I no longer update this blog.
All my time and love goes into my new blog www.JoyDiscovered.com, born in July 2017. Please check it out!
I am now a Life Balance & Success Coach and help high achieving/high potential women achieve balance and success in their relationships, family, career and well-being.
My writing and coaching programs use transformation methodology and mindfulness to inspire lasting change.
Thanks for stopping by, and see you at www.JoyDiscovered.com!
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
The Choice Is Yours
We all have choice, free will (wonderfully!). And each action and thought we carry out every day, is done by choice. I didn't always understand this. I thought that the circumstances of my life were what led to the actions I took each day, from the friends I hung out with to the job I went to. I resented my job; I didn't believe true friendships were possible for me in a new town; but luckily, I experienced a shift.
If you've followed my blog you know that several years ago I left my corporate career to teach yoga. Teaching yoga was a wonderful experience, and I could write a book about all I learned during that two-year journey, but one thing I learned is that that lifestyle wasn't for me. In the end I chose to go back to my corporate job (same company, same job!), and what a difference going to work each day is for me now.
I used to think that I was stuck in that job because it was the only one available for me when I relocated to Naples from NYC. I used to think it was too stressful and that I didn't like the work. But the two year hiatus taught me that I actually did enjoy the work and that other jobs were available, yet I chose this one because it allowed me to use my strengths and supported what I finally realized was important to me.
On Monday I went back to work after almost two full weeks of Christmas holiday vacation. And I was excited to do so! I choose that job and am happy with my choice. (If I ever become unhappy with it, I will change.) You see, we don't have control over the circumstances of our lives that we are dealt, but we always have a choice how we respond to them and the feelings and thoughts we tie to them.
Some may think, "Well I have children. I have no choice - I must do this job to support them." But, you do have a choice. You could choose a different job. You could choose not to work. You could choose to give your children up for adoption or live a different lifestyle. Change your thinking. Are you going to live your life in anger and bitterness? Or joy and gratitude? The choice is yours.
If you've followed my blog you know that several years ago I left my corporate career to teach yoga. Teaching yoga was a wonderful experience, and I could write a book about all I learned during that two-year journey, but one thing I learned is that that lifestyle wasn't for me. In the end I chose to go back to my corporate job (same company, same job!), and what a difference going to work each day is for me now.
I used to think that I was stuck in that job because it was the only one available for me when I relocated to Naples from NYC. I used to think it was too stressful and that I didn't like the work. But the two year hiatus taught me that I actually did enjoy the work and that other jobs were available, yet I chose this one because it allowed me to use my strengths and supported what I finally realized was important to me.
On Monday I went back to work after almost two full weeks of Christmas holiday vacation. And I was excited to do so! I choose that job and am happy with my choice. (If I ever become unhappy with it, I will change.) You see, we don't have control over the circumstances of our lives that we are dealt, but we always have a choice how we respond to them and the feelings and thoughts we tie to them.
Some may think, "Well I have children. I have no choice - I must do this job to support them." But, you do have a choice. You could choose a different job. You could choose not to work. You could choose to give your children up for adoption or live a different lifestyle. Change your thinking. Are you going to live your life in anger and bitterness? Or joy and gratitude? The choice is yours.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Let's Quit Our Jobs And Travel The World... I know someone who did!
This morning I write about my friend Steph, who I've known since we were roommates in college. Back then, she was a business student. She had 8am classes each morning (I never registered for ones that started before 10am), and would stay at the library all day studying until dinnertime, or even later. She had a savings account while most of us were racking up credit card debt. Needless to say, she was the logical, practical one.
A driven girl, she built a successful career in New York City. Always wanting more for herself, we had rich conversations about career paths, starting her own business, getting an MBA, family, and the best city to live in. One day she announced to our college roommates during a girls weekend at my house in Naples, "I'm quitting my job and traveling the world for six months." I think there are permanent divots on our pool deck where our jaws hit the floor.
Now, Steph's story is not mine to tell (she embarks on her adventure within the month!). But I wanted to share the beginnings of it because it inspires me. Steph told us that when she was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with her sister last year, she realized one thing that's important to her is traveling and the experiences that come from it. She knew this was her time, and she needed to follow her heart.
I recently had to make a hard, life impacting decision. I was on the proverbial fence and could have gone either way. But when I dug deep to examine what is truly most important to me in my life right now, and understood how the decision would impact those things, I finally got to a place of clarity. I knew what I had to do, and it felt great to have the confidence in myself for making the right decision.
So here's to you Steph for figuring out what's important to you, and taking a bold step to bring more of that into your life. Cheers!
What's most important to you, and what one thing can you start doing today to give space to that which is important to you? Let me know in the comments section below!
