feeling stuck in your life? 3 ways to free yourself

“To reach a port we must set sail –
Sail, not tie at anchor
Sail, not drift.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Do you feel like you are ready for something new? A new career? Lifestyle? Place to live? Relationship? But you don’t know what this new life of yours looks like yet? Or where to even begin? All you know is that you feel stuck. Immovable. Lost. As someone perpetually in this state of mind, you're not alone. My advice to myself and you is the same: Relax. Celebrate where you are! Stop thinking about everything you could possibly do, and just do something that gets you closer to where you want to be. Once you start making moves, you're making progress, and Progress = Success. Taking action everyday towards understanding who you are and what you're meant to do in this world is really all you can do. These days, simply making progress is my current definition of success. 

Lately, I am struggling with whether or not teaching a traditional yoga class is the best use of the gifts I have to share. I’ve meditated about what exactly I want to do with my life for years and I still don’t know the answer. However, I've kept taking action towards being a yoga teacher and entrepreneur because it's what feels right for me most of the time. Recently it's starting to change, but I don't know what's next. I am working on giving myself permission to be uncertain, because the truth is, we can’t have everything figured out all the time. In many ways, I've prevented myself from doing anything new career wise because I am terrified of getting to the other side and still feeling like “Is this it?” considering that’s been my only experience of success so far. So I've decided to change my definition of success to help me feel more confident and less stuck. Success is being in the moment, making choices and learning about yourself - it's not when you finally figure out what to do.

If you are also feeling stuck and unsure of what's next for you in your life,  join me in these practices. These are 3 things I am doing now to help me enjoy where I am in life, while I figure out my next step and learn to believe I am good enough. 

GRATITUDE

1.) Cliche, but it works. Expressing gratitude is scientifically proven to improve the quality of your life. Write down 3 things you are grateful for every morning. In detail. Until you feel it in your heart and your fingertips to be true, not just because you have to.

INTENTION

2.) Create a Sankalpa, or purposeful intention for the day, week or month. If you can't think of one, try: Be impeccable with your word. This is from the book The Four Agreements. In all of your communication with yourself and others, be truthful, honest and immaculate with your word.

GOAL SETTING

3.) Set one realistic goal. I have a habit of dreaming so big I depress myself - anyone else? For example, some of my goals this year included: Make $100,000 in 3 months. Write a book. Create an online training program - clearly these goals are just WAY too big for one year, none of them have been fulfilled! So my goal for the rest of the year is to sell out my EAT STRETCH NAP Retreat . Because 1.) It's in January and coming up soon! and 2.) This is actually something I am really excited about, but often let new dreams and goals overshadow how awesome this aspect of my life and business already is! I get to travel and teach yoga internationally! How cool is that? Gotta give yourself credit every once in a while, you know? ;)

I hope this post inspires you to make progress towards being who you are meant to be and realize your full potential. The deeper and deeper you go into understanding your own body, mind and soul, the better you feel with where you are in life right now - even while you strive for the next big thing. Because this moment, is truly all we have.

Now I want to hear from you!

What are 3 things you are grateful for today?

What intention are you creating for the rest of the year?

What is one goal you want to achieve before the end of the year?

Let me know in the comments! 

5 Favorite Things - WINTER 2017 Edition!

As it gets colder, we tend to want to stay inside and be less active. As a yoga teacher, wellness advocate and someone obsessed with living a balanced lifestyle - I'm here to tell you it's okay! It's okay to work out less in the winter. It's okay to rest more! Honestly - it's okay to do whatever you want whenever you want. You just gotta own it! Believe in yourself and that you know what's best for you. Don't let guilt or shame stop you from trusting your inner wisdom.

Here's a list of what's inspiring me lately. Scroll down!! Take your time. Breathe deeply :) Lots of good stuff here.

WHAT TO READ

"Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you’ve made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re not enough. You will always find it because you’ve made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you."

Ugh. Can I get a hell yes? Braving the Wilderness is giving me all the warmth and comfort I need to be myself this winter. Read it with me! Would love to know what you think.

