Ever hear of Yoga with Adriene and Benji?
In case you haven’t, let me fill you in.
Adriene Mishler is a yoga instructor from Austin, Texas.
She, along with her adorable blue heeler Benji, have bee doing free yoga videos online for over a decade.
And they’ve become an internet sensation.
Millions of people tune into their YouTube channel every day.
As much for Adriene’s gentle, easy-to-follow videos and quirky sense of humour (I love it when she chuckles at her own jokes or breaks into song), as they do for Benji and all his furry cuteness.
Personally, I think the two of them represent the best this world has to offer.
Authenticity, kindness, team-work, and a super (super!) chill attitude.
It’s hard not to feel calmer and more grounded after spending 20+ minutes with them.
I also feel incredibly inspired every time I hear Adriene say her famous line:
“Keep what works and let go of what doesn’t serve you.”
Because as a life coach for women, I…
So. Freakin’. Get. This.
It’s what I live for…
Helping you do more of what you love. And less of what you don’t.
Benji gets this, too.
He knows he’s meant to be happy. And to do what feels good.
You won’t catch him sitting up for the camera, if he wants to lay down.
Nor staying in one spot, if he wants to roam around the room. Or stare out the window at birds (which he does a lot).
Nope, not dear, sweet Benji.
Because he lives in the moment (as dogs do).
And does whatever he wants. Whatever feels 100% true to his canine soul.
We can learn a lot from Yoga with Adriene and Benji.
Which is why, at the end of every year, I like to review things from their eyes.
So I can take stock of my life.
To keep what works…
And let go of what doesn’t, as I move forward each year.
To find simple, do-able ways to be happier.
And bring more joy into my everyday life.
Here’s what I’ve come up with recently:
My “Keep What Works” List:
⭐ Ocean walks (like the one pictured here) – rain or shine, I’m happiest when near the sea. So yes please, more of these!
⭐ Real (versus virtual) connection – there’s nothing like face to face get togethers and/or phone calls with my fav people, to keep our hearts connected. And our relationships alive.
⭐ Healthy routines – I’ve made a concerted effort to eat better, get more sleep, drink more water, practice yoga, and get out for regular walks. Committing to these has helped me stay grounded, healthy, and happy.
My “Let Go of What Doesn’t Work” List:
🔥 Unrealistic goals – I stopped beating myself up when I didn’t reach a particular goal, and practiced self-compassion instead. I revised my goal so it felt more do-able. Or tossed it out when it didn’t!
🔥 Planning too far ahead – with the ever-changing world, I’ve learned to be more adaptable with my plans. Even though I haven’t gotten back to Paris (yet), I trust that trip will happen when it’s meant to. In the meantime I can always go to the sea!
🔥 Doing things someone else’s way – no thank you! I’m not here to live anyone else’s life but my own. So I let my intuition guide me towards *my* right life (not theirs)!
So my friend, what about you?
As you take a moment to reflect on your life…
What do you want to keep?
And what do you want to let go of?
I hope whatever you come up with, you’ll give yourself permission to do exactly that.
To keep what works (whatever energizes you and lights you up).
And let go of what doesn’t (whatever drains or depletes you).
Because as both Adriene and Benji like to remind us, in their own quirky and oh-so-loveable ways, it’s OK to be the real you.
In fact, it’s imperative if you want to live a happy life!
Kerry xo
P.S. Looking for ways to live a happier, more fulfilling life? Join Finding Joy After 50: a 5-day mini-course to kickstart your happiness and reboot your life.