Foreverrrrr!!

First, I apologize for all the time that has passed since my last blog! It has been an absolutely crazy insane month! I have had a ton of emails asking me when the heck am I getting back online. Again, I do apologize. I am studying for my boards which are in October, I just put out a new book, and I'm working on not only another health and wellness book, but I'm finishing up a Middle Grade Literary Fiction book! Whew! So, that's what's been going on. Annnnd, it's Summer. Which means all my kiddos are home  and I'm trying to keep them busy.
But enough of that and here I am. I have so many things I want to talk about, but one of the topics that has been coming up a lot for me lately, and I have had quite a few people ask me about is yoga and the art of breathing to reduce stress. While there are millions of you tube videos, books, seminars, etc etc about this very subject, sometimes all that can be quite overwhelming. Where do you start?  I think the first question you need to ask yourself, is what is your ultimate goal? What do you want to accomplish?
I have been practicing yoga since forever. Since well, since I was about 5ish years old, so about 36 years now. Ha! There's my age! Anyway, I know for me, yoga has changed it's form over the years, depending on what I need it for at the time. When I was younger, yoga was a great means to exercise and stretch out. As I got older and had my kids, not only was it amazing for that, but it also gave me the time and space to relax and pull myself together even if it was only for five minutes, because when you're kids are small, there's no way five min could even happen! But that's when it's most important. 
I've found that the older I get, the more I seem to need those quiet times. Those relaxation times. Those times when "Mom, just needs to  get away for a little bit" It has made a really big difference in my life. And as the world seems to be changing and becoming, what feels like to me, more out of hand and stressful, I believe its critical that we really come back to ourselves and de-stress. I know how hard that can be, but you need to do. Focus on your breathing throughout the day, relax.
If you already meditate, that's awesome!! Keep going!! Keep on keepin on! If you don't, now is the time to start!  Find something that works for you. There is a woman who I have listened to for years and I find her relaxing and soothing. Her name is Doreen Virtue and she has some great CDs out that cover a lot of bases. From abundance, to healing with angels, visualization, to relaxation. I love her stuff! Her voice is very calming and I will more often than not, fall asleep listening to her.
Just remember, find what works for you. But, the most important thing is to just do it! Make a plan to make it happen. You are important. You are needed everyday and put on this planet for a reason. Now is the time for you to make yourself feel important by taking the time to do something for yourself!  
Enjoy your weekend and Namaste!!

Cheers!