Ahhhhhhh, the holidays. During this season I'd like to ask you a few questions.
Why do people turn into maniacs around the Holidays?
How do I rise above the typical family holiday drama that I've previously been a co-creator in?
Last Thursday night we took our kiddos to the Boston Common for the tree lighting. It was a half-day that day at Underwood elementary school and Bigelow middle school and so we had spent a glorious afternoon baking Christmas cookies, creating Shutterfly albums and decorating our Christmas tree.
I asked my 11 year old daughter Sagey to do my roots to save time, money, energy and, well, truth is, I just don’t like going to hair salons. Yuck. Don’t like the energy there.
“Make time daily to nurture your physical, mental and emotional health.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita
Please read Part 1 before you read this.
A few weeks later I read an Underwood Elementary School newsletter, realized November 11th was Veteran's Day, and emailed all of the people I'd set up meetings with that day to reschedule so we could go on a family adventure.
Glenn Laffel, M.D., Ph.D., and founder of Wellcoin, the "dude" I said I'd meet with at 4 that day, never got the email.
Ahhhhh, cyberspace.
Ahhhhh, the magic of the Universe.
We had an amazing day with our family in Providence, RI at Brown and the kids wanted to stay out late but something, something told me we hadda scoot home. Very unlike me. I am very in the moment and Philippe is usually the one who has to remind me to leave the party.
We pulled into our driveway at 3:57 pm and unloaded kids and stuff and the doorbell rang.
And there was Glenn.
"Oh," I blurted out, "We just walked in the door from the day out (there was stuff strewn about). I rescheduled our meeting. Did you get my email?" As soon as the words left my lips I wished I hadn't said em as Glenn apologized that no, he hadn't, and offered to come back another time.
"Absolutely not," I soothed. "Now is as good a time as any."
Then Glenn told us about Wellcoin, a health currency that he and his partner JP were launching, and did Prana Power Yoga want to be involved?
Wellcoin is a unique online health and wellness platform that celebrates and rewards healthy behaviors and achievements of its users and creates ways for local merchants to join the fun, generate new business and strengthen ties with their customers.
Talk about a slam dunk.
It was such a great idea, such a no-brainer to me, such a fantastic tool for real social change in our country in health care, that I blurted out (again, but this time with no remorse), "Who WOULDN'T wanna be a part of it?" Glenn sensed my candor and excitement and did something he don't do in these meetings. He asked if I'd like to help spread the word.
The answer was clear, as it always is when you're aligned and grounded (get on your mat for that), and I've been spreading the word about Wellcoin ever since.
Now I can write and love to do so, but just like no one takes care of your kid like you do and similarly, no one writes about Prana Power Yoga like I do, Glenn himself best describes Wellcoin, so check it out now at Wellcoin.com.
And join. Become a part.
Like I said, slam dunk and no brainer.
Let's take our health in our own hands people.
And like Glenn says, "This is going to be fun!"
"When you open your mind, you let happiness in.”
~ Tanya Masse
Last fall I got an email from someone wanting to meet about something.
I get 100s of emails a day (don't we all) and many of them are asking me for a meeting to discuss something the person wants me to do or sell or write about or teach or talk about or build or buy....and so on.
Now I'm a very open person and am open to all that the Universe sends my way; however, I've also learned to listen to my higher self regarding these requests because I only support what I wholeheartedly believe in and, well, time is previous.
So mostly I skim these emails and tune into the feeling. Does it resonate with me and my dharma? Is it in integrity? Is it in line with spreading the Prana and the light? Yeah, I really do this.
This email was a spiritual slam dunk. I couldn't tell you what it said but I knew I was destined to meet with this dude. So I scanned my (abundant) schedule looking for an hour time slot that wasn't months out.
"Oh, cool," I thought, "Friday November 11th looks pretty open." (Duh). I didn't realize at the time that that was Veterans Day (no school) and I'd wanna go somewhere fun and adventurous with my plus 5 and Philippe.
So November 11th it was. At 4pm.
Part 2 is tomorrow.
Have the ✨ BEST DAY EVER! ✨
Namaste!
Taylor plus 5[❤] from 🌟 Paris 🌟
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
― Anthony Robbins
I was at Brown on Sunday having brunch with our friends and all of our kids. I have so much gratitude for Brown and the gift it gave me.
