08/09/2024
Dear Friends, today marks 12 years since the Yoga Loft first opened the doors. 12 years... one full zodiac cycle, one full cycle of the stars.
We have had highs and lows, experienced betrayals, broken dreams and incredible love and support.
I have sometimes felt that I have been riding so smoothly on this wave of life and other times felt so, so close to drowning. I have gotten somethings very wrong and other things very right. I have learned a lot about people and even more about myself. I feel incredibly grateful for the journey and everyone who has been a part of it!
Looking back at previous newspaper articles, our crowdfunder and our journey overall ... we did it! We did what we set out to do, we rebuilt despite the obstacles. It is my deepest hope that the Yoga Loft, in whatever shape it takes, will continue to be a safe haven in the heart of Plymouth for many years to come.
Next Sunday (September 15th) is the Union Street Party and we've been busily working to prepare a surprise...it involves a wardrobe, a lamppost, a whale and a little bit of magic. :D
There are somethings that I have held on to through some of the more difficult times, Rudyard Kipling's 'IF', the prayer of St. Francis and more recently I have come across the 10 paradoxical commandments by Kent Kieth and a variation engraved on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, I write them here to remind myself as much as to share:
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
LOVE THEM ANYWYAY
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
THINK BIG ANYWAY
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.
I hope to see you all soon!
With so much love and gratitude.
Jo