I typically think of New Year’s resolutions as something of a trap. They’re easy to make, but much harder to keep. Life can be disappointing enough without setting yourself up for failure based on the date.
Nonetheless, I thought perhaps posting about something aspirational wouldn’t be a bad way to end the year. These photos are from the inspired Instagram of yoga master Heidi Williams. A rape survivor, Williams hit rock bottom after a (happily) failed suicide attempt. She turned to yoga to help her deal with her mental issues which include PTSD, anxiety, and clinical depression.
“It was in this place of mental illness hell that I found yoga and grace. Yoga brought me to a safe place again. A place of peace and self-acceptance,” -Heidi Williams to MantraMag.com
Once she felt whole again, Williams turned to helping others overcome their emotional imbalance/mental illness challenges using her yoga. I think we could all use a bit more mental stability, and yoga is great for your body as well as your mind. Without setting myself up for yet another New Year’s resolution failure, I admit that Williams has inspired me to give yoga another try. 2017, here I come! Happy New Year, all!
All images the property of Heidi Williams.
December 31, 2016 at 9:20 am
Happy New Year Donna! Thanks for all the beautiful things you have shared this past year. You made my morning each and every day.
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December 31, 2016 at 9:56 am
You’re a sweetie. And thanks for getting me addicted to fancy tequila!
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December 31, 2016 at 10:33 am
Happy New Year, Donna! Exactly what Michele says from me, too!
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December 31, 2016 at 11:12 am
Thank you!
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December 31, 2016 at 11:58 am
against the tree, with the fall leaves, looks very much like my front yard. surely I would have noticed.
thanks for your posts all year and the work you put into it. thanks to your friends and family for giving you the time and space to put in the work. happy new year to you and your beloved.
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December 31, 2016 at 12:52 pm
That’s a great way to put it. I never thought of it that way, but you’re right. My people are really understanding about my blog commitment. I’m very lucky. And thanks to you for reading and commenting! It’s a relief to know I’m not talking to myself!
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December 31, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Crikey! I’d have to have bones made of rubber to get into those positions. That’s an inspirational story of finding a healthy, positive way of processing and moving forward from and with trauma and mental health challenges. As for me, I don’t make resolutions. It’s pressure and sets me up for failure and annoyance with myself. I do set myself challenges though but a more “try this” kind of thing that allows me to be flexible with the timeline or opt out altogether.
Thank you for a year of beautiful things, not just the things you showcase but also your wit and warmth. Your blog posts always cheer me. Happy New Year to you and Beloved!
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December 31, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Thank you Laura. You’re my most faithful reader (more faithful a reader l than Beloved, even!) I thank YOU most of all. I am so grateful that my blog brought me a real friend. Happy New Year!
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December 31, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Can I have that as a button? “Most Faithful Reader” is a badge to wear with proud. I’m glad that we’ve become proper friends too and hopefully some time soon we can actually meet.
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December 31, 2016 at 11:28 pm
That would be lovely!
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January 13, 2017 at 10:55 pm
I am going to give yoga another try in 2017 too! I have a brand new yoga mat as yet not covered in dog hair, so no excuse. I’m sure in a week or two I will be a pretzel too (not really, but an aspiration).
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January 13, 2017 at 11:48 pm
The last time I bought a yoga mat, I ended up using it as a canvas for a mermaid parade sign: https://flic.kr/p/8dPmkU
I think it’s time for a new one.
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January 14, 2017 at 12:24 am
Awesome. Much better than a dog hair magnet.
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January 14, 2017 at 8:00 am
Yep! Still have it, too. I waterproofed the painting and now it hangs on our back deck by the water.
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February 13, 2017 at 9:34 am
Such beautiful photos
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February 13, 2017 at 9:58 am
They truly are!
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February 23, 2017 at 7:57 am
Great read and beautiful photography.
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February 23, 2017 at 9:04 am
She’s a wonder!
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February 23, 2017 at 10:07 pm
I just started a new blog! Any tips
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February 23, 2017 at 10:11 pm
A million tips. Email me and we’ll talk. And welcome! You’re going to love it.
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February 23, 2017 at 10:12 pm
donna@myonebeautifulthing.com
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