Who doesn’t like getting a gift? Yes, it’s gratifying when someone gives you that gift, but there’s something incredibly indulgent when you give yourself a gift all on your own.

This week as I went to practice yoga with a bit of a head cold, I couldn’t help but think that I was giving myself a gift of health and recovery. In fact, each time I step on my yoga mat, in essence I am giving myself the gift of good health for tomorrow. (Thank you Jennifer Bishop for reminding me of this in your beautiful Vinyasa class.) Each stretch, each twist, each breath prepares my body for the future, a future that for me will hopefully not involve walkers or hip replacements.

Beyond just the health benefits, there is the gift of spiritual growth and the joy that my yoga practice provides me. So many days as I sit at my desk working, all I can think about is that hour to come when I get to drop my shoulders, deepen my breath, and find a quiet, peaceful place. No iPhone, no interruptions, just time for me to let go, time for me to open up and receive the gift of yoga. No guilt here – I indulge in this luxury as often as I can.

This year on New Year’s Eve as I counted down to midnight I couldn’t help but think that in addition to saying goodbye to 2012, I was also saying goodbye to my forties. All in all, I have to say it was a pretty awesome decade, and I enjoyed every single part of being in my forties – even the gray hair – and especially starting a whole new career path as a yoga teacher. I have to admit that had I not been so busy the last decade endowing myself with the gift of yoga, I don’t think I would be feeling so damn exuberant about turning 50.

A few years ago I never thought I’d be doing a headstand! Or leading a yoga retreat in Aruba!

Where are you dreaming about taking your life and your yoga practice?

 I plan on celebrating my 50th birthday all year and want to spread the news that yoga really can be your fountain of youth. Got one of those big birthdays coming up soon? Give yourself a gift and come celebrate the fact that you are getting more beautiful, more flexible, and more full of life each and every day. I’m hosting a big honking birthday celebration this coming April in Aruba. Join me for a week of beach yoga bliss, April 6–13, 2013, at the stunning Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, where you can do yoga overlooking the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters and pristine white sand beach. The trip includes daily inspirational yoga classes, meditation, and the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga).

Bestow yourself with a beautiful gift. Better yet, gather up a bunch of your gal pals or broginis, and you can all dip your toes into the sand and share in the fantastic gift of a week of nirvana, finding your bliss discovering the gift of yoga on the beach in Aruba!