From moments of a single breath to breathtaking, life is magical when you allow it to be. Now, I am not just talking about grand or simple moments, I am also talking about the unpleasant and unpredictable parts of life, too. Since September of 2015 my life has been in financial uncertainty and instability. I had a job (that I loved) for three years prior to this precarious position and I fell into a nice comfort zone there. My position relocated out of state and I was unwilling to make the move because of my family, friend, and community ties to Southern California. At the time I was making steady income and my position was only three consecutive days a week, with some flexibility in the actual days. Thus, I did a lot of traveling and had many adventures, and plenty of down time during my four days off. Yet, those days of predictability, expected free time, and comfort are over for now. 

    It has been clear that my practice of trusting that "wherever I am is exactly where I am supposed to be" has tested my faith and further routed me closer to my life path and purpose. Extended bouts of free time have allowed me to further explore my gifts of spontaneity, creativity, singing, songwriting, drumming, self-kindness, stillness, and surrender. Being broke has also allowed me to live more consciously by becoming more DIY and implementing more Zero-Waste home practices. Rather than becoming frustrated and worried, my unwavering trust and confidence in the support of the Universe continues to "pay off" so to speak. I was recently invited to become a contributor for the Therapeutic Drumming Network, an un-paid privilege I am honored to accept. Additional work has been picking up in the paid realm of childcare, so while at times I am unsure as to how my rent will be paid, I continue to practice "outflow" and feel like I am living a very rich life. I worry little about the less than one hundred dollars I have in my savings account, or when my checking balance is short of $25. I am forced to live in the present and live for the day. I take inventory of all that I have rather than what I do not. Money is only one form of wealth, and while I may not have a mass amount of money now, I am rich in health, happiness, creativity, friends, family, resources, savvy, know-how, and then some. My life experiences, including breaking my femur nearly 6 years ago, have proven to me that a relationship with God/The Universe/Source is strengthened in trying times. 
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    Listening to my own spirit rather than my mind has guided me to where I am today, and I am damn glad for it. I often turn down work positions which would pay me handsomely and whisk me away to far off places around the world. Yet, that is not where I belong. I have a greater service to provide here in my community and for myself, and the world. I have a deeper calling that craves to shine even brighter and to be known. So, as my path continues to unfold I may not know the final outcome but I sure do know which direction I am headed and my internal GPS is reliable and strong. 

     It is the first Monday of 2016. While most folks went back to work, or perhaps school, normal life resumed. The holidays are officially over. Personally, I am dancing with job insecurity, and financial instability, and yet my belief and practice in trusting that the Universe will continue to provide for me gives me more free time than most folks. I accept. It is in this free time or on these free days that I can tune into life, tune into the day, and let life flow and unfold.

     Originally, I was supposed to wake up early and go hiking. My friend rescheduled; I went back to bed. When I awoke and got out of bed at 10 AM with my phone still on silent but in hand I saw that to my surprise I had an incoming call from one of my male best friends. This man is and always has been an integral inspirational person in my life. I call him Obi-1, because in 2010 he mentored me on and off the mountain for snowboarding, and also in life.  After we hung up my soul flames were lit and I started to burn with the day. Our friendship is enhancing for us on many levels. He is Aries, I am Leo, we share fire. Fire is important during this time. It is important to keep that inner fire lit because it is winter. We each need to be seen, to be supported, and to be heard. Sometimes a phone call is all it takes. Like lighter fluid, a good friend can light up your flame. 

     Let us welcome and embrace this time of winter in whatever way we can. For me, some days I do nothing, or I rest a lot. Today, I spent my day doing some dancing and moving, some yoga and breathing. I prepared some food for the day. At one point I found myself singing, as I do a lot, and a song came out.  Also, I could "hear" the accompanying drum as I was singing. So I picked up the drum, set my intention, and played from the heart. Powerful vibrations. Then, I decided to share this medicine and my energy by capturing it because maybe there are souls ready to receive it. Love, peace, forgiveness, and tenderness are woven into this intentional, freestyle piece. Lots of love. Enjoy. <3

I just finished stretching out my calves and hamstrings, and also admiring my rear, aka my buns, when it hit me - "(Insert a little jingle sound) You have just harnessed your inner runner!"  I haven't been running very long, or very far... yet,... at least I don't think so.  YET, I just finished the Nth best run I've ever had in my life; the first being nearly a few days or so ago. Each run gets better and better 95 percent of the time. Prior to these "best runs of my life" the past year I have been tearing down this old agreement I carried all of my life:" I don't run" and "I hate running."   After snapping my femur in two in 2010 and spending weeks learning how to walk again and 3 years learning how to jog again I wanted to re-write my agreement to: I RUN.  So, here I am four years later running and loving it, and I'm already looking forward to my next run. 

Here are my 4 keys to harnessing your inner runner:

1 -Start the conversation in your head 
First and foremost it starts with desire. There are plenty of options for healthy-safe and suitable forms of physical activity for all persons regardless of ability, period. Swimming, aquatic activities, walking, movement, etc... are just many physical means. Personal health is an individual's choice and individual condition. SO, ask yourself - "Am I able to run for exercise considering my past and present physical conditions and experiences?" If so, where do I picture myself running? Why do I want to run? For me my primary drive for wanting to run is due to the primal instinct of survival. 

2 -Gain Inspiration & Motivation
I placed pictures of women athletes all over my fridge and alter space. I had been feeding myself this positive imagery for several weeks. The final piece to my "I'm a runner" journey was watching THIS Kute Blackson video below.  

BAM! I was it: a runner. In my heart and mind I was convinced of this. Had I hit the pavement yet? No, but I did the next best thing; I went shopping!

3 -Buy Some Running Shoes & clothes that you LOVE!
Searching for a good deal, I unknowingly discovered the perfect running shoe because I am a loving member of The Cylmb.com.  I wore and broke my shoes in first while working. Just wearing them made me think of running and feel like running. Later, I ventured to discount stores and happened to have noticed two pants that caught my eye. I bought them; they inspire me to run. When I wear them.. I already feel like I am that much quicker.. eager to run. I'd take short burst of running here and there feeling my heart. But before I hit the road there was one last thing I had to do......

4 - Make a Soundtrack, i.e. MOTIVATION MUSIC. 
I don't care what kind of media you use and I don't care what kind of music gets you pumped up, but please compile a list of motivational music for yourself. I generally compile a list of songs within the time range I want to exercise for. For example if my goal is to run/jog for 15 minutes then I compile a single playlist with just enough songs to add up to about 15 minutes in duration. That way when the last song ends I know I have completed my mission for the day.

It doesn't matter how long I run or how fast or where, but what matters is that I show up and go. What matters is that at 32 years old I can finally say "I run" and feel great about myself as well as be proud of myself for doing so. And hey, if shit goes down.. well, I've just increased my chance of survival.

Is YOUR inner runner waiting to be called upon?