WHAT TO LISTEN TO

In his Mind Your Business Podcast, James Wedmore talks about how being an entrepreneur is not about hard work and hustle, it's about mastering your mindset and inner game. I couldn't agree more. Check out his podcast! I haven't listened to a single episode I didn't learn something new from.

WHAT TO WATCH

Sometimes I mention Stranger Things to my students and I'm shocked when they tell me they haven't watched it. So just in case that is you - WATCH IT! This show is the perfect combination of nostalgia, humor and horror. As someone who doesn't like sci-fi, fantasy or anything scary, (seriously, I walked out of Get Out at a theater because I got too freaked out) this show's got me hooked! The cast is perfection. I find myself Googling about their real lives, but then I realize they're all like, 12 and didn't really have much going on before this show. The characters are adorable! Especially Dustin. <3 him.

WHAT TO EAT

Cold weather = Crock pot recipes. I made this Vegan Chilli the other day and it was great! However, I did enjoy it with mozzarella cheese #YOLO!

WHAT TO DRINK

Did you know how easy it is to make green tea lattes? You literally just warm up some water and soy milk on a stovetop and sprinkle some matcha powder in. You don't have to listen to all these fancy directions (you can if you want or) - you can just do this:

1/2 cup soy milk or preferred milk

1/2 cup water

bring to a boil on stove top

add teaspoon of matcha, whisk, serve!

Had I known it was this easy - I would have spent a lot less money on green tea lattes at Starbucks over the years...why does everyone make it seem so complicated to make? This is the brand of matcha I bought. 

WHAT ABOUT YOU??

What podcasts are you listening to? What books are you currently obsessed with? Did you know making matcha green tea lattes was so easy?? Let me know what you're up to in the comments! 

xx

Cat

Thinking about quitting your job? Read this.

“Knowledge is having the right answer. Intelligence is asking the right question.”

— unknown

Are you thinking about quitting your job to pursue something you’re really passionate about? Have you been told, “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”? Well, as someone who followed that recommendation, let me be the first to tell you - that advice is garbage. Here’s why. 

Our whole lives we’ve been told similar messages to the one above, which are beautiful and positive, but have you ever considered what happens after you quit your job, follow your dreams, and get your dream job? What do you imagine happening at that point? That you’ll be happy? Stress-free? Completely in love with life?!…no. The answer is no. 

When I graduated from college, I decided to say “FU!” to the corporate world and become a Yoga Teacher. In my mind, I was choosing to do something I loved so that I’d never have to work a day in my life.

However, my first few years teaching yoga - I worked A LOT. I taught 5-6 classes a day, 6am - 9pm, 7 days a week. I got every gig I ever applied for. Within a year and a half, I was a Lululemon Ambassador. Within three years, I was a 500 Hour E-RYT Yoga Instructor, the highest designation you could get. I was successful, busy, and living passionately - but still felt stressed, lost and freaked out! Why? I felt this way after graduating from college which is why I chose to change directions! Why did I still feel so empty inside while doing everything I said I wanted to do? 

I realize now why I felt this way. I pursued teaching yoga the only way I knew how: with a crazy over achiever attitude, an obsessive need to obtain mastery, and even though I didn’t mean to - lots of HARD WORK. I wanted relax and do something I love, but somehow I managed to turn the most relaxing career into hard work. Why is that? In yoga philosophy, this can be explained through Samskaras. Samskaras are impressions within us based on experiences we’ve had that our actions stem from. For example, when I was a kid, if I got straight A’s I was rewarded with love and attention. That created a Samskara that caused me to want to work hard and do well in school. I applied the exact same Samskara, skills, stresses and choices to my career as a yoga teacher as I did in high school and in college. I created the exact same life around me, but in a different form. I replaced my world of honors classes and excessive jobs and internships with a world of advanced yoga teacher trainings, classes and events. This was the only way I knew how to do things. This means that back in high school and college, it wasn’t “what” I was doing that was stressing me out, it was “how” I was doing it - like an annoying, overachieving, straight-A good girl. I wish someone taught me this lesson before I went off and carbon copied my habits and stresses onto my dream job.

