Much to my own dismay, I have committed to practicing yoga every day in March. Prior to Friday, I haven’t practiced yoga regularly, ever. I love yoga … in theory. Yoga makes me feel centered and relaxed. Yoga calms me down, it forces me to be still, and it is theraputic for my body and my uber tight hips. But, I always have a difficult time committing to yoga; the thought of being present for an hour is just daunting.

Yet, I am at a point in life where I need to be present. I graduate from law school in May, I take the bar exam at the end of July, and I am (tentatively) moving to DC in August. There is a lot of uncertainty in my future, and there is a lot of internal stress swirling around in my head – constantly. In the upcoming months, I hope a consistent and dedicated yoga practice will help me deal with my anxiety and stress, so every day in March, yoga is happening.

Today, I am three days in, and I’m signed up for a spin and vinyasa class tonight. So far, it has been an interesting and surprisingly emotional journey, and I expect this month to be an adventure.

The first day, I was angry. I was angry at myself for committing to a challenge. I was annoyed with my teacher, who was actually lovely. And I was bummed to be doing yoga on a Friday night when I wanted to be out. But, as soon as I finished class, I was really proud of myself for following through. I had seriously considered giving up on this challenge before it ever began.

On day two, I was dehydrated, hungover and incredibly sore, which resulted in me being seriously concerned about barfing on my yoga mat. I do not suggest a heated vinyasa class when you are hungover no matter how much water you’ve drunk. It wasn’t pleasant or pretty.

Yesterday, I took an easier class because my shoulders were killing me. Unfortunately, on day two, I cleaned my mat with some cleaner at the studio, and I was slipping all over the place, which was frustrating. Then, I feel asleep in shavasana, which I’m pretty sure is not supposed to happen. Oops.

So yes, my yoga practice has faced some challenges (and it is only day three, oh my gosh), but it has also been really rewarding. I don’t want to do yoga every day in March, but the commitment is good for me; the commitment is important for me. I am doing something good for my body, and I’m doing something the helps me find balance and stillness when my world is chaotically spinning. I’m still incredibly intimidated, and I have doubts about my commitment, but I’ll going to give it my best shot.

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” - George Bernard Shaw

Cheers to March, health, and yoga! Namaste ya’ll.

Have you ever done a fitness challenge?