Yoga Instructor, Coach, and Lifestyle guru Hope Knosher

Bye 2018 And Hello 2019 – Looking Back with Gratitude And Forward With Anticipation

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Hope Knosher Wellness Coach

Happy New Year! Instead of a list of resolutions to begin this year I decided to look back with gratitude and forward to 2019 with anticipation and joy.

MY ONE WORD FOR THE NEW YEAR – SURRENDER

As I spring into 2019 I will be completing a 2019 vision board.  A few years back I also started defining my one word for the year to come.  This year my word is surrender. Surrender can be described as the practice within yoga of letting go of struggle and control.

An attitude of surrender is not the same as giving up. A person can still fight for what is right, work hard, and strive for meaningful goals, but with an attitude of surrendering to and accepting whatever outcome arises.

“It is about making the most of each day by staying present and making mindful choices.  ”

Essentially, it is about doing the work without attachment to any one particular outcome; but, instead, merely surrendering to what comes. Of course, this is a moment-to-moment practice, which like all other practices of yoga takes time, commitment, and a level of mindful awareness of self and of the world around us.

2018 IN REVEIW – LOOKING BACK WITH GRATITUDE

I have to say that 2018 was a strange year for me.  It seems that it went by in the blink of an eye, yet so much happened  – great unrest in the word & on our planet and at the same time so much for which to be be thankful.

“According to many scientific studies over the past few years, practicing gratitude does everything from aiding your sleep to improving self-esteem and relationships.”

After all that has transpired, all the gain, all the loss, things that slid and things that stayed in place, is there anything more clear now than it was?

For me it is just that everything is a bit unclear and that the best I can do is to stay on the path of awareness, of sharing the practice of yoga, walking along side others as we journey together in this experience. It is about making the most of each day by staying present and making mindful choices.

HERE ARE 13 EVENTS IN 2018 FOR WHICH I AM GRATEFUL:

  1.  First, I passed YEAR 9 Cancer Free!
  2. This year we lost one who was so dear to us – beloved cat of 15 years, Ashland. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of being able to love her in a focused and pure way the last three months of her life & to see her through to the next realm.
  3. Both my girls started their senior years – one in college and one in high school.  They are both such a blessing in our lives. Two thousand nineteen will be a big transition year for all of us.
  4. Was honored to be the cover feature for Yoga Magazine.
  5. Launched a new website – Healthy Living With Hope.
  6. Received my certification for health and life coaching from Emory University’s Health and Wellness Coaching Program, and I am excited to offer coaching services in the New Year!
  7. Wrapped up my 6th year teaching at Whole Foods Johns Creek and Macy’s Corporate and another year around the sun with a beautiful group of souls who are making the most of their walk with Multiple Sclerosis.
  8. Have been privileged to continue to walk alongside so many on this path of health, wellness, and yoga as we continue toward our best selves.
  9. Created another pranayama video for the health and wellness site Noteworthy, underscoring my belief in the power of conscious breathing.
  10. Published videos on my YouTube Channel and continued to share my work on my website.
  11. Lead my third annual Awakening Hope Retreat in Sedona Arizona. The largest group yet and it did not disappoint. Each retreat has been magical in its own way, and I am looking forward to going back in the fall of 2019.
  12. Traveled through Europe with my youngest daughter and about 30 other souls on the trip of a lifetime. We spanned six countries ending at Stonehenge before making our way back.
  13. Spent family time at the beach, hosted family for Thanksgiving and Christmas and rang in the New Year at home – my place of choice for New Year’s Eve.

2019 – LOOKING FORWARD WITH ANTICIPATION AND JOY

I am excited about the upcoming year and the many things I have planned. With my certification complete for coaching I am excited to work with others to help them realize their best selves, share more yoga, meditation and breathing work, add new classes and videos, continue to write and to build community.

MAKING YOUR OWN GRATITUDE LIST FOR 2018 AND LIST WHAT YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2019

So why not celebrate happy endings and new beginnings by making your own gratitude list? According to many scientific studies over the past few years, practicing gratitude does everything from aiding your sleep to improving self-esteem and relationships. Once your list is complete try jotting down a few things you’re excited about for the New Year.

It is my prayer that your 2018 was a good one and that we can continue this journey together in 2019!