I’m a little late, but still wanted to do an end of year post.

2016 was a year of GROWTH for Yoga-urt.

We grew in customers, in menu items, in flavors, in activities outside of the store, in processes and procedures, and in our brand. 

By far, the best part of this year was feeling the love from Yoga-urt customers. To see smiling faces, hear kind words, see amazing social media posts, and feel their love means the world to me.

There were and still are so many challenging days, some days that I wonder what I got myself into. Some days I feel like crying or yelling or giving up. But then I go to Yoga-urt and it reminds me what all my work is for and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

I hope we continue to build on our success in 2016 for an even brighter 2017.

As for me, this was a very difficult year just like it was for most people. 

My mother has had Parkinson’s Disease for 14 years now, and this past year was really tough for her and my entire family. It sucks for all of us and we are trying to do the best we can everyday to deal with changes none of us want. Our love is strong though, and we all try to make the best of it, but it’s hard.

Work was still the focus of my life in 2016. I continued with my full-time day job as Senior Producer on teams of 30-40 people in addition to running Yoga-urt. That might sound like a lot and it was and still is.

I felt like a machine most of 2016 as it was the only way I could meet all of my demanding responsibilities. I don’t like being that way. 

And it’s very lonely running your own business. There was rarely time for me to see my friends or family. 

I’ve been doing too much for way too long and it’s clear to me that I need to slow down in 2017. I need to do self care. How that manifests, I don’t know yet but I will figure it out as I go. 

The first step is I did sign up for the yoga retreat I mentioned in a previous post for the end of January and it will be my first vacation in 4 years. I’m worried about being away from Yoga-urt for a week, but it’s time.

And as for America, there is a lot of work to be done in 2017, but I need to fill myself up so I have something to give. That is my goal. Slow down. Rest. Take lots of yoga classes. Have more fun. And continue to grow Yoga-urt!

Wishing everyone a happy & healthy 2017!