy and intention. I know I do.

Those who have been reading along with me for awhile now, know that I always pick a theme or mantra for each new year. This year's theme is Just Glow. It's how I want to feel day in and day out, inside and out. Sitting at work? Just glow. Driving in the car? Just glow. Performing onstage? Just glow. Working out at the gym? Just glow. How about that? It works for every occasion.

It's that just got done with yoga/mediation/good sex/great book/chocolate cake contented, tranquil, and happy feeling. It's finding gratitude in the ordinary and inspiration in the every day. It's shining your light and glowing bright.

Specifically, a few glowing goals I'm hoping to accomplish this year are:

1. Glow bright in the Lunaria Moon Over Manhattan show. (P.S. tickets are on sale now!)
2. Hike the Inca Trail in Peru. Tickets are booked for June!
3. Witness the solar eclipse (happening in August)
4. Finish (finally!) the draft of my novel
5. Create a midday mindfulness practice for the workday
6. Get my outer glow on using a combination of programs from Tone It Up, Pop Pilates, and foam rolling
7. Read a poem at a poetry slam
8. Attend a yoga festival

Ready to glow your own way in 2017? Here's a few brainstorming ideas of what might light you up:

• Want to get toned? Try the Tone It Up Look for Love Challenge
• Want to get flexible? Try Action Jacquelyn's Get Stretchy Program (or the free 10-day Office Stretching Challenge)
• Want to get dancey? Try Ruby Beh's Belly Dance Mentorship Program
• Want to get healthy? Try Cassey Ho's 28-Day Reset Challenge
• Want to get tranquil? Try a 10-day free trial of Headspace Meditation (I use this app every single day)
• Want to get fit? Try Sweaty Betty's free 31-Days to Fit Program
• Want to get dreamy? Try the Wild Woman New Moon Companion
• Want to get creative? Sign-up for a Creative Sprint Challenge

Here's to 2017. For the glow.

The Sovereign State

Well hello 2016! I blinked and we are already a month in!

As an old year comes to a close and a new one unfolds, I always like to take some time away from belly dance topics to reflect on the year that has passed and set some goals and intentions for the upcoming round of seasons, including picking my one-word theme for the year.

My theme for 2016 is sovereign. Might seem like an odd choice at initial glance. But as I was working with a health coach and healer in 2015, this word came into our conversation and instantly I knew it was my word for the new year.

To me, sovereign means the state of mind and being where one is independent and free to make the choices that resonate most truthfully and authentically with their being. It's a state that's free of worry about others opinions or the "should" dos. It's a state where you are the sovereign and CEO of your own life. You choose what comes into your life and you choose what goes. It's being unfettered to sing your own tune at the top of your lungs. It's a state of harmony with your own internal compass. It's accepting the crown and the responsibility to be the ruler of your own life. It's a position of power.  Thus to me, a sovereign 2016 is the year I focus on discarding old ideas and fears that no longer serve me, and instead come more fully into my own authenticity.

Getting into a few more specifics on what 2016 looks like to me. I want to join a new dance troupe. And actually, this has already happened for me. Just last week I started dancing with Lunaria Dance Theatre and I am thrilled and excited to be joining this group of amazing and talented ladies.

Another belly dance goal on the horizon is that I will be studying with Aziza at her Dream Camp in June! I can't wait to study with one of my long-time belly dance idols!

I also hope to finally finish writing my novel. This goal continues to be a repeat. But I have made progress. To date I've written 38,000 words. Just another 38,000 or so to go!

As a devoted explorer of the world, each year I always try to take a trip overseas. This year I'm headed to Austria and Switzerland in August.

My intended pursuits for the year also include a focus on fun. Because what's the point of life if you can't enjoy it, right? In July, I'll be having pictures taken as a Mermaid as part of the Project Mermaids beach conservation campaign. I also want to try the newest craze and hit up and morning dance and yoga party with The Wake. And Wanderlust's unique take on a triathlon is coming to Seattle. I've already signed up to run, yoga, and meditate my way to Om with this event in May.

And lastly, I'm also planning on pushing out of my comfort zone and doing an overnight backpacking trip. While I love to hike and be in nature, this dancer prefers some amenities at the end of the day, so we'll see how this goes!

When I look at this list, I'm pretty excited about the year ahead. Many magical events in the works.