Every time I step foot on campus I feel this gratitude - and a lot of joy. I feel like I am home. I get all squeally and it makes my kids laugh.
My parents did not have any money and I did not have any money but I was smart and I worked hard and I played tennis well, and Brown saw the potential in me. Brown believed in me.
The day I received my acceptance letter to Brown with a full financial aid package, a dream came true. I vowed that I would work hard and give back to Brown because it believed in me and saw who I was, and what I could become.
I did, and I thrived, and only in writing this blog right now do I fully understand why I go back to that campus in Providence so often and eat meals at the Ratty with my family and friends.
Prior to writing this, I just chalked it up to Brown being my "happy place." I knew it was not the clichéd "I miss my college days," because I don't. I don't miss college and I don't wish I were anywhere or any time than where I am right now.
I knew it was something deeper and more spiritual.
For me, Brown is not about the Ivy League or higher education our privilege or entitlement. For me, Brown represents Faith, belief and pure possibility.
When I applied in 1983 it was super competitive to get in – not at all like it is now, gasp - but at the time it was a tough year historically to be accepted.
My acceptance letter from Brown was proof to me that the Universe was listening. It was right there in black-and-white. Without any financial resources, I had manifested a dream. A dream that was quite expensive (16k a year back then!)
I had been relentless with my focus and my belief – and it had worked.
Tomorrow, on Thanksgiving, find gratitude and say "thank you" for something or someone who has believed in you, who has had faith in you, even though the circumstances suggested otherwise.
Faith and belief are very powerful things. And two of the biggest gifts which can be given.
Be the Inspiration.
✨🌟💫✨
✨Taylor Wells✨
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray.”
― Rumi
Our beloved lifeguard at Sankaty on ACK told me a magical story of following your heart.
Her dad went to law school and was about to start his first job outta law school. Standing all dressed in suit and tie at the door of the law firm, he stopped and said, "I can't do this."
With the courage that most don't have, he turned around, walked away, and moved to Nantucket the next day.
He has lived and continues to live the BEST LIFE EVER on ACK as acarpenter -- and he fishes every day.
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
"What you radiate outward in your thoughts, feelings, mental pictures and words, you attract into your life."
– Catherine Ponder
I’m a big fan of love, light, good energy, law of attraction, kids, yoga and . . . Star Wars. Hence the title of this blog.
I get a lot of emails every day (we all do) from people who want me to write about them. This dude, Dave Aschaiek, did NOT ask me to write about him. He asked me to be a part of his Law of Attraction Directory and Social Network. Cool. (It’s free). I was curious.
Fast forward to, uh, NOW . . . Dave and I have spoken a few times about his directory and also Juice PLUS+ (TaylorWells.JuicePlus.Com - he and his wife are gonna try it — Law of Attraction strikes again. If you wanna try it, email me and I’ll hook you up). And I actually OFFERED to write a blog about him, because I was inspired to. I wanted to.
Law of Attraction strikes again.
I asked Dave to write a few lines about how his business was born, and here’s what he said:
"The law of attraction (much like yoga) is not something you practice once in a while, with the hopes of changing your life. It's a commitment that takes time and concerted effort. But as anyone who's had success with law of attraction can attest to, the benefits are beyond anything you can currently imagine. And if there's any place you'd like to spend time on, it's on attracting whatever you want in life.
And that's why I created www.tryary.com - A law of attraction social network. The whole intention behind this site is to help you immerse yourself in Law of Attraction. On Tryary you can connect with other like minded people who are also inspired to change their lives using this powerful law. You can also join events, find and connect with experts, start discussions on their forum, watch inspiring videos, have questions answered and more.
All free!”
Well, what are you waiting for? You heard what the man said! It takes time and commitment, but what is a better use of your precious time and focus than creating the LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS utilizing a law that’s been around since the beginning of time? This is the law all the masters used — and are using. And you’re about to be one of ‘em.
Be the inspiration.
“Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.”
~ Lao Tzu
My BFF is living in Germany for a few years and sent me this email:
"We are at the Frankfurt Communication Museum today with some friends visiting us from
Boston. They have a special exhibit here on beauty mis perceptions and in that exhibit is a great compliment machine which bilingually prints out compliments.
It's the hit of the exhibit cause we all love to be complimented. People are saying that they should scatter the compliments around work and have compliment automats everywhere. Of course I thought you would love this."
And I do!
Love love love it.