A driven girl, she built a successful career in New York City. Always wanting more for herself, we had rich conversations about career paths, starting her own business, getting an MBA, family, and the best city to live in. One day she announced to our college roommates during a girls weekend at my house in Naples, "I'm quitting my job and traveling the world for six months." I think there are permanent divots on our pool deck where our jaws hit the floor.
Now, Steph's story is not mine to tell (she embarks on her adventure within the month!). But I wanted to share the beginnings of it because it inspires me. Steph told us that when she was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with her sister last year, she realized one thing that's important to her is traveling and the experiences that come from it. She knew this was her time, and she needed to follow her heart.
I recently had to make a hard, life impacting decision. I was on the proverbial fence and could have gone either way. But when I dug deep to examine what is truly most important to me in my life right now, and understood how the decision would impact those things, I finally got to a place of clarity. I knew what I had to do, and it felt great to have the confidence in myself for making the right decision.
So here's to you Steph for figuring out what's important to you, and taking a bold step to bring more of that into your life. Cheers!
What's most important to you, and what one thing can you start doing today to give space to that which is important to you? Let me know in the comments section below!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Commitment & Vulnerability
I have made many commitments in my life recently. And what I've learned about commitment and goals is that I am more likely to complete them if I write them down, share them with others, and ask someone to hold me accountable. So here goes with step one:
- I commit to challenging myself in different areas of my life to continue growing as a human being.
- I commit to writing.
- I commit to going to more live concerts.
- I commit to spending less time on my smart phone so I can spend more time reading books and about yoga and writing.
- I commit to being vulnerable.
I haven't posted a blog in almost two years. Life got busy with the birth of my son Maverick who is now 14 months old. But I have been writing. The truth is, I've been keeping my writing to myself. I made up excuses like I'm not sure of the direction I want my blog to go in any more, or I need to rebrand myself and come up with a catchier theme, even purchase a new web site. However, when I dig deeper and get honest with myself, a lot of what's holding me back is that I have fear around what others will think of what I write. I'm concerned that if it's not perfect, in a pretty package, and with a clear, though-out direction, I shouldn't be putting it out there.
I have learned that when I am vulnerable and share of myself authentically, I make real, deeper friendships, am more relatable, and inspire others. So it's time I drop the excuses and commit to being vulnerable again. Vulnerability aids me in making a life worth living.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Self-Inflicted Suffering.... Um, No Thanks. I Want Acceptance & Play!
I had the realization this morning as I was meditating that I have brought a lot of the discomfort, pain, stress, and no-fun feelings in my life on myself. I have been beating myself up!
Take my yoga teaching for example. Many students have commented lately that my teaching is radically different than when I started a little over two years ago (and thanks goodness because I have invested a lot of time and money in trainings, feedback, learning, and practice teaching!) But I think one of the main reasons my teaching feels different is because I am no longer judging myself, being critical, and concerned for what others think of me. Rather, I am putting myself out there, being me, and not worrying about if everyone likes me or not. I have turned the focus off of ME and onto MY STUDENTS and what they need. Of course, this is a practice and I am not perfect at it, but I will not beat myself up when I realize I am slipping. Instead I will acknowledge, learn, and move on.
Let's look at my full-time job as a conference producer too. I left the job a few years ago because I wanted to explore teaching yoga full time, and also because I was burnt out. I had put so much pressure on myself to perform. I felt that how my events did and how many goals I reached was a direct reflection of who I was as a human being. I barely asked for help or requested what I needed to make my work smoother, and I was constantly having dialogue with myself about not being good enough. Man, that's a lot of pressure! Yes, my job (which I have come back to recently and am enjoying) is stressful and demanding at times, but I am allowed to have fun and enjoy doing it, and it feels much lighter without the added pressures that I put on myself. I thought that work and play had to be separate, but why should they be? And when I find myself slipping into freak out and pressure mode, I acknowledge it while being kind to myself, laugh at it, and move on, one step at a time.
I am over making things so difficult and committed to adding more play into all areas of my life!
Take my yoga teaching for example. Many students have commented lately that my teaching is radically different than when I started a little over two years ago (and thanks goodness because I have invested a lot of time and money in trainings, feedback, learning, and practice teaching!) But I think one of the main reasons my teaching feels different is because I am no longer judging myself, being critical, and concerned for what others think of me. Rather, I am putting myself out there, being me, and not worrying about if everyone likes me or not. I have turned the focus off of ME and onto MY STUDENTS and what they need. Of course, this is a practice and I am not perfect at it, but I will not beat myself up when I realize I am slipping. Instead I will acknowledge, learn, and move on.
