I wish to first thank my family for always being the most supportive people ever. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have the family that I do. All of you are at the top of my brain at all times. Unceasingly. I’m a lucky, lucky girl!
My daughters, Lin and Colleen—you girls! You have had more faith in me than I have ever had in myself. You both have been such an instrumental part in everything I have ever done. Your words (I mean shouts!) of encouragement mean more to me than you will ever know. You are, and always have been, the best daughters a mother could ever wish for. I love your company and will happily live with you both when I get old. You can take turns. Go us!
I would like to take the time to give a special thank you to my sister, Michele McDaniel. Chele, I don’t know where I would be in this world without you. You are the most honest, wise, and beautiful woman that I know. You always know what to say to make me feel better, and you know when to egg me on when I need it. We have been together through it all. You are the person I turn to with every little heartache and every tiny joy. I love you so much and can’t imagine my world without you in it. You are the biggest blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others. We all thank God for you every day. Beanie Weanie, Chele!
To my brother, Mike. We are about as different as two people can possibly be. Our greatest strength is to just “agree to disagree.” You are the funniest person I know, and no one can make me laugh like you do. I love you, I would die for you, and above all, I respect you. Thank you for loving me, Mike. I love you so much, brother.
I want to thank all of my team at Llewellyn for their tireless revisions and the great communication about my book. That art department is the bomb! I want to give a special shout out to Brian Erdrich and Angela Wix. They made me feel like they were devoted to my book and my desires above all else. You guys are the rock stars of all the editors in the world. My gratitude to you runs deep.
I want to thank Murphy Rae (Indie Solutions) for her initial editing of this book. Her insight was valuable and I love her so much. Hi, Asher!
My agent is Jane Dystel of Dystel and Goderich. Need I say more? Her reputation precedes her for a reason…she gets sh*t done! Thank you, Jane, for your devotion to your clients and your ability to “read between the lines (and words).” I am forever indebted to you and your brilliance in this publishing world.
Thank you to Miriam Goderich for stepping in when needed. What a powerhouse duo the two of you are. My gratitude is boundless.
My husband, Vance. You are the glue, mister, and we all love you so much more than you will ever know or believe. I hope when you get to heaven that there is time travel, and you will get to spend eternity in the 1800s fishing, hunting, and living in a tent. I really like the 2000s, but I will live in the 1800s if I get to live with you. But I ain’t gonna chew on any leather to make you a soft blanket. You can get over that dream. I love you beyond eternity.
To my mom and dad, Vannoy Gentles and Tom Gentles. My biggest supporters. I live to make you guys proud of me. This book was written with a lot of time taken away from both of you, but y’all never complained. I love you both so very much. I hope that your future, with us kids, is full of the joy and happiness that you both so truly deserve. Everything I have, I owe to both of you. I love you and want to do any and everything in my power to bring some “gold” to your golden years. I wish you peace and love.
To my friends. I know that I get caught up in writing these books, the yoga studio, the store, life, and I put everything, including you, on the back burner. I am a horrible friend. I know that. I am the worst. I hate plans. I hate talking on the phone. I don’t like to go anywhere. I’m always busy with family, work, and projects. Yet you all still support me, talk to me, and love me. I adore you all very, very much; more than you can imagine. Theresa, Teena, Angela, Tina, Betsy, Donna, Maria, Rosa, Terisa, Patricia—you guys are the BFFs of all BFFs. No matter how long we go without seeing each other, we can always pick it up like there was no separation at all. I thank you so much for hanging in there with me, always supporting me, encouraging me, soliciting my advice (when I really never know what I’m talking about), and giving me advice when I am manic. Someday I will be a good friend and call you and make a plan. This is a plan … to someday make a plan. I call that progress in the friendship department. Cruise 2020 … there! An actual plan! Go Me!
To everyone who buys and uses this book. Thank you! I love you all and pray that you find solace, comfort, and healing throughout the thousands of times you will use this book. It is for you I write, research, and continue on this winding path. Your support, emails, cards, messages, critiques, letters, feedback, reviews, and gifts mean the world to me—more than you will ever know. I hope you have a lifetime of spiritual and emotional peace and fulfillment.
To my Yogis … I love you. I love you. I love you … breathe.