Above is a photo of some of the compliments from the compliment machine.
Who can you compliment today?
Have the best day ever!
Namaste!
Taylor plus 5
"Do not take anything for granted — not one smile or one person or one rainbow or one breath, or one night in your cozy bed."
~ Terri Guillemets
I received this from a BEST LIFE EVER reader:
"Good morning,
Keep the 87 problems!!! We don't have time for them!
Yesterday I was coming froman AA meeting I left early. I was mentally shot and could not get into it. I just wanted to take a nap before work. . . Sleeping has been a challenge lately with all that's going on in my life.
I went to the gym then the meeting. I was walking into a bank and a guy approached me and asked if I could give him a quarter. I asked if he needed it for a drink, the bank is next to a a liquor store. He said," yes". I asked him if he was hungry and he replied that he was. I told him that I could not give him a quarter however I could buy him breakfast. His sad face lit up. I walked with him a couple of blocks to a bakery. I bought him a couple of pastries and coffee. I then asked him if he wanted to go to detox he said no. He told me he needs to sober up. I agreed. He said the only time he has been sober is when he has been in jail. I wished him luck and went on my way.
It was the best $5.75 I have ever spent. It made me real grateful for my life today. I am going to hit the weights again then try to do some yoga.
In case i forgot to tell you, I am so thankful for you and your inspiration!"
*************************************************************
Today find gratitude where you are. Be grateful for this moment. This moment is your life.
"Shift the focus from what you want to do, to how you want to be... how you want to feel."
~ Denise Linn
Try this.
Tomorrow morning when you wake up, say these four things --and fill in the blanks with what you wish:
"I'm so excited to . . . ."
"I'm so excited that . . . ."
"I'm so excited for . . . . "
"I'm so excited about . . . . "
The next day, do the same.
The day after do the same and then take it to the next level and during breakfast, say these statements again, and fill in the blanks with different stuff.
Continue like this as it feels fun. Don't make it a responsibility, just do it if it feels fun.
Bottom line, the more you celebrate, the more the Universe sends you reasons to celebrate.
The more you're excited for something/anything, the more the Universe will send you reasons to be excited.
It don't have to be "big" things (i.e. "I'm so excited to win the nobel prize -- ha ha). I recommend starting with things super simple, such as:
"I'm so excited to get on my mat today."
OR
"I'm so excited that I woke up this morning on this planet and can start off with a clean slate, all bright, shiny and new."
OR
"I'm so excited for oatmeal at breakfast."
Etc.
Get it?
I thought you would.
Be the inspiration.
Namaste!
Taylor plus 5
"I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
~ Jesse Owens
I used to be an avid runner. Not a competitive runner by any means, but someone who LOVED LOVED LOVED running. I took it up when I quit tennis at the end of my freshman year at Brown. That was 1984, people.
I’d run 30 minutes a day — didn't care how fast, but I did run every. Single. Day. Rain/snow/hot/cold/hungover/happy/sad/tired/energized -- I was out there. I remember my BFF’s mom saying to me, “You will run on your wedding day!” ("Duh, of course I will,” was what I thought to myself.)
At age 27 I stopped running because I was prepping for the GRE and wanted to study/memorize vocab while exercising. So out running went. I walked instead. Didn’t miss running a bit.
Then last July I was on ACK and had a rough day emotionally. Nothing would shake it. The next morning my spirit whispered on my mat, “Run.”
I was like, “WHUUUTT?! Run?!”
But I always listen to my spirit so out I went.
I hated it.
HATED.
IT.
My 18 year old daughter asked me, “What did you hate?” (She loves to run).
I was like, “Everything. It hurt. My whole lower body hurt. It’s so jarring. Yuck, I HATE IT.”
But I listen to my spirit, and by day 3 I was hooked.
So I run every day and I adore it. It’s my favorite part of the day! I go very early, so it’s dark, and I drop into a meditation/hallucination/endorphin state really quickly. I could run forever. No pain, no fatigue. Just pure bliss. At this point I’m running about 45 minutes. But it don’t matter. I never get tired. I just zone out and run. Not fast by any means. And I like to run alone, with my itunes, and ALWAYS in shorts (even in below freezing temps).
I asked a friend about her running. I asked her how fast she runs. That’s all I asked. Her response was no less than ten minutes. (I repeat, I just asked her how fast she runs). I asked another friend what kind of shoes she wears to run. Her response was about 7 minutes. Then I asked another friend where she runs. Again, long response. Another friend — “What do you wear to run?” An even longer response.
