Sunday was the 12th anniversary of the heart attack that I survived when I was 31 years old. After the cardiologist told me that I wouldn't have survived the night had I not come into the hospital, I questioned whether I was living my best life.
While I thought I was doing the right things to be healthy by being physically active, I wasn't taking care of my full self. I was working in a stressful job that no longer inspired me, climbing the corporate ladder because I thought that's what I was supposed to do. I had lost touch with myself, and my mental, emotional and physical health were suffering.
But, given that I was working in the field that I studied in college, I wasn't sure what else to do.
I spent the next year studying dietary theories and life coaching methods, and then discovered yoga, which was what pulled it all together for me. Yoga was not only great for my physical health, but also my mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It was through practicing and studying yoga that I began to tap into my true self.
I realigned my priorities, and worked on reducing the stressors that were stealing my joy and zapping my energy.
I started health coaching, teaching yoga, and leading wellness retreats around the world. I spent more time doing the things that I love like dancing, outdoor activities, and spending time with loved ones.
While I still experience stress, especially as a small business owner, I'm better at keeping things in perspective. I recognize how lucky I am to be alive, to have family and friends who support me, and to have the opportunity to do work that I love. I have a different idea of what success looks like - I'm more aligned now with Stanley's statement above.
I had a healthy dose of life, laughter and love over the past 12 days while my parents were visiting from NH. The break has me feeling recharged and ready to tackle this full week of teaching SUP yoga classes and working on my upcoming retreats.
If you're feeling disconnected from your true self, consider joining me on a retreat in the coming months to help you realign with your values and priorities so that you can thrive!
I had a room open up on the Portugal Yoga Adventure September 5-11, which can be either a double or a single. Submit your registration form and deposit here to claim this room.
There are three rooms left for the Bliss, Balance and Beach Retreat in Costa Rica November 6-13. Grab your spot before the retreat sells out.
If you're not quite ready to travel internationally, check out Firefly's first winter retreat in Colorado January 28-30, 2022.