What's in store for you in 2016? Dream it, plan it, reach for it, and achieve it. Wishing you many blessings in all your endeavors.

P.S. I've been blogging twice a month for many years now.  While I love this blog and the community that has grown around it, after careful consideration, I've decided I needed to scale back to allow myself more time to focus on other endeavors and passion projects. Thus I've decided that I will only be blogging once per month in 2016. Posts will go up around the first of the month. Thanks for being a reader and see you back next month!

Photo Credit: Pixie Vision, dancer unknown

Another One Bites the Dust

 

 

Another one bites the dust! Another year that is. I think I say it every year, but wow, did that year fly by! Before moving forward into the new year, I always like to take some time for reflection on the year that just concluded.

Looking back on 2015, I feel pretty blessed. I landed a new job as the Controller of Seattle Theatre Group; the non-profit that owns/operates the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatres in Seattle; and I'm absolutely loving it.

My husband and I were also lucky to be able to attend the 49th Superbowl in Arizona, as well as to travel to the beautiful country of Costa Rica for just over two weeks.

 

But perhaps my favorite part of 2015 was the vast improvement in my health. During 2014, I really went through the ringer with health issues that were all-too frequently painful, anxiety-inducing, and debilitating. Despite a few temporary setbacks during 2015, I'm ending the year in a really good place health-wise, and I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me.

Those were the big highlights of 2015, but some smaller joys that happened during the year included spending a weekend at the beautiful Marco Polo B&B in Victoria, Canada, dressing up and attending a steampunk convention, and having a fun belly dance photo shoot at the Paramount Theatre.

 

 

I also had the opportunity to do a good deal of belly dancing studying this year, including workshops with Sadie, Sahra C. Kent, Bozenka, and Helena Vlahos.

There's not too many downsides to my year, and I feel very grateful to be able to say that. The one negative of the year was attempting to be a home buyer in Seattle and getting anywhere near success in that endeavor. With supply at all time lows and demand at all time highs, the current Seattle real estate market is pretty out of control. Here's to hoping for better luck in home ownership in 2016.

I hope you had an amazing, joyous, and adventure-filled 2015. Cheers to you as you release 2015 and ring in the new year!

New Year Goal Review, Part One

For me, the start of a new year always marks a time for reflecting on goals: what has transpired in the past year and what are my hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the new year.  Every year I always pick a theme.  One word or short phrase as an easy reminder of the direction I'm headed.  For 2011, my theme was Celebrate & Sparkle.  It was a year about reaping the benefits of all the hard work from 2010, enjoying life, and wearing sequins.

So did I do it?  Did I manifest my theme for 2011?  Did I celebrate and sparkle?  I can answer that with a resounding yes!  2011 was a really good year for me.  A year I saw a lot of dreams come to fruition and I feel truly blessed with the abundance that 2011 bestowed upon me.

In review, here's how my theme played out for the year:

The REALLY big things…

• After four and a half years in my current relationship, I got engaged!
• I spent almost three weeks soaking up art, history, and culture in Italy
• I was promoted to management in my day job, which came with an office and a raise
• Made the cut as a regular house dancer at Spiro's in Kent
• Helped one of my best friends celebrate her nuptials as a bridesmaid in her wedding
• Celebrated turning 30 with friends, food, and champagne

And the rest....

• Booked more private belly dance parties than ever before
• Started teaching at Fresh Fitness and Dance, in addition to LA Fitness.
• Wore loads of sequins, including the purchase of four new designer costumes (the four designers being Eman Zaki, Joharah, Mumtaz, and Pharonics of Egypt) that make me giddy like a five-year-old when I look at them
• Treated myself to a monthly massage and facial
• Indulged in regular, if not almost weekly, fresh flowers
• Rocked some feather extensions
• Wore new lingerie each month
• Became a subscriber at the 5th Avenue (as a side note, the new production of Les Miserable is beyond words fantastic)
• Tried out an aerial skills class and flew through the air on the flying trapeze
• Spent a weekend relaxing in Oregon wine-country

There is great power in intention.  What are your dreams?  Write them down, tell a friend, shout them to the universe.  Each journey begins with one step, so take your first one today.

What are my goals for 2012 you ask?  You'll have to stay tuned for New Year Goal Review, Part Two!