If you are thinking about quitting your job to pursue something you are really passionate about - consider asking yourself these 3 questions before you do. Write down and reflect on your answers.  Do this more than once. Take time to get to know how you operate versus blaming your job or society for your lack of fulfillment. Because the truth is, if you don’t change how you operate in this world, you’ll never be happy with what you do. 

1. What beliefs do you have about having a successful career? i.e. “Do something you love.” “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
2. Where do these beliefs come from? What does each one remind you of? Write down anything that comes to mind.
3. Are there any beliefs you want to keep? Are there any you want to change or add? Why?

Notice when you are thinking or acting from one of these beliefs throughout the day. Observe your thoughts and actions without judgement. 

PS. Despite this moody picture and blog post, I am good and well! Don't worry. I love being a yoga teacher and entrepreneur and will always strive to learn more about how I operate in this world everyday.

Now I would love to hear from you! Is there a quote, belief or piece of advice that you are sick of hearing or doesn't work for you any more? Let me know in the comments! 

I hate Classpass, Soulcycle + #Girlbosses

The end of the year is time for reflection, goal setting, and letting go of what doesn’t bring you joy.  I’ve practiced this by investing in a Passion Planner, doing a Death Meditation, and planning a New Years Yoga Retreat! Sometimes letting go of things or creating new intentions is overwhelming. The changes you make don’t always have to be big or life changing, they can be small, but meaningful. One small change I’m making is openly expressing my opposing opinions - even if they don't seem like a big deal. I hope that by being brave enough to say something trivial, like "I hate Soul Cycle," even though I know people who love it, will give me the courage to speak up about deeper things that matter in my life, especially when others disagree with me. 

Classpass is dumb and I’ll never use it. 

It's ironic that Classpass exists. Everyone wants to go to a boutique studio that specializes in something - an aerial studio, a pilates studio, a boxing studio - and Classpass is sooo smart because it gives you access to all these different styles of classes. You know what else gives you access to a whole bunch of different types of classes? A GYM! An old school gym with weights, group fitness classes and treadmills. I’m sorry if your average Equinox or Chicago Athletic Club isn’t Instagram worthy enough for you, but it’s there. Pick one gym or studio and get to know their instructors. Make workout dates with other members. Strong relationships with people will keep you working out more regularly than the “convenience” of Classpass. The less choices you have to make about where you work out - the better. Wouldn’t you rather spend the time it takes scrolling through different studios on your phone making friends in real life? I do. 

Soul Cycle is the worst. 

I hate the mantras written on the walls. I hate the positive affirmations instructors yell. I hate biking in place! Fitness is “the new church.” People are getting high off of positive affirmations, intense workouts, and sweaty selfies. I think people are looking for something more than that - they just don't know it yet. You know how hard it is to convince someone they need something that they don't know they need yet? Really freaking hard. Soul Cycle is popular because people want to believe in something bigger than themselves. Seeing your body improve, clearing your mind through sweat, and being a part of a likeminded community are all wonderful, positive things - but what we’re really in need of is deep, spiritual shit! Mother Teresa said “The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty — it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” We need a spiritual awakening. One that doesn't come in the form of sweat on bikes in a glorified basement or from following a religion. But from a deep personal connection to yourself and your purpose in life. An awakening from within. Soul Cycle is literally banking on the fact that you are in search of that - even if you don’t know it yet. 

I don’t want to be a #girlboss. I want to be a housewife. 

I have no interest in “working hard” or making a bunch of money. When I take 2 naps a day AND still make enough money to pay rent, bills etc.— that’s when I feel the most successful. I didn't create EAT STRETCH NAP™ to take over the world, I created it so I can be a housewife and work from home when I have kids while also doing what I love. However, if you want schedule flexibility and the ability to "mentally check out" of work - starting a business isn't always the answer. There's a million ways to create the lifestyle you want without navigating the uncertainty it takes to start your own company. I started a business because it made the most sense for what I was already doing. The opportunity was there and I took it. We need to stop glamorizing the entrepreneurial life. It's not always what you think and it definitely won't solve all your problems.

