The Potter Family - life as we know it: 4 years ago today...

While In Africa, I learned...

to never take for granted my freedom and safty
everyone in this world has their own muddy corral to get through
to become unattached to my stuff
to catch a shore break... kind of
to "bloom'' where you are planted
how to use essential oils
to meditate
to accept
to relax
monkeys will steal anything and everything
how to stay grounded
to be thankful for the small stuff
I need a kitty in my life
I love the ocean too
how to enjoy a rugby game
to look at it like an opportunity
to not fear change
to appreciate differences
to paint
24 hours of flying to get home is not that big of a deal
to watch the stock market
to try to enjoy the present moment
to ask for what I want
to be safe like my dad
to be generous like Ben
to be humble like Andy
how to drive on the wrong side of the road
self worth is very important
to listen to my intuition
always try to be congruent
to always be grateful
I can live in Africa, and love it
the power of intention

I am Grateful for...

NourishMint
the sunshine
to be living in Idaho
to live together as a family again
being a mommy to Daniel
Nourish Yoga
my continuing nutrition education
our comfy home
the opportunity to go to South Africa often
Our new friendships in Moscow
San Diego sunshine
foot and back rubs
Mariko, Mike, Ginger, Mom, Ken, Becky and Zac all coming to see us in South Africa!!!
the beach, the sunshine and the sand between your toes
Mom's constant support, and love, and special bond that I share with her
Dad's smile, his twinkle in his eyes, and his unconditional love for me
Ben's charisma for life, and his ability to find the very best in everybody. His influence in my life and everyone who knew him
Andy's sense of humor, that I seem to find in my own humor almost daily.
my memory ring
Both of my grandfathers influence in my life
grapefruit- I love it as much as Grandpa Vin did
a warm bubble bath
country music
art on the walls
a chance to write about my dad and brothers on the blog
new recipes to cook
game drives and sun downers
An amazing husband that complements the person I am, and loves me unconditionally
Books that can change your perception
Tea and biscuits
the luxury of traveling and seeing the world
the strength I have discovered in myself over the past 5 years
skype
Aunts and Uncles who are some of my closest friends
my totally awesome cousins
being an Aunt to Jaycee and Dawson, Kendall and Bennie, Karsten, Annie and Bridget.
learning how to meditate
Chino and the kitties
studying yoga and teaching to others
the best friends in the world
being a Godmother
my friendships with Ben's Navy friends
Idaho, wide open spaces, and crisp clean air to breathe
a supportive and loving mom
Grandmas lemon pie
the lawn sprinklers when they work, and a fresh mowed lawn
the adventure life is, and the opportunity to live in Africa
having known my father and brothers so well, and each day living in their memory

"Quotes that I love"

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Howard Thurman
"If you care for your mind, if you nurture it and cultivate it just like a fertile rich garden, it will blossom far beyond your expectations. But if you let the weeds take root, lasting peace of mind an deep harmony will always elude you."
"Sure I am that this day we are masters of our own fate, that the task that which has been set before us is not above our strength, that the pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."