Two In A Row

Today was a great day. Well, it turned out to be a great day. The morning didn't start out too hot... I didn't sleep well beacause Adam was out working overnight, then I was abruptly awoken by a nightmare before my alarm, and couldn't get back to sleep. I felt agitated. Irritated. Also tired, but mostly just annoyed. I even yelled at the radio on my drive to work. Yes, you read that right.

But then things got better. We had a great opening team today with lots of laughs and smiles, despite the early hour. We got some Tim's, and a large green tea and ginger molasses cookie started to cheer me up. Then we set our intention for the day: Knowing that at any moment of the day you can start over. You can let go of the crap that's weighing you down, and make a concious decision to start fresh with a positive outlook and a cheerful disposition. So I did. And after that, the day was great. It was busy and a bit hectic at times, but fun and funny and fantastic. The day flew by, and I'm so glad I made the choice to enjoy it all.

On a separate, but equally exciting note, after work I headed to Chapters to pick up a pair of glossy black owl bookends that I had seen on clearance. I wasn't going to buy them originally, but I couldn't resist, since I have been needing bookends, they'll look great in my white bookcase, and I love birds and owls of all kinds. I decided to treat myself, and at 50% off, I thought why not? Once I got to the cash, they were marked down to 75% off! Ten dollars plus tax got me a pair of beautiful owls and a huge smile. Just wanted to share ;)

Hope next time you're feeling down, you can find the strength to turn it around.



Namaste,
ERIN

NEW.

Hi all,

I don't even know where to start here. It's been months since I last wrote, as my life has taken a complete new direction. Since October I've been adjusting and adapting to all the newness in my life, and now that things have finally settled down a bit, I can begin to make time for me again.

In November, I started a new job at Lululemon. It began as a seasonal postion, and since then, I've been hired on permanently. The last 3 months of my life have been a whirlwind of change, but all in a good way. I'm loving this job. Every day is a new challenge. There are high expectations, but also tons of support to help you get there. The environment is positive, the people are wonderful, and your personal growth is inevitable. All this, coupled with the amazing clothing and a heavy emphasis on health and fitness, makes for one sweet gig.

If you know anything at all about the Lululemon culture, you'll know that they love goal-setting. This is something that I haven't had much experience with in the past, but goals and I are about to get friendly. Ultimately, we are to have a 10 year vision for our ideal life, with goals set for 1, 5 and 10 years, in the categories of Personal, Health and Career. All of us will be working with our store's goal-setting team over the next little while to develop our vision and how we plan to get there. For now, we've started out smaller, deciding on a one-month goal for January. We've teamed up with a buddy from the store so we can keep each other accountable in achieving that goal. In February, we'll do the same.

I'm making lots of progress on my January goal. In fact, I'm spending most of today working on it! Maybe I'll share the before and after pics at the end of the month...

Namaste,
ERIN

Big Birthday Love

Here it is. The day I've been waiting for. The day others have told me to fear. The day I should (apparently) be hunkered down in bed, with a blanket over my head, crying and wallowing in my sorrows. Today is my 30th birthday.

There, I said it. How scary does that number sound to you? If you haven't reached it yet, are you terrified? If you've passed it, was it all that bad?

I've been doing a lot of soul-searching on this topic over the past few months. And I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm okay with it. Actually, I'm better than okay. I'm (dare I say it?) a bit excited!

This has been a phenomenal year for me. I completed my Yoga Teacher Training, and have begun to teach part-time. I've been able to travel, to Myrtle Beach, SC and Los Angeles, CA, along with a few other little weekend getaways throughout the year. Adam and I have been to four amazing concerts so far, and we have two more lined up before the year is over. I've spent time strengthening my marriage, and also learning about myself. This has been a real year for self-discovery. I've spent plenty of time with family and friends, having fun and making memories. I've been busy making big life decisions, and plans to realize my dreams. I've laughed so hard I cried, and cried so hard I didn't think it would ever end. And I don't regret any of it for a moment.

I've had so many great experiences and opportunities this year, and I'm so excited to see what comes next. I know that more great things are right around the corner, and I can't wait to see what the Universe has in store for me next. Life is good, and I feel very blessed to be able to share my happiness with those around me. "Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."

I want to thank all of you who took precious time out of your day to send me a birthday wish. As small as it may seem, it means the world to me. I'm sending out a virtual hug to each and every one of you!

Namaste,
ERIN

Welcome Fall

I'm a summer girl. There's no doubt about that. I often joke that I'm cold from October to April, which is why I never turn on my air condintioning! Everyone I know thinks I'm crazy, but even though it was one of the hottest summers on record, we only had the air on a grand total of about five times all summer, and those times I was overruled by Adam. (If I lived alone, I could sell the unit for extra cash...) Even on those days that it's 39C with the humidity, I still love the summer. I'll take a hot, sticky, sweaty day over teeth-chattering, icicle-feet misery any day!

Typically, I spend all of August dreading the return of fall. I waste the whole month digging in my heels, denying to myself that it's actually coming (despite the early arrival of Back To School flyers and fat fall fashion magazines).

