Of what, you ask?

Not necessarily the regular stuff you might think like alcohol or drugs, but of things that I feel I wouldn’t be able to live without.  I might have withdrawal from not having these things in my life for an extended period of time.  Does that make it an addiction?  I don’t know, but it feels that way sometimes.  Those times may be caused by momentary imbalance, but regardless, it is a part of my life.

I am addicted to searching and learning; (the seeker in me has never parted.)

I am addicted to loving; (I love loving.  I do it all the time.  I can’t stop really.  I’ve tried, but it’s really in no ones best interest.)

I am addicted to talking; (although I will admit I did a silent retreat for 7 days and it was a wonderful, refreshing experience.  I highly recommend it.)

I am addicted to helping; (Oh, I am the typical helper bee.  I have to catch myself from overdoing the helping when it is at a cost to me.)

I am addicted to listening; (I find people fascinating and I love to hear their stories and observing their behaviors.  I even wrote a screenplay 12 years ago, which was based on basic listening skills and communication skills, in order to hopefully lead the viewer to experience compassion.  I learn a lot from listening to others. )

I am addicted to expressing; (my face says it all!)

I am addicted to getting approval from myself and others; (getting approval is when I smile at someone and someone smiles back.  That is a very happy feeling.)

I am addicted to getting energy; (sometimes my sources aren’t the healthiest like drinking a good cortadito aka Cuban coffee for my gringo readers.)

I am addicted to sleeping; (read my previous blog to find out more.)

I am addicted to teaching; (teaching yoga is my calling and passion in life.  I can’t imagine not sharing it with whoever is willing to listen.)

I am addicted to starting sentences with the word “I”; (have you ever stopped and counted how many of your sentences start with “I”?  It’s pretty fascinating.  I’ve done it in conversations and I am amazed.)  Did you catch the two “I”s in the last sentence?

I am addicted to positive affirmations; (I say them all the time in my head.)

I am addicted to being happy; (I know it may be obnoxious, but I always see things positively, so I have no choice but to be happy.)

I am addicted to my friends and family; (spending quality time with others is my favorite thing to do.  I’m always there for them; see addiction to helping.)

I am addicted to being me; (it’s so much fun to just be yourself. I invite you to try it.)

I am addicted to working; (yup, that’s me.  Learning how to balance my time is a challenge, but I love challenges, which leads me to…)

I am addicted to a good challenge; (see above.)

I am addicted to checking emails; (gosh, this one is just so sad to admit, but it’s the truth.  So sad. So, so sad.)

I am addicted to questioning; (but that’s just the rebel in me.)

I am addicted to yoga; (I guess this one is a good thing since it’s my profession.)

I am addicted to observing my thoughts; (this one gets exhausting, but it’s also fascinating – see addiction to listening.)

I am addicted to analyzing my behaviors; (this one is also fascinating.  I just love figuring myself out – hence the seeker, the challenge, the being me addictions. Oh, and hence, the fact that I have come up with a long list of addictions… lol!!!)

I hope that’s been as insightful for you as it has been for me.

What about you?  What are you addicted to?

I dare you to share them. That way, you can satisfy my addiction to listening. ☺

One of the hardest things to do is take time for yourself.  I am finding this trend with everyone I meet, including myself.  There are always things that can get in the way, and there is always something that can be done instead.

I am a victim of this contagious and quickly spreading epidemic. Even though, I am completely aware of the fact that I am not a victim, but the cause, it is hard to shake off.

I feel all of the negative side effects; waves of fatigue, rashes of anxiety, increased stress, momentary irritability, guilt, complaining outbreaks, shortness of breath.  All of these lead to disease, which ultimately leaves us dead; stressfully dead. I know this may sound negative and morbid, but it’s the truth.  And if we don’t wake up while we are still alive, then what’s the point?

Many of us, including myself, wait for opportunities to come or for the perfect time to start the diet, exercise or project. We wait for when the stars have aligned perfectly and all will fall into place naturally. But, that’s a bunch of bullshit!  We have to use our tapas (the fire within, not the Spanish munchies) to create the spark for change and choose ourselves first.  Don’t leave it up to the other guy ‘cause that guy is leaving it up to you.  Now, I know I am trying to inspire you to make time for yourself and your health, but I will shed some light on my own hard habits to break in order to help you see that everyone struggles with the same.

My hard habit is sleeping in late every day.  I love finding comfort in sleeping cozily until 9am.  I convinced myself that it’s a blessing since most people who have 9-to-5 jobs can’t enjoy the same benefits.  But, now, instead of a blessing, it has become a bit of a curse, because while I am laying there, I feel guilty.  I say to myself “Rina, wake up! Go practice yoga, do your breathing exercises and meditate for an hour. Take a shower, eat your healthy food and get your day started NOW!!!” But, I don’t listen.  I’m torn in the morning, because I feel I “should” appreciate my healthy body and wake up and start my day off the healthiest way I “know” how, but I don’t.  I could also be saying to myself, “Don’t feel guilty and just accept your vice and move on.”

Regardless, in the end, this is what I say to myself, and trust me, I listen… sigh, “Isn’t this the coziest of mornings?  Just stay here a little longer enjoying your yummy sleep. Dream away, Rina, dream away.” And, by the way, every morning is a cozy morning for me. I must admit that I admire those who do wake up early and are so productive.  They must have the early bird software installed.  My installed software is the “late bloomer.”

So, to bring this full circle, the justification for sleeping in is that I take this cozy sleepy time as my time to myself even though I may feel guilty for it. This, somehow, doesn’t seem fair.  But, it is what it is.

This feeling of guilt got me to thinking that many people I know also feel the same way about the time they take for themselves.  This guilt is involved when we decide to say “no” to others and say “yes” to ourselves.  That just seems like crazy talk.  And it is, but this kind of backward mentality has been instilled in us for decades.  Fortunately, I do feel that people are becoming more conscious of this programming.  The hard part is changing it.  But, we have to start by accepting the fact that making yourself the most important priority doesn’t mean you are selfish, narcissistic, ego-centered, cocky, etc.  In fact, if done with love and understanding, it’s the most selfless thing you could do! So, I encourage you to take your time back now.

How do you take time for yourself?

Let’s ride with this forward mentality.  Where’s your next stop? ☺