So now I’m thinking, “What do I do now?! What do I have left to ‘Spring Clean’?”
And that is what inspired me to do this post. Spring cleaning not only deals with the physical (cleaning out your closet and house). When we do Spring cleaning, we get rid of what no longer serves us. We can do that emotionally and spiritually as well.
Are you currently in a situation in your life that you feel no longer serves a purpose?
That’s okay!
We are learning and growing every single day and sometimes we outgrow certain situations, people, jobs, etc. The urge to change stops when we become complacent in situations and that is very unhealthy!
Life begins on the other side of your comfort zone.
That is also where change begins.
When I become complacent in a situation, I stop and think — what, if anything, more can come from the situation and do I have any more room to grow? I call it my ‘refocus moment’.
There are a few things that help me refocus — journaling, personal development and exercise, especially yoga. I am by nature an anxious person and am easily stressed out, and I pride myself in being able to multitask. It is also one of my biggest downfalls because I can never fully get one particular project done since I am literally all over the place trying to conquer the world. 🙂
At any given moment, I can have a million different thoughts racing through my head and I don’t always know what to do with them or where exactly to put them. So, I choose to put them on paper and the computer. Personal Development is a necessity for me because it allows me to grow and face parts of myself that I unsuccessfully tend to hide from. It also unleashes the warrior in me!
Exercise, in general, is a great stress reliever for me.
But yoga is my constant companion.
I cannot go a week without yoga. I am honestly re-centered after just one yoga class because I am forced to, or at least try to, focus only on what is going on in front of me on my mat and let everything else go. Talk about a challenge!
Yoga, to some, is their religion and I would say that I agree that to be so for me as well. I know religion is a personal path to walk and yoga is that way, too.
Now, let me explain what I mean by yoga being a religion to me. Most religions preach loving others and treating others with respect. That to me is how I look at yoga as my religion.
But, there is also a deeper meaning in yoga.
Yoga allows me to love myself, flaws and all.
In turn, I am able to love others, flaws and all.
Being on my mat lets me let go of the daily pressures that I put on myself, and the need for perfectionism no longer exists. My yoga mat tells me to come just as I am, flaws and all. I am learning every time I am on my mat to love myself right where I am. It is hard some days to do that, but it’s necessary. I am also learning to love others right where they are (which is also hard on some days).
I am reminded that we all need love, patience and understanding.
Yoga is my “Spring Cleaning” and I am so grateful that I have learned how to use it to bring me back to Earth whenever I stray :).
~Tajuana Nicole Paige
This week, I’m excited to introduce you to Tajuana Paige!
My name is Tajuana Paige, 29, from New Jersey born and raised. True Jersey Girl! I live in Maryland now, and I am a fur baby mom to 2 cats. I also love dogs, and my parents have a dog that I love dearly. Summer is my favorite season. I love yoga, reading and history. I am a history nerd :). I love hanging out with my friends and family, and my Friday night can consist of wine and Netflix and I’ll be completely happy. I also love watching ID Discovery.
Go check out Tajuana over on her blog at www.jerseygirl86.blogspot.com!
She has great tips on and off the mat!
Tajuana knows that true wellness encompasses many areas of her life, and it is great to see the approach she takes. Yoga has always been really good for me, but I still have a long way to go.
I’ll be spring cleaning my life and enjoying the journey!
Abbey says
These tips are brilliant! Thank you!
NONNA says
HI TAJUANA! I LOVE GETTING NEW INSIGHTS! LOVING MYSELF ALL THE TIME CAN BE ROUGH BUT LOVING OTHERS ALL THE TIME WARTS AND ALL CAN BE EVEN TOUGHER. IF I AM HAPPY AND AT PEACE WITH MYSELF I CAN MORE EASILY LOVINGLY LOOK AT MY FELLOW HUMANS. I MAY HAVE TO TRY YOGA AGAIN. LIKE TAJUANA’S BLOG SAID ABOUT TRYING A NEW FOOD AGAIN…JUST GIVE IT A SHOT. BTW SHE HAS SOME RECIPES ON HER BLOG I WILL BE TRYING. YUMMY!!!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
I’ve been wanting to get into yoga. Your post just made me even more interested in it 🙂 I love the idea of spring cleaning my entire life!
Sarah Clouser says
I just love the idea of “spring cleaning” my life. Right now, my New Year’s Resolutions are a bit dusty, so it would be a good time to do it! And, I have really been wanting to try yoga. Another sign that I should!
Jill says
This is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a strong dislike for cold weather too. Exercise is my greatest stress reliever- I sleep sooo much better when I work out. I enjoyed your post- have a great afternoon!! xo
Kumiko says
I’m starting a 30 day yoga challenge on Monday:-) thanks for the post!