Happy new year!

Is it just me, or does it feel like we went to sleep one night and when we woke up, January was nearly over?

The start of January has been wonderful, with renewed energy at our group classes. In particular, a special hello to the newbies and a welcome back to familiar faces at our growing yoga group in The Gap.

Plus, I've already released a new yoga video to YouTube with more coming soon.

But aside from all the 'doing', I've been reflecting...

The new tone I'd like to set for 2025 is to pause before I say 'yes' or 'no' to commitments. Even if they seem like positive things to do.

Being the go-to helper, organiser and pleaser can lead to some hefty feelings of guilt, obligation and resentment.

Maybe you can relate?

Here's an example in-practice

Recently, I wanted to help a friend out by being a test subject for their yoga class.

Truly, I wanted to help them. But at the time they asked, I had already over-committed myself with other plans.

Regardless, my knee-jerk reaction was to say 'yes'.

As it happens, I ended up getting a 4-day migraine which threw all of that out.

Trying to reschedule was like fitting 4 tennis balls into a container for 3 - it simply didn't fit!

As I was struggling mid-migraine to reschedule, I realised I could just say 'no'.

They had already given me multiple reassurances that I shouldn't feel pressured to help, yet the stubborn people pleaser and perfectionist within me took a while to chill out and step back.

When I finally said no, IT WAS SO FREEING. There were no negative implications and of course, as a good friend, they understood.

Plus, it meant I could enjoy spending time with my new 4-week old niece and supporting my sister.

Ultimately, by saying 'no' to my friend, I was saying 'yes' to being there for my family.

If you want to interrupt the automatic habits and responses you have - whether it be people pleasing, irritable outbursts or spirals of work stress, practice slowing down your body and mind with my yoga videos or join me for a group class in person!

NEW VIDEO: Gentle Full Body Yoga Flow to Uplift – Yoga for Mental Health and Low Energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH9YUEKqs1c

As always, I'd love to hear from you - send me an email at info@yogawithverity.com.au and let me know if you've had any realisations for the year ahead, and please send any video requests my way!