Exactly two years ago, I watched the movie “Paris When it Sizzles” for the first time. As I embarked on a New Year’s Eve Audrey Hepburn marathon — watching a few new ones I received in an Audrey Hepburn DVD collection given to me as a Christmas gift — this line jumped out at me. I just liked the idea behind it. As we begin not only “a whole new other day,” but also a whole new other year — it seemed like something fun to share. Enjoy . . .

PS: I even incorporated it into one of our wallpapers this month!

Happy Tuesday!  Today, I’m having tons of “celebrate and be grateful” prompts.

First, I saw this video on The Today Show about two women who opened an ice cream shop in New York City and — in Rwanda. As I watched the video of the Rwandan women dancing and singing about this new ice cream shop, it took me back to my trip to Uganda 10 years ago (where we experienced similar singing and dancing, constantly, in every village we visited).  I thought to myself “Wow, Africans seriously sing and dance about every little thing.”  (I realize that this is a major generalization, but I’ve seen and experienced it enough to happily take inspiration from it.)

{I decided that I would be on the lookout
for something special (big or small)
that I could sing and dance about.}

Then, I saw this video posted today by the Happiness Project which talks about things like keeping a gratitude journal (or not) and looking for cues in everyday life that will remind you to be thankful.

At this, it really seemed like a theme for the day that was worth sharing.

So, not likely a coincidence, it looks like the rest of November will be spent contemplating celebration and gratitude. I haven’t burst into song and dance yet (though I did experience joy and gratitude when the autumn leaves fell and swirled around me on my walk this morning), but I’m keeping my eye out for an opportunity to celebrate.

On a side note: Join me this weekend for my Gratitude Flow Yoga if you’re up for a little gratitude and celebration too!

This weekend I tried a new (to me) Hot Power Yoga class at Atlanta Hot Yoga.  It was an hour and a half of flowing from pose to pose in lots-o-heat, with a teacher who clearly knows her stuff.  Overall, a great way to get in a good workout, burn a few calories, loosen up tight muscles, and get some balance — sorta.

As most any yoga teacher will tell you, it is actually a sign of an experienced yogi to take a break, when needed. “Regain your breath in Child’s Pose and rejoin the practice when you’re ready,” is what we tell you.  So, when I got a little light-headed about an hour in, I did just that.  (Kristen, your humble yoga wisdom is so inspiring! Um…NO.)

So, today my glutes are S-O-R-E. Well, half of them are, anyway. Since one of my highest goals in life is to find balance, the muscles screaming at me from only half of my tush have me thinking . . . How did this happen?

Here’s how:  I stopped in the middle of a fairly challenging sequence, only completing it on one side, and rested while the class did the other side.

While this might seem like a wise thing to do when feeling light-headed, my imbalanced booty tells me otherwise.  I actually felt light-headed at the BEGINNING of the first side, but — deciding that I would “push through” until the end of the sequence — I flowed on.  However, it was more challenging than I expected, so once I finished the first side, I knew I had to pause – um . . . NOW . . . or I’d be paying an unexpected visit to a neighboring yogi.

So, while at first blush, stopping seemed like the wise thing to do, it turns out it was a little late.  And now my insensitivity and arrogance are literally a pain in my butt. As I move through my day today, I’m reminded that there is a difference between pushing your edge (like holding a pose a little longer when you’re feeling tired) and ignoring important signs from within (Yo, Kristen, you’re gonna pass out, if you don’t take a moment to get your breath back on track!).

I hope this helps you move a little more mindfully, today, too. (I know I am!)

I just love this video that I came across via twitter today. I’ve been working on my own downsizing for about two years and it makes me giddy to think of the freedom that has come along with it. Check out this video for a little inspiration to do a little “fall” cleaning and make room in your own life for the “good” stuff.

My friend Tiffani, over at Accidental Chic, shared this today via twitter.  I liked it so much, I wanted to pass it on.  Check out this video by Marie Forleo as she answers a reader’s question about being too old.

See Marie’s full post at: marieforleo.com/2011/09/are-you-too-old/