Let's look at my full-time job as a conference producer too. I left the job a few years ago because I wanted to explore teaching yoga full time, and also because I was burnt out. I had put so much pressure on myself to perform. I felt that how my events did and how many goals I reached was a direct reflection of who I was as a human being. I barely asked for help or requested what I needed to make my work smoother, and I was constantly having dialogue with myself about not being good enough. Man, that's a lot of pressure! Yes, my job (which I have come back to recently and am enjoying) is stressful and demanding at times, but I am allowed to have fun and enjoy doing it, and it feels much lighter without the added pressures that I put on myself. I thought that work and play had to be separate, but why should they be? And when I find myself slipping into freak out and pressure mode, I acknowledge it while being kind to myself, laugh at it, and move on, one step at a time.
I am over making things so difficult and committed to adding more play into all areas of my life!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A Wise Woman's Life Lessons... And My Humble Comments :)
I saw this on Facebook yesterday and can't stop reading or thinking about this. I've definitely seen it before. There are so many nuggets in here - I'm highlighting some of my faves that strike deep into my heart right now in yellow, and have added my own thoughts next to them [[in parenthesis]].
I promise to live this way to the best of my ability!
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio:
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. [[I really am a control freak. So when trying to make decisions in my life, I want to see the final outcome; I want to know what to do right NOW. But the truth is, life isn't lived in 5-year, 5-month, or even 5-day bits. Life is lived one minute, one breath, one day at a time. Who knows if the next day will even come. So I am trying to live my life just one day at a time, in presence/awareness, and taking just the one step (no matter how big or small) that feels right to me. I have to trust (though its very hard sometimes) that God is leading me exactly where I am meant to go.]]
3. Life is too short – enjoy it.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. [[To me this is all about judging. As much as I want to say I don't judge others, I do. We all do. I try to remember that everyone has different loves, passions, goals, and life lessons to experience. I try to look for the beauty in others as opposed to something I can judge them on. I find that when I accept and look for the beauty in myself (like in relation to acceptance of my body for example), I am better able to accept and see the beauty in others.]]
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. [[We live in an abundant world. Holding on to things for fear of not having enough is something I struggled with when I was younger. But I find more peace in my home (and consequently in my heart and mind), when I only see things that are beautiful/make me happy or are being used. If it's not, I let it go and create space for bigger and better things to come into my life.]]
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. [[I read this years ago and did exactly this. We burn candles every night and choose to celebrate today!]]
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life. [[It's so easy for me to get caught up in the busyness of life. The end of the day comes and I am tired. It would be easy to ball up on the couch in front of the TV. And while that is necessary rejuvenation sometimes, I find that when I make myself get out of the house to see friends, start a craft project, or roll out my yoga mat, I always feel better and happier. I choose life.]]
28. Forgive
29. What other people think of you is none of your business. [[Someone else said, "People are going to talk about you anyway, so give them something to talk about!"]]
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. [[This is positive but kind of depressing too. One of my friends talked to me about the Buddhist religion and there take on this that nothing is permanent. Therefore we can't attach to anything, good or bad. The Buddhist and Hindu philosophy as I understand it is that attachment (to desires, circumstances, people or concepts) is the main obstacle to a serene and fulfilled life. When we can find calm and peace in any circumstance, and understand that it will change, our perspective on life will change.]]
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. [[Think about it, the best experiences of our lives are with other people and the best feelings revolve around loving them and being grateful for them!!]]
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. [[Albert Einstein says you can look at life in two ways: As if nothing is a miracle, or as if EVERYTHING is a miracle. Life itself is truly a miracle and I choose the latter!]]
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. [[It's really hard to believe this sometimes, but the truth is we have no idea what the person rolling out their yoga mat next to our is going through. We can live life in "poor me" like the victim, or we can live life in gratitude for what we do have and the life lessons we are given.]]
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
I promise to live this way to the best of my ability!
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio:
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. [[I really am a control freak. So when trying to make decisions in my life, I want to see the final outcome; I want to know what to do right NOW. But the truth is, life isn't lived in 5-year, 5-month, or even 5-day bits. Life is lived one minute, one breath, one day at a time. Who knows if the next day will even come. So I am trying to live my life just one day at a time, in presence/awareness, and taking just the one step (no matter how big or small) that feels right to me. I have to trust (though its very hard sometimes) that God is leading me exactly where I am meant to go.]]
3. Life is too short – enjoy it.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. [[To me this is all about judging. As much as I want to say I don't judge others, I do. We all do. I try to remember that everyone has different loves, passions, goals, and life lessons to experience. I try to look for the beauty in others as opposed to something I can judge them on. I find that when I accept and look for the beauty in myself (like in relation to acceptance of my body for example), I am better able to accept and see the beauty in others.]]
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. [[We live in an abundant world. Holding on to things for fear of not having enough is something I struggled with when I was younger. But I find more peace in my home (and consequently in my heart and mind), when I only see things that are beautiful/make me happy or are being used. If it's not, I let it go and create space for bigger and better things to come into my life.]]
