articles

Make Your Dreams Come True Today

By Judie Hurtado a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher, a Certified Kids Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, and a Health and Wellness writer March 7, 2013
Last October, I made one of my biggest dreams come true. It wasn’t easy. I was scared. I worried about my health. I felt guilty for leaving my husband who travels out of state for work every week and leaving my two sweet daughters who needed their Mommy. I felt horrible for taking time away from my job. Yet, despite all these worries and fears, I foraged ahead. I traveled to India on a 12-day spiritual pilgrimage. 

Years ago, a friend told me about her upcoming girls weekend getaway. I was green with envy. “Judie, you can go away too! You have to make the plans and then go. You are the one that has to make it happen,” she adamantly advised. It just didn’t seem possible to me though. 

However, as time went on, I changed my tune. I was tired of feeling jealous and resentful every time I heard a friend making time for herself. I realized that I would always have an excuse. When my friend Alyssa told me she was going away for a weekend yoga retreat and asked if I wanted to join her, I knew the time was right. I began compiling a list of reasons why I had to go on this trip: My daughters were getting older and didn’t need me in the same capacity. I loved yoga. I had a ride. It was just two days! 

I said yes to that yoga weekend and have continued to say yes to other activities. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to rearrange my schedule. I’ve had to secure childcare. My biggest struggle has been dealing with the guilt. 

My husband Marco has been very supportive. Over the years, he has encouraged me to pursue my dreams. He knows that a happy Mommy means a happy home. I do the same for him. I also know that I am very fortunate in that we had the financial stability for me to go on my trip to India and my other yoga adventures. 

I also surround myself with other moms who support and encourage me to pursue my dreams. Last week I emailed my friend Lisane, who is a Certified Life Coach, about the guilt I was feeling about attending an upcoming yoga conference and taking time away from family time. “You may take time away from your family but it’s a time for you to refuel. You are teaching your daughters to be full women while also taking care of yourself,” she responded. Who can argue with that advice? 

As I planned my trip to India, some of mom friends would tell me how jealous they were that I was taking this trip. I shared the same advice I had been told years prior. “You can go away too! You have to make the plans and then go. You are the one that has to make it happen.” 

Judie Hurtado is a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher, a Certified Kids Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, and a Health and Wellness writer.  You can learn more about her at www.judiehurtado.com. She can be reached at judie.hurtado@gmail.com