Do you know who Yoga with Adriene is?
And her dog Benji?
Well just in case you don’t — i.e. you’ve been busy 24/7 or living under a rock — let me fill you in.
Adriene Mishler is a 36 year old yoga instructor from Austin, Texas. She, along with her adorable blue heeler Benji, have been doing yoga videos for the past six years.
And they’ve become an internet sensation.
Millions of people (9.9 to be exact) tune into their YouTube channel every day.
As much for Adriene’s gentle, easy-to-follow videos & quirky sense of humour (I love it when she chuckles at her own jokes or breaks into song), as they do for Benji & all his furry cuteness.
Personally, I think the two of them represent the best this world has to offer.
Authenticity, kindness, team-work & a super (super!) chill attitude.
It’s hard not to feel calmer & 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 & let go of what doesn’t serve you.”
‘Cuz I…
So. Freakin’. Get. This.
It’s what I do as a life coach.
Empowering you to 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.
Nope, not dear, sweet Benji.
Because he lives in the moment.
And does whatever he wants. Whatever feels 100% true to his canine soul.
And we can learn a lot from him.
Which is why, for the 2nd year in a row, I reviewed the past year of my life from both his & Adriene’s eyes.
So I can take stock of my life. And keep what works & let go of what doesn’t, as I move into the new year.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
My Keep 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 &/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 & walk regularly. Committing to these has helped me stay grounded, healthy & happy.
My Let Go List:
🔥 Unrealistic goals – instead of beating myself up when I didn’t reach a particular goal, I practiced self-compassion. And 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 taken that warm holiday yet, I trust it’ll 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 inner compass guide me towards *my* right life (not theirs)!
So my friend, what about you?
As you take a moment to reflect on your past year…
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 & lights you up).
And let go of what doesn’t (whatever drains or depletes you).
Because as both Adriene & Benji like to remind us, in their own quirky & oh-so-loveable ways, it’s a-ok to be 100% 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? Click here to access my free coaching tools.