Are you holding out on your happiness? What are you waiting for? Is your happiness somewhere in the future rooted in some other place, time or event? Mine was. I moved to Texas 1 year ago and while I enjoy it and love my life with my husband, I held out on settling in. My mind told me-we could move at any moment, no need to get a bunch of furniture you'll have to move again. I said Texas is ok, but I can't wait to get back to Washington-where we'd moved from. I'm here to tell you that coming back to WA for a visit has been incredible in more ways than one. I thought I'd get here and wouldn't want to leave. I thought there was some magic in the cold water and the trees that would click in my spirit. It didn't. Reality clicked. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. And I'm ready to accept and embrace it fully. But where to start? By being where you're at. Ram Das said BE HERE NOW.

What you do today will impact your tomorrow, so do your best today. But don't waste this precious day imagining or worrying about what was or will be. Today is a gift. Each moment is sacred. Be here now. Now here be. 4 tips to be happy today in the here and now and embrace your life as it is: 1. Focus on now, notice surrounding, your breath, where your body is. 2. Smile, appreciate the little things and give thanks. 3. Service, random acts of kindness and compliments. 4. Get out of your head and into your life, practice mindfulness while breathing, walking, showering, cooking, cleaning & eating.

Have you ever wished that you could wave a magic wand and make a situation turn out exactly how you want it? Are you always in search of a quick fix to feel better or improve your life? Good news-I've got it!! Even better news-You've already got it too!! It's your outlook. It's your perspective. It's your willingness to look at things through the lens of optimism.

Stop worrying about what could go wrong, and start being excited about what can go right-Tony Robbins

If you believe it will workout, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't, you'll see obstacles.-Wayne Dyer

In any given situation you have the opportunity and ability to choose how you'll experience it. If you don't like your current experience, wave that magic wand and look at it again, this time-through the eyes of love. Fear isn't helping you grow. Look again. You're a magical miracle just by existing!

This week I met with my beautiful friend to talk about recovery. As expected, we talked about so much more. Because recovery is so much more than quitting drugs and or alcohol. For many of us that is only a starting point, the jumping off place, propelling us into who we will become. That was the case for Elly. She shares her story of entering rehab while facing felony charges and possible incarceration. In rehab she was given some gifts that continue to influence and support her life today-6 years later. Rehab offered structure and routine. It also offered 12 step meetings that she continued and utilized to deepen her understanding and uncovering of herself. Rehab also offered the gift of YOGA. Recovery through yoga. And that spoke to her in a deep and profound way. So much so that she is now a yoga teacher and opening her very own studio in the very near future! When I asked about her drinking days, she says-Dude-you have no idea!! She tells us that your WHY is your anchor as you drift in the sea of life. Forgiveness is empowerment. Structure informs function. We discuss the difference between boundaries and barriers. She tells us how yoga taught her to feel safe in her body. She offers us the golden egg-What is this moment offering me? Listen in to this beautiful spirit as she shares her experience, strength and HOPE!!

What does Unshakeable mean? Lacking the ability to be shook-of course! (Of belief, feeling or opinion) strongly felt and unable to be changed. Unable to be disputed or questioned. That's more like it. In this episode I share where I am firmly grounded in my foundation, Unshakeable, and ask you to reflect and ask yourself the same. My recovery, sobriety, marriage and faith are unshakeable. They are because I made a decision to do whatever it takes. I make the same decision every day. I do things daily to nourish, support and encourage these things. There are no doubts, what if's or questions when it comes to these things. In other areas I'm not so sure, but these core things I can be certain of. I will not falter or fail. And you don't have to either.

It is what it is, is a harsh sounding statement in my opinion. Enter EQUANIMITY. It means mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. It means giving in to what is-instead of giving up. It's the result of compassion, generosity, lovingkindness and forgiveness. It means radical acceptance. It means I can be present for this. It's not indifference. It's not I don't care either way. It is the practice of being ok no matter what's going on around you. Episode includes literature reading from Recovery Dharma as well as AA Big Book. Acceptance is the answer.

What do you do when you feel off center? Off the beam? Out of sort? In the dark? I've been experiencing some of these feelings lately and I can tell you it isn't pleasant. I can also share that getting back to the basics of what led me out of the dark in the beginning of my recovery journey absolutely helps!! Join me as I open up about where I'm at, what I'm experiencing and what exactly I'm doing about it and when.

What does it mean to "clean up your side of the street"? This talk is a big part of it for me. Taking right action regardless of what others do or say. Forgiving without an apology because I'm not benefiting from carrying the burden of anger or resentment. I discuss the difference between an apology and an amends. One is a regretful acknowledgment while another is changed behavior. Forgiving ourselves is freeing, but we can't fix what we won't face. Love yourself where you are and where you've been. We don't HAVE to punish ourselves. We can do better and release our judgements of past actions. That applies to ourselves and to others. Meet yourself through the eyes of lovingkindness and compassion and see a whole new person!

Are you stuck in the story you tell about who you are?  Do you want to tell a different story, not only to other people, but to yourself? In this mini episode we touch on recognizing self-limiting thoughts, stories and beliefs that hold us back from living the life of our dreams.  We CAN change our thoughts and how we see ourselves!!  Enjoy!!

In this episode we briefly discuss the trip that is aging and realizing I don't have anything figured out. I encourage you to look at yourself as someone you love and discuss the practice of self love. Let's talk about feelings. Feelings are valid. Everyone has them. But feelings aren't facts. They're more of a compass than anything. Feeling is healing. I encourage you to allow yourself to feel ALL your feelings and question what, why, where etc. This too shall pass. All feelings pass eventually-even the good ones. We go over being where you're at. Presence, love and light are our assets.

Sober Summer Series-Travel Edition: How to Travel Sober This Summer with Brandi Kelly In this episode I offer tips, tools, ideas and resources to travel sober. When am I ready to travel? How will I know I'm ready? We cover this topic here. How to navigate the airport and airplane when you've always defaulted to the bar. Where to travel to, what to do while your there is covered as well. I urge you to set your intention to stay sober while on your vacation, do research, make a plan of activities, pursue pampering over partying, choose your travel companions wisely, stay connected to your support system and bring your routine with you! You can stay sober and travel-and actually fully enjoy your experience!!