Guest Post by Thais from "Living in the (k)Now":

I love Twitter. I spent years being scared of it. Now I can not possibly imagine why I felt that way. It has introduced me to so many fantastic people that I never would have met otherwise. One of my favorites is my "Twitter Twin" Thais (we have found we have a ton in common). She writes her own blog: Living in the (k)Now and was kind enough to do a guest blog to share with all of you. Thank you, Thais, for sharing with us! I really appreciate it!

I asked her to write a short bio, so you guys can get to know her a bit. So...without further ado.... Our first guest blog:

Hello all! My name is Thais (pronounced ta-eee-ss) and I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I attended Boston University and graduated with a degree in business and I hope to open up my own yoga studio someday (taking my yoga teacher certification in June!)  I love exercising because of the way my body feels afterward (can't honestly say I like exercise for the sake of it though!), and I have devoted countless hours educating myself on nutrition. I am a true believer that you are what you eat and I take pride in having a very whole, organic, healthy diet with no deprivation. That being said, people often forget how abundant love is in this world and I hope my blog will inspire readers to keep a clear heart and open mind.

The Winter Blues

I am self proscribed seasonally depressed. This winter has just been so rough for me! I am always cold, always hungry, and always moody. Every day I miraculously find energy to get myself out of bed and into the gym before work but boy all I want to do is stay in my warm, comfy bed. My resentment pours into the other aspects of my life and I find myself extra sensitive. It’s like I am in constant PMS mode. I lash at the people I love, alienate my friends and isolate my heart. Really, this cold weather is not doing me well.

One evening during a yoga nidra class (yoga nidra is a type of yogic sleep; a deep relaxation that allows your mind to drift between realms), I started crying hysterically. And after the class it hit me why– I am tired of fighting what is. Tired of resisting life. Fighting reality is a lose-lose because at the end of the day, you cannot change the moment presented to you. The only thing you can control is your attitude. I cannot will the weather to be warmer but I CAN make the best of what I have. I can embrace the present and realize that eventually, it will be warmer again. I do not want to look back at winter and regret because I was too busy feeling sorry for myself.

After bitterly complaining for weeks, I have come to realize that I am not doing anyone any good. My coworkers are tired of my rants. My family stays away from me and I am just tired of being dragged down! It is a malicious cycle that I need to snap out of. Immediately.

So, you might ask, what is good about the winter?!? This is the list I came up with:

• ·         You don’t feel bad that you are stuck in an office all day the way you feel bad when it’s a beautiful summer afternoon
• ·         The snow truly is beautiful if you look at it
• ·         I love wearing scarves

Ok the list is rather short. One yoga session was not powerful enough to make me LIKE winter. But at least I can appreciate it a little more. Because without winter I know I would take summer for granted. And there is nothing worse than taking something for granted.

Every day I wake up and I set a positive intent. Today will be a good day regardless of the cold. I will get out of bed and to the gym because my body loves me for it. This moment, this breath, is the only one you have.

What do you do to keep the warm cheer in your heart?