I hope this posts inspires you to take action towards the things you believe in, even if you know someone might disagree with you. What do you want to accomplish this year? Do you hate Soulcycle too?? :P Let me know in the comments! 

5 Things No One Tells You About Starting a Business

When I set up Eat Stretch Nap as an official business, there were a couple of annoying things I learned that were actually really important. I thought I’d share them with you here since it seems some people would rather rave about “Starting a business!” and being an “entrepreneur” to make you jealous and think they’re awesome, instead of being honest about what it’s really like to set up your own company. The most exciting thing about starting a business is telling people you started a business. After that, it’s just work, but “if you choose a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Yes, that is true Confucius, but I still don’t like making invoices and handling payroll and I don’t think I ever will. Starting a business means there will be a bunch of work involved that you don’t want to do, but you’ll have to do it anyway. At least until you can afford to have someone else do it for you, and even then, you should still know how it works. 

1.) Creating an LLC costs money. 

Yes, like $612.75 to be exact. However! It’s really easy to do. You can do it yourself and you don’t need a lawyer. Just fill out everything on this link and give them all your money: 

http://apps.ilsos.gov/llcarticles/index.jsp* Easy!

2.) What is a “Managing Member” ?

The definition of a Managing Member is obvious now, but I didn’t know this while I was filing LLC paperwork online. I unknowingly made my husband a Managing Member of my company. So I had to drag him to the bank with me to open a business account because apparently you have to have all “Managing Members” present when opening an account or making any changes to it. Since I accidentally made him a Managing Member, I decided he deserved it and gave him a percentage of my company, which felt very Silicon Valley of me. I was super into it!

3.) What is a DBA? 

DBA means “doing business as” which I had to file for at an additional $174.00 because I named my LLC, Aldasana LLC “just because” even though my business name is Eat Stretch Nap. Because you know, sometimes we all make decisions based on feelings and fairy dust, ok?? Nbd, it all worked out. FYI Filing for an “Assumed Business Name” and “DBA” is the same thing, at least in Illinois. Here’s where I filed for a DBA: 

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/business_services/assumed_name_adoptions/llcinstructions.html*

4.) Insurance is expensive. 

I have to have insurance to cover myself and the yoga teachers teaching for me. I contacted big companies like Geico, State Farm (doesn’t even do it) and Nationwide and they were all $900+. Luckily, a really nice Tax Accountant told me that I should look into getting insurance through a trade association, like the Yoga Alliance. So I was able to work out my insurance through them for half the cost. Amazing.

5.) You need a lawyer, an accountant and maybe a business manager or a “finance bro”.

I have so many questions I don't know the answers to and I can only search on Google for so long. Luckily, I have a few people in my network that I am comfortable asking questions to right now, but I know that eventually I will need to invest in speaking to an actual business consultant, lawyer and accountant to make sure everything I have is in order.

This is just the beginning of a very long and arduous journey and honestly, what makes me the most excited about having my own business is not being able to show off about it, but being able to learn from it and share my experiences. In case you were wondering what my business is anyway, I’ve essentially created a "traveling yoga studio.” Eat Stretch Nap brings yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes to your office. With my intention of always aspiring to make wellness easy and accessible, bringing yoga to you or your company just makes the most sense! If you have any questions about starting a business, teaching yoga, or anything related to this, feel free to ask in the comments or send me a message.

*These links are only applicable if you are starting a business in Illinois. Every state is different.

Some awesome resources:

https://howtostartanllc.com/illinois-llc -step by step guide in starting an LLC

https://www.legalzoom.com/ - not to use, but to read their blog/articles for tips

https://zipbooks.com/ -free cloud invoicing software 

https://www.squarespace.com/ - for building a business website

http://mailchimp.com/ - for email newsletters