Imperfectly Human

Its been too long! Here is an update on me...

Its been a beat since I wrote something on here coming from my heart space. I was feeling concerned with not being a perfect writer, not being personal, or being too personal. But as this year has began, many times I thought “that’s something I want to put on my substack”. So here it is my imperfect post. We will see how this feels and maybe you will see more of me in the near future.

This year has brought about a couple of things that feel major for me. The first being that I have had my first bout with the C word. About a month ago, after a routine dermatology appointment, I got the call that one spot that they had scraped was squamous cell carcinoma. Immediately I started to self implode. I went through it for about 48 hours, not knowing how bad it was. The doctor had recommended radiation or MOHS surgery. The spot was on my face, front and center. I had had it for over 7 years so the concern internally of it having spread was pulsing through my veins. Of course I went to the worst outcome in my mind, and it was a couple of scary weeks. I luckily was able to have it removed without either extreme option that was given to me by an amazing plastic’s dermatologist, that had my face in mind. I did get the call that parameters are clear, and will have to finish using a cancer cream for a couple weeks, but I should be good. Pfew!

After that blow I was hoping to have some time of smooth sailing for a while, but unfortunately the news came of the loss of a friend who had been battling brain cancer for over 24 years. He fought the war and had beat all odds for years, but sadly the cancer took him. FU Cancer. RIP Jer.

I always have thought this type of news comes in three’s. And for me it did. We sadly had to say goodbye to my dog of 16+ years Halley last week. If you have known me for years, you probably also know I had two golden retrievers during my time in Manhattan Beach who were my whole world. We lost Kota 6 years ago, and Halley’s loss has hit me hard as she is the last cord to an older version of myself. We miss you Halley girl!

It hasn’t all been sad and depressing….but I am imperfectly human. This year I am happy to say I have done some more work with Manduka. You may see me in their latest posts and ads, so keep an eye out! I was also given the chance to work behind the scenes on some of their photo shoots this past year, which I LOVE doing.

I joined the teaching staff at The Studio here in Reno. It feels amazing to be back in the studio teaching to the local yoga community. I have already made some really great connections with my students, and can’t wait to pick up more classes here in the next couple weeks!

I also am happy to have been invited back to The Differents AA/NA rehab program to facilitate yoga, meditation and pranayama classes. If you know me from the recovery world, then you know that this type of work speaks to my soul and I am happy to be a part of this program!

I am headed to Bali in a couple weeks for a yoga retreat and some R&R. I think the best thing a yoga teacher can do is go on a retreat! I have been doing this the past few years, and it sure brings me back to why I love what I do!

Okay, I did it, I finally sat down, wrote something out. And now before I change my mind I am sending this off to you. I hope today is treating you kind. I hope you are living your best authentic life. I’ll leave you with my favorite analogy: When you are swimming out in the ocean and a big wave is coming there is no way to avoid it. You have to hold your breath and dive into it and just know you will pop out on the other side.

If you feel the urge to reach out, comment, say hello please do!

Anne