Then it occurred to me — for runners, running is so important, so special, so personal, that there is ALWAYS a dialogue. No matter what the question.
Ya, we runners get each other. You get “the nod” as you pass each other on the dark, cold pre-dawn sidewalk or on the Charles as the sun sets. Yeah, we get each other, and we all have a different dialogue — why we’re running, why we’re wearing what we’re wearing, why we like to run along/with others, how far and how fast we go. It’s as personal as we each are individual. And that’s cool.
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
You know how when you put your iPod or iPhone on "shuffle" it shuffles the songs yes but it tends to choose the same ones over and over?
It's the same thing with your thoughts. Notice which thoughts come up again and again. And if you don't like them, change them.
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
You know that saying, "He's not playing with a full deck"? In my humble opinion, this ain't a bad thing.
Pull the cards out of the deck that magnetize and maximize drama. Pull the cards out of the deck that take you down that same track that leads you to suffering. You know the one I'm talkin' about. Take the cards out of the deck that focus your mind on things that feel bad. Take the cards out of the deck that make you feel insecure and less than. Take the cards out of the deck that lead to judgment – of self and others. Take the card out of the deck that compares and competes. A flower doesn't compete with the flower next to it. It just blooms.
Yeah that's better. So remember, not playin' with a full deck ain't a bad thing.
Have the best day ever! ✨ 🌟 💫 ✨
Namaste!
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."
~ Lao Tzu
One of our good friends in Sconset is a big Hollywood actor. I’m so proud of him. He stars in a successful long running sitcom and is one of the nicest, most humble and hard working people I know. He grew up in Chicago like I did and we both played tennis competitively. His wife is kick - a**. I adore her. She is one of the most spiritually hooked up people on the planet, and totally in her power. Love that.
They have two awesome kids (no surprise), one of whom is now modeling. Big time.
At first I flinched when I heard this. I did some modeling in my teens in LA and it wasn’t the best experience ever.
But man, this sister has her head on straight and she and her parents are so grounded about it all.
“Italian Vogue?! Whuuuut?!” I squealed.
“She’s having fun,” my friends smiled calmly and humbly.
So they’re all super grounded about it — and calm and it’s all good; but concurrently they understand that the time is NOW for this path. They understand momentum, and magic and synchronicity (her first job came her way quite synchronistically). They are letting the Universe guide this course and are stepping out of the way.
My friend said it best, “You gotta ride that pony. And when the ride’s over, you move on. But you gotta ride that pony when the time is right."
Recognize when you have momentum and go with it. Ride that pony. And when the ride’s over, move on.
Have the best day ever! ✨ 🌟 💫 ✨
Namaste!
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
I met my friend Richard Wrangham (British primatologist and author of the critically acclaimed, "Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human”) at Harvard’s Currier House for brunch on Sunday with my kiddos and Philippe to catch up — and also see if Currier House is all its cracked up to be.
Philippe and the kids and I love to sneak to Brown University’s “Ratty” for special occasions because I went to Brown and loved loved loved my time there - including the food - and it’s my “happy place.” We also just like to see the look on their faces when we show up - all 7 of us - as they attempt to figure out what to charge us per person. Also the students give the kiddos a lot of attention, which is always fun.
Richard introduced me to Patty Gregory, Chef extraordinaire at Currier House, who showed me around all the food stations and man, I couldn’t wait to dig in. About 30 minutes later I was able to do so (shuttling food to my plus 5 takes time and my kids can EAT), and yes, Currier House lives up to its rep. Whoever said University Dining Hall food ain’t the best ever hasn’t eaten Miss Patty’s food.
Thanks Richard and Patty!
“When things go wrong, don't go with them.”
― Elvis Presley
A reader wrote me this:
"Last night when I got in to work, I was drawn in to some negative talk. 3 times!! WTF.
I went out to my car took out one of your BEST LIFE EVER cards, " How does it make me feel to talk about this". I have it hanging in my locker and on my phone. No more. Then I made a copy of the card, " This is the best day ever". I hung the copy up in the office!
That is ground zero for negativity. I hope that it does not get taken down!"
This is how I responded:
"That is only old energy contradicting what you want. It's like a pebble in a pond. There will be reverberations but they will lessen and lessen and soon there will be none."
