As I rolled into the airport a few weeks ago, my eyelids were still heavy with sleep. The Delta attendant grabbed my bag and affixed a luggage tag to the handle, and kindly asked to see my ID. As I opened my wallet, dread crept over my body and I froze. 

My ID wasn't there.

The piece of information that would allow me to get through security, fly on a plane, and rent a car at my destination was sitting in a coat pocket 22 minutes from the airport. 

I called Sean—my husband, who was driving home by this point, as I was trying not to panic. When I told him my dilemma (after a brief interlude of well-deserved wife-shaming) he sped up his pace, and set out to accomplish what would be a miracle. Forty-six minutes later, after a full body pat down and an in-depth search of my carry-on luggage, the TSA officer from the front counter sprinted to me with my ID and I ran to the gate with only minutes to spare before my flight took off.

Luckily, the gate is about 10 steps from the security checkpoint. (I love you, Montana.)

Sitting in my seat, wide awake and pumping with adrenaline, I texted Sean a handful of thank you statements that didn't do the moment justice. What I really meant to validate was the fact that we make an incredible team. (And on that day, Sean was the shining star. Me? Not so much.) During the times when I need him the most - and even during times when I don't - Sean is my constant, as I am for him.

And for all the times we want to smack one another, the benefits always outweigh the drawbacks of being on a team and being able to lean on one another during this giant Hunger Games we call life. 

As the holiday season is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to show some gratitude for another incredible team I have the opportunity to lean on this winter. 
​
The women who have gathered to teach at Yoga Hive are one of a kind. Or rather, ten of a kind. ​

Alexis, Ayme, Ryan, Cat, Christiane, Caroline, Frances, Nancy, Cyndy and Avis. Some teach more than others — some you may just see subbing from time to time. But as winter sets in and my schedule ramps as the Executive Director of Riding On Insulin—running ski/snowboard camps for kids living with T1D, life and yoga will continue to thrive here at Yoga Hive.

Keep an eye out for our new schedule (starting Dec. 14th), which will include a few new classes, as well as aerial yoga in silk hammocks! We pride ourselves on offering a safe environment for yogis of all abilities—so please feel welcome to attend any and all classes! In fact, I encourage you to take a class with one of the instructors you haven't met yet. Each with their own style, they each bring a unique contribution to our community worth your time and consideration.

So as the holidays set into full swing and the snow (hopefully) starts to fly, look around and have gratitude for the teams in your life. As I recently read in, "The Law of Divine Compensation," by Marianne Williamson,

It was one of those refreshing, blue-bird summer days in Montana. I headed to City Beach to set up for our weekly Yoga Hive SUP Yoga class. After, I knew I needed to work fast to get to Bonsai Brewing Project to teach an outdoor yoga class for their weekly series, Namaste and Have a Beer.

During Savasana, I felt my phone in its waterproof case buzz to life. It was Sean (my husband), texting that he'd gotten a ride to Urgent Care. He had been feeling extremely ill the night before and couldn't wait any longer to seek medical help—especially considering his recent diagnosis of Lupus (SLE).

My brain started to spin — I was responsible for teaching another yoga class immediately after the SUP class. Could I do that and then meet up with Sean? I remember taking a deep breath, starting to type, "I'll be there in a few hours--" and then stopping to think. Really?

Looking back, things seem cut and dry. Of course I shouldn't teach another class. Of course I should support Sean when he's sick enough to see a doctor. He's my husband. My family. My #1. 

But sometimes, decisions in the moment aren't as clear as they should be — it's like a murky fog of "work" rolls over, making you spin circles of indecision. Two years ago, I would have negotiated with myself that I could do it all. It would be fine if I got the work done, rushed to Sean and apologized (over and over) that I didn't come to his aid sooner. I did that for a long time in the beginning of our relationship, and I it didn't do much to strengthen our marriage — or our business endeavors.

These days, my stance is that family should always come first. Whatever "family" means for you (spouses, close friends, pets, parents, siblings) applies here. For me here at Yoga Hive, I consider each of you part of our little Yoga Family, too! 

Your family is a constant. Work is a daily constant, but your work isn't there for you when you need it. Your work didn't make a commitment to you.

As I finally texted Sean I was on my way, I let out a sign of relief.