Everything you wanted to know about Theresa Moodie (but were afraid to ask).
Just over a month since my 35th birthday here are some insights.
Yoga is no one stop shop to cure all. In the same way that I don’t treat lower back pain in isolation, nor is Yoga my go to for everything. There seems to be a massive trend in Yoga at the moment claiming that it can fix if not cure anxiety, trauma, depression.
Don’t get me wrong, Yoga is an incredible tool. A preventative, complimentary, management tool to assist with the treatment of anxiety, trauma and depression. Allow it to be all those things but avoid over prescribing what has worked for you while negating how unique and individual we all are.
An integrative approach is always best. Western medicine is not the devil.
The pressure is real : Botox, dermapen, fillers, meso something therapy, fat freezing to name but a few. I feel like I am becoming that soft target for marketing phrases such as : Avoid fine lines, reduce the signs of ageing.
Nothing beats anti ageing like consistency. Regular, more moderate than intense exercise, lots of water, healthy, fresh food. Limited intake of preservatives, caffeine and alcohol.
This is me. A dash of mascara and if you lucky my highlights and eyebrows are up to date. My toenails often have a lick of paint. But for the rest of me, what you see is what you get.
My body is changing.
How I want to move and exercise has changed.
In my twenties I wanted to kick, punch, jump, sprint and lift heavy weights. I still do those things. Although not as often. Now I also want to breathe, meditate, enjoy indulgent restorative Yoga classes. In essence, I want to be calm and more kind to my body.
I don’t have children. That’s right, I am 35. I have been married for four years and I haven’t had a baby yet. Not because I don’t want to, not because I don’t think it looks like the most incredible journey of self growth and letting go. But rather because at 35 I feel like I have only just found my voice, found my path and understood the fine dance of putting myself first. I don’t want to lose that sense of independence, my gypsy spirit, for now.
How I think and express myself is so much clearer. Maybe that’s a blend of confidence, maturity and life’s knocks along the way.
Grief never truly leaves you. People tell you things like time heals all wounds. That isn’t entirely accurate. Sure you learn to cope, you adapt. But on your happiest, most celebratory days, it is always there. The greatest gift grief gave me was empathy.
Embrace your human self and human experiences. We are all human beings, I hope. SO why are we trying to over enlighten ourselves. Be here, be fully present. Explore all parts of your self. Get lost in the moment. Don’t beat your self up for making bad decisions, moments of selfishness or anger.
You don’t have to get it right all the time.
Travel is the best thing you can do for yourself. Travel more, travel often, travel alone, travel with a lover, friends, family. But travel.
I don’t believe in coincidence. Be vigilant for the subtle, precious moments. There are whispers of wisdom in everyday. Let them be heard. Share some of them, while keeping a few all to yourself.
No-one has it figured out. Don’t be afraid to back yourself.
Silly even at 35
