It's official, after a nine year journey to become a certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, I did it!  I finished all of the requirements to become a RYT May 29 and 30 in Minneapolis.  This photo of smiling faces are the amazing people who joined me in celebrating this accomplishment. 

When I set my sights on this certification, there were many options available to me.  I chose Yogafit because of their focus on yoga for the fitness industry, and their emphasis on making yoga safe, "doable" and non-threatening for everyone.  I am so grateful to Beth Shaw for bringing yoga to the masses.  Her vision of yoga is a practice of letting go of judgement, competition and expectations.  These lessons have helped me in my personal yoga practice, but more so, in my life.  Thank you Beth, Sandi, Stacey, Rose, Jane, Kristin, Kathy for giving your heart, passion and knowledge in countless hours of trainings.

I won't make a penny more, or get a promotion by having these letters on my business card.  But I do have a deep and profound passion for helping more people see the joy and ease of living that a regular yoga practice can bring.  And, I get to say my three favorite words...I did it!

Fore more information on Yogafit, click here.

Are you like me, always watching those inspirational runners while you plod your way through the park? If you've ever wished you were a runner, this clinic is for you. We will go over the best way to safely train for a 5K. We will practice some run/walk drills together and look at foot strike and running gait. Then, we will pull out a summer 5K calendar and choose one (or more) to do together. Come on! Lace up those new running shoes, the ones that haven't been worn nearly enough and join me. And bring a friend who likes to talk. They make running so much easier!

Women's Running Clinic
For women who want to train and run/walk a 5K
Friday, July 17  from 5 to 7pm
Murray Park Center (202 East Murray Park Avenue, inside Murray Park)
Cost: $59 per person (includes clinic, training materials, and follow up)
For more info: Call Denise Druce (801) 580-3871 or click here to contact me via email

Last night, as I laid in bed, listening to the rain, I thought about how lucky I am. I have a warm bed with a down comforter and lots of comfy pillows. I have a roof over my head and plenty of food to eat. I have a healthy body, and am surrounded by people I love, and who love me. It's easy to overlook these basic things and take them for granted. To get caught up in busy-ness and look at what we don't have. But today, I read this touching letter written by a 10 year old boy whose father lost his job. His family decided to focus on what they have, and to help others who have less. I am thankful to Ellis Moore for helping me to remember to say "thank you" today.

A night with the homeless
by: Ellis Moore (Age 10)

Every Saturday or Sunday night my family and I go out and feed the homeless people
in the city of Orlando. There are thousands of people across The United States with
out food or shelter. My family and I have been doing this for several months.

We wanted to see what it was like in the life of a homeless person. One special
thing I like to mention is, my family and I do not eat before we begin are journey.
So we know how it feels to be hungry. All of the areas we go to are very dangerous.
We go on streets such as, Orange blossom trail, Parramore, Gore street, Colonial
dr , and Down town Orlando.

We all get together in the kitchen and prepare the food. Some of the meals are
sandwiches and cookies and a bottled of water. Sometimes my mom prepares a
steaming hot delicious meal. We then bag them all up to feed 30 or more people.

I like to write a special notes on the bags like, “God loves you”. Before my
family And I get into the car we ask God for protection in a family prayer.
A lot of people misunderstand homeless people. Not all homeless people are
drug addicts or bad people some are really nice. Some of them just had bad
things happened to them.

At first when my family and I went out on the street we had to earn there trust.
Because a lot of people are mean to them for no good reason. But now that they
see us every week they trust us. We even know some of their names. We all have
to remember that these are people that have feelings. Some of them shake our
hands for giving them food, and thank us. Some of them do really funny dances
because they are happy.

We have become really close with this man named Tony and his wife. They have
all of their personal belongings in shopping carts. After meeting with them s
everal times he has told us a lot about his life. He graduated from collage
and has a PHD. He used to teach French and, Spanish. He graduated from Howard
University.

After we get done feeding the homeless ,it makes me appreciate what I have at
home. Sometimes it makes me sad, and makes mom cry. I love feeding the homeless,
and making a difference in someone’s life.

Where did today go?  Somewhere between teaching two yoga classes, a parent teacher conference, a few loads of laundry, soccer tryouts, dinner, homework and bed, were hundreds of "moments".  Did I miss them? Did you miss yours?  In our hurry to get to the end of the day, do we enjoy the ride? 

I poured a glass of wine and sat down to check emails.  The first one that I opened was from my sweet Aunt (Thanks Margie!) I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I hope it helps you enjoy the ride a little more.

Click here to watch the video.

What's your game? Hiking, cycling, running? This action packed two-hour workout/workshop is designed to help you get stronger, develop more stamina, and work on great form for your sport. Come prepared to sweat. You will go home with a printout of the exercises, and suggestions for eating to meet the demands of summer sports. Also includes a 30-day follow up consultation.
Friday, May 15 from 5 to 7pm

Studio Cove (3939 South Wasatch Blvd.)

$54 per person

Click here to register or to request more information