I do actually like the fall though. The crisp, fresh air. Crunchy leaves. Last few sunny days. New sweaters. Return of routine. Comfort food. Tea. Candles. Thanksgiving. My birthday. See? It has it's redeeming points. I guess what I dislike the most is that fall means that winter is on it's way. That's a whole other post, but basically I have no use for winter after January 1st... :)

This year I'm making a real effort to the beauty in fall. I'm trying to embrace the cooler temps, and find some fun things to do (instead of hibernating early!) So far, I've made homemade Chai tea concentrate for lattes at home. I've been collecting carb-heavy recipes that just beg to be eaten on the couch under a blankie. I'm pinning outfits featuring scarves and boots like crazy! I even had a pumpkin protein smoothie today after my power yoga class... This fall I want to smile more, get out into the fresh air more and just generally enjoy every day that I'm lucky enough to receive.

 

 

I hope that you're seeing the beauty in the new season as well. Cheers to fall!

 

Namaste,

ERIN

My Summer in Instagrams

It's fair to say that I'm in a bit of denial over the fact that summer is on it's way out. I like the fall, don't get me wrong. Nice cool, crisp days and pretty leaves. My bday, and Thanksgiving turkeys. Pumpkin-flavoured stuff. It's all good. It's what comes after the fall that's a problem. I don't wanna talk about it though. That's why I've decided to share my fave summer Instagrams with you... If you're on Instagram too, follow me @erindbarker! Here we go!

The day I graduated from my Yoga Teacher Training Program!

Tree Pose at my Grandparents' farm :)

Our nieces - Makhyla and Maicie

My first yoga photoshoot

Adam and I at Echo Beach

for the Sam Roberts concert

LA collage

If you ever go to LA, make sure you eat at Joan's On Third.

There is nothing more delicious in the known universe!

Um, I like beer?

 

El Matador Beach in Malibu

Miller chillin' at the cottage

An amazing rainbow 

 

 

We had an amazing, fantastic, beautiful summer. One with great memories that'll get us through this long, cold winter. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful things I got to see, and the great people I got to spend time with. And if I'm being totally honest, this fall isn't shapin' up too bad either ;)

 

Namaste,

ERIN

Manifesto Monday

If you're anything like me, you could use a little inspiration on a Monday. Okay, a lot of inspiration. I was prompted to write my own manifesto for a contest (which I did not win, btw), but I'm glad I jumped on the opportunity. It was inspired by the good folks at Lululemon and Tiny Devotions. Both companies have very cool, very motivating manifestos which you can read here and here.

I thought I'd share mine with you. I posted it inside my closet door where I can see it everyday, for a little dose of encouragement and positivity in the morning. Try writing your own, with things that really mean something to you, so that it gives you a sense of purpose everytime you lay eyes on it.

Here goes:

There is no fear. There is only love.  Open mind, open heart.  Being grateful is the answer to all of your problems. Tea will make you feel better too. Dress like yourself. Choose clothes and jewels that make you feel uniquely you.  Do yoga and breathe deeply. Savour the sensations that your body feels while it is finding strength, openness and space.  Feel the peace flowing through you.  Walk in the fresh air. Look around you. Marvel in the amazing-ness that nature possesses. Marvel in your own amazing-ness.  Smile. Know that your smile is infectious. Know that it will spread to others – guaranteed.  Laugh. Feel that positive energy swirling around you. Feel that you are on the verge of something fantastic.  Grab on tight to life and never let it go.  You won’t regret this for a moment.

Happy Monday friends :)

Namaste,

ERIN

Wanderlust

Lucky me, I've just returned from an amazing trip to California. The hubby and I went to Los Angeles for 5 days and I've spent every day since my return plotting how to get back there! We've been very fortunate this year, as this is our 2nd vacation. We went to Myrtle Beach in March on a family vacation, but this one was just for us.

This has already been a huge year for me, with graduating my RYT and beginning to teach a few nights a week, in addition to my regular job. I've been very lucky to have some extra free time this summer to enjoy the amazing weather and do some soul-searching about my future plans. I had dreams of our trip to LA being a time of connection and bonding for Adam and I. A time of reflection, but also a time to carve out a new path for our future. It turned out to be exactly what I needed it to be. Not only were we lucky enough to spend five busy and adventurous days in our favourite city, but we had an amazing time just being together and exploring. That's my favourite thing to do on vacation - get a little bit lost, and then see where life leads you. (Provided you have a GPS handy, just in case!) We hiked, did yoga, shopped, enjoyed a number of cold brews on a number of beautiful patios, experienced the oceans and the mountains, ate great food, people-watched, even checked out a couple of Open Houses (just in case)! And most importantly, we did it together and have so many beautiful memories that will get me through this long, cold Canadian winter! (Well, that, and my new Free People sweater! lol)

I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this fantastic city a second time. I feel a bit greedy as we were just there last spring for our 5th Anniversary... but when opportunity knocks, you are wise to answer. So that's what we did. And I don't regret it for a second.

That's the best part of life, I think. When you can say you really took it by the horns, and didn't waste a second. Nothing feels as good as that.

I hope you're lucky enough to have some memories from this summer that make you smile a giant, genuine, uncontrollable smile :)

Namaste,
ERIN