One of the first and only poems I've ever published, inspired by a visit to New Orleans for a reunion with two of my best friends...

Walking thru streets of the French quarter,
I'm reminded of who walked by my side
the first time I took this walk.

I reflect on the value of friends... what a gift.

I remember the line from 'Into the Wild',
"Happiness only real when shared."

I might spend a lifetime looking for the one
to share these precious moments.

Yet I have never felt the longing for friendship,
because friendship has always been by my side.

And for that, I would trade a hundred lovers,
and a thousand good times.

About a year and a half ago, I wrote the following phrase on my inspiration board: Simplify your life so you can live from a place of unconditional love.

Several months later, it got shortened: Simplify your life.

At this point, I had been running a yoga studio in NYC for over 4 years. I had taken ownership interest in the business and was committed to its success. It had become an all-consuming endeavor. But that was about to change.

This phrase came to me as I was reflecting back onto my first steps into yoga. I remembered what it felt like to be surrounded by people inspired by purpose, purpose connected to the heart. It was such a refreshing change from my former career in public accounting. I felt so open, so deeply connected to myself and to my work.

When I moved back to NYC, I remember thinking to myself... you are about to embark on a familiar path; one motivated by financial success, driven by competition and ultimately self-limiting. Whatever happens, don't forget what it feels like to be open, to serve for a purpose, to act with generosity of spirit.

I had all but forgotten. This phrase became my reminder. I started to apply its wisdom to my life. I brought more heart into my work and began treating my employees the way I treated my students. I dedicated more time to teaching and delegated my administrative duties. Eventually, I transitioned out of my administrative role completely and became a silent partner in the business.

Today, that phrase continues to add value to my life and
wisdom to my choices. However, I've boiled it down...
now it just reads:

Audacious: Demonstrate a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

I chose this word deliberately as I was planning my last class. It inspires me to be impactful. If I ask my students to put extraordinary effort into their practice, I've got to be willing to model the way.

I could have recycled an old class plan and picked a theme that worked well before. That would have been playing it safe. But I know from my own experience that "playing it safe" only begets more of the same. It makes me less likely to be bold and to reach just beyond my confidence [comfort] zone.

I've seen this same pattern when I want to introduce myself to a stranger... if I hesitate, it gets harder to pierce the boundary. In contrast, the more willing I am to put myself out there, the easier it gets to make new connections.

This simple analogy applies to situations in which we are confronted by self-imposed limitations. The more willing we are to seize the moment, face our insecurities and take a leap, the more courage we gain to be bolder in the face of uncertainty.

The juncture at which we lose confidence is where we gain confidence. This fascinating paradox inspires one to embrace living on the edge of confidence... where we are sure to experience real growth, real progress. Go step towards that edge... and you'll see that it requires a healthy dose of audacity.