Reflections from the Heart: Embracing Community, Empowerment, and Adventure
Hello, dear friends!
It feels like ages since I last sat down to write, but oh, the adventures that have filled the days in between! Every time I planned to carve out a moment to share with you, something exciting would whisk me away—a spontaneous lunch at Bendix Stables with a familiar face from home, for instance, instead of writing in a cafe in Arrowtown, as I had intended.
What has slowing been tugging at me on my well-being adventure is that the essence of my wellness lies in the community around me. After returning from the breathtaking Milford Sound, I was welcomed back to Aro Ha with open arms and an unforgettable event—the Aro Ha Oscars. Picture a night filled with delectable cuisine, laughter, dancing, and the warm embrace of newfound friends, all dressed to the nines. The sunset hues in the clouds and the glow of the mountains as we journeyed there will forever linger in my memory, a testament to the beauty of New Zealand.
Following the Oscars, my days were filled with meaningful work—gardening, housekeeping, and discovering muscles I never knew existed. Yet, each task was imbued with joy, thanks to the wonderful people I had the pleasure of working alongside. Little did I know, this retreat would introduce me to so many incredible souls. The support and camaraderie shared among us are truly unparalleled.
And then, May 4 arrived—a day etched into my heart forever. On this day, I had the honor of teaching my well-being class at Aro Ha—a dream seven years in the making. As I stood there, realizing I had become the woman I aspired to be, I was overcome with a sense of empowerment. It dawned on me that I had been my own worst critic all along. I didn't need this experience to become her—I already was her. Now, I am reminding myself to embrace each day with a newfound awareness of the power within me to choose who I want to be.
Dear reader, take a moment to ask yourself—who do you want to be? Are you living in alignment with that vision? It's already within you; all it takes is the courage to embody it.
With this newfound sense of empowerment (that, again, I have to remind myself of daily), I've begun to challenge myself—to trust my knee again after a past injury. By warming up with gentle runs, taking a mountain hike, and then jogging up the mountain, I feel myself growing more assertive, freer, and more alive. Each time feeling a rush at the top of the mountain, my arms open wide, “I feel like I could fly”—so high on the feeling of good aerobic exercise.
Speaking of flying, yesterday I had the exhilarating experience of paragliding in Wanaka—a moment suspended in time, feeling the wind carrying us along the mountain side. It was a surreal experience, one that reminded me of the boundless possibilities that await when we dare to embrace life fully.
So, my friends, I invite you to pause, breathe deep, and ponder—what is the next thing that will make you feel alive? And always remember, you have the power in your palms to live your best life.
With love and endless possibilities,
Kat