Today if you notice that old energy is contradicting what you want in your life now, just notice, be aware, breathe, and let it go – focus on something else. Something that you do want.
And be gentle with yourself. This is a process, and you're doing great!
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter,
and those who matter don't mind.”
~ Bernard M. Baruch
It's funny the things we are proud of.
Our 17 year old daughter told me a story yesterday about a dining hall experience at prep school, and boy was I proud.
Two of her classmates were staring at her at breakfast. Madison said, "What?"
They said (insert valley girl intonation here),"You just eat a really big breakfast."
My daughter explained to me,"Mom I wasn't even eating my normal big breakfast. I was just grabbing a bite of cereal quickly before class."
"What did you say to them?" I asked.
"I said, 'Heck yeah. This is nothing. I usually eat a bagel and cream cheese and eggs or something like that also."
"What did the girls say?" I asked.
"They didn't say anything." She explained "They just stared at me with their mouths slightly open."
"Maybe they wanted you to pop some Lucky Charms into their mouths." I laughed.
I told her I was proud of her for eating what she wants and not listening to the peanut gallery.
It's funny what we are proud of.
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
“I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up in the morning and see the light.”
~ Miles Davis
Once upon a time, my very first energy healer told me, "You are a direct channel for the Divine, Taylor, and you must keep creating. Keep the divine creative energy moving from your root chakra to your crown chakra."
Use whatever words you want and which feel good, but the bottom line is creation rocks and is super fun. However and whatever you create, keep it up people, as long as it feels fun. Anything can become a responsibility -- don't let that happen. I remember telling one of my first yoga teachers about my "soul mate" whom I'd just met while filming his yoga video. He smiled, didn't skip a beat and said, "Just make sure he don't become your 'cell mate.'"
(Laughing as I recall that moment).
From time to time I think of my first energy healer's words and smile, as I can't stop myself from creating, day in and day out. And it keeps gaining momentum. The photo above is the sparkly silver packaging that was wrapped around a package we received. I immediately cut it up and put it on my kids' Hello Kitty bathroom wall.
Hey if it's fun and you're creating, you on the path. And I'm rootin' for ya!
✨ Taylor Wells ✨
“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.”
~ Mario Fernandez
Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes things happen that just suck. But there is ALWAYS something coming that is better. You will ALWAYS learn from the lesson. But I know, sometimes it's tough to keep the faith.
A friend of mine just had a miscarriage. This is what I wrote to her:
"When I read this (her email to me telling me she had just miscarried) I cried for you.
I totally understand what you are going through and it SUCKS.
SUCKS
SUCKS
SUCKS
There's no other way to put it Supermom.
But I PROMISe...it will get better.
And your baby will come -- at the perfect time.
I am so so sorry.
I am sending you so much strength, love, light and reiki and COURAGE. You've GOT THIS SISTER.
Do what you need to do to keep it together and remember that it's ok and good for your family to see you cry. It's a normal part of life so don't hide it.
Also the physical part SUCKS. (After my miscarriage) I was like, "WHAT?!?!? All this pain and NO BABY!?!?!?"
We were slated to teach in NYC that weekend and I was bleeding everywhere and my Sagey said, "Mama, maybe you shouldn't go teach in NYC this weekend?"
That sunday was Mother's day btw and I was crying and crying until Sagey said, "I remember when you told us you were pregnant."
I said, "That was a happy day."
She replied, "Now all the days are sad."
That kicked my a** out of my depression pretty darn fast (I had been crying for five straight days). I focused on what I DID have (three healthy happy kids) and let my body heal.
And then I created my magical twins. I was pregnant with them three months later to the day (and I had told my midwife at the miscarriage ultrasound that I would be -- she thought I was nuts).
Take the time to let your body, mind and spirit heal and prepare the space for the baby who is coming to you. Becaues your baby IS coming. I can feel it and I am wicked psychic.
Lots of love and sparkles,
Taylor
P.S. This was me at my DNC which I had BEG BEG BEG a friend of a friend to do for me (she's an OBGYN) b/c NO ONE would do it for me until a WEEK LATER (WTF?!?!) and I was SICK AS A DOG with nausea because my body still thought I was pregnant. UGH it sucked. She did it without anesthesia. Excruciating.
And ya, I had Philippe take a photo me b/c I KNEW KNEW KNEW I would need it to help Supermoms (like you!)