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. [[I read this years ago and did exactly this. We burn candles every night and choose to celebrate today!]]
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life. [[It's so easy for me to get caught up in the busyness of life. The end of the day comes and I am tired. It would be easy to ball up on the couch in front of the TV. And while that is necessary rejuvenation sometimes, I find that when I make myself get out of the house to see friends, start a craft project, or roll out my yoga mat, I always feel better and happier. I choose life.]]
28. Forgive
29. What other people think of you is none of your business. [[Someone else said, "People are going to talk about you anyway, so give them something to talk about!"]]
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. [[This is positive but kind of depressing too. One of my friends talked to me about the Buddhist religion and there take on this that nothing is permanent. Therefore we can't attach to anything, good or bad. The Buddhist and Hindu philosophy as I understand it is that attachment (to desires, circumstances, people or concepts) is the main obstacle to a serene and fulfilled life. When we can find calm and peace in any circumstance, and understand that it will change, our perspective on life will change.]]
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. [[Think about it, the best experiences of our lives are with other people and the best feelings revolve around loving them and being grateful for them!!]]
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. [[Albert Einstein says you can look at life in two ways: As if nothing is a miracle, or as if EVERYTHING is a miracle. Life itself is truly a miracle and I choose the latter!]]
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. [[It's really hard to believe this sometimes, but the truth is we have no idea what the person rolling out their yoga mat next to our is going through. We can live life in "poor me" like the victim, or we can live life in gratitude for what we do have and the life lessons we are given.]]
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Saturday, August 17, 2013
We Never Know Where This Journey Will Take Us!
It's funny how things in life turn out. Through my practice I have learned that every day is different - every day my body feels tighter or looser, stronger or weak, I have lots of energy or just a little. But I get on my mat, flow, breathe and move with whatever is, making adjustments to make things right for me at that moment.
The same happens in my life, and as I adjusted to my reality, I find myself with another career change - back to my old job! I never would have imagined that my path would lead me here, but I have learned that I have to go with the flow, and create my life to be in line with what is important to me (and that what is important to me may change week to week, year to year!).
The journey of my last two years has been amazing and I am so grateful for the experience. I would do it again if I had the opportunity to live my life over. I took a big risk and quit my corporate job so I could focus on teaching yoga, a passion that was at the center of my heart and loudly calling my name at the time. With that time I was able to take many yoga trainings and teach many different types of yoga classes - definitely challenging myself and forcing me to learn A LOT quickly.
I worked my butt off for the first season teaching over 20 classes a week all over Naples. It was exciting to meet and impact so many different people who were looking to get in shape, de-stress, or calm down. But it was hard for me to be inspiring and truly show up 100% for so many classes. I got burnt out quickly.
And, because the universe always has a plan, a part-time job was offered to me at BV Yoga, the studio I love, practice, and teach at. So I accepted and did marketing and promotional work part time while teaching part time. It was fun to use that part of my brain again and have such a cool balance and variety of daily activities. BV is up to big things and my responsibilities and working time grew... enough to warrant working at BV full time (which also made more sense financially, plus I got some vacation days -- those little things I never realized were so important when I was working in the corporate world!).
My role at BV grew. I managed both Naples' and Miami's marketing and all our events, including BV's first ever Teacher Training Retreat in Tulum, Mexico. It was an amazing experience and I got to know BV's owner Kiersten and all the other incredible staff and teachers better. I was working 40 hours a week, teaching 7 times a week and working loooooong weeks, but for the most part enjoying it.
Then I had a shift, I realized that I was working really hard and long hours, and while I was enjoying what I did and who I was working with, I couldn't make ends meet financially. Plus I realized that what was important to me was being able to get on a plane to see my family and friends whenever I wanted, to travel and see the world (I'm thinking Paris and Amsterdam next!) and to be able to live without worry about how I can pay for something if my car breaks down. Unfortunately a small business like a yoga studio couldn't offer me what I needed to live the life that was important to me.
I journaled long and hard on what I enjoyed doing for work, what skills I have, and what makes me feel challenged. This process brought me to the "aha!" moment that what I enjoyed and was really good at was my old corporate job! I needed to step away from it for awhile, and of course follow my heart, to realize that it was something I wanted. I think at first I had, in a way, felt the "victim" of my job, like since I had moved to Naples there really wasn't a lot of job opportunities, so I had to stay with the one I had. But now I can say that I truly CHOOSE my job because I love it and want it, and that's a great feeling to have. I approached my old employer, and shortly I was back working for them again and excited for the new, but familiar, opportunity.
I also realized that the two years I immersed myself in teaching yoga and working in Naples allowed me to strengthen friendships, meet new people, and gain a sense of community within Naples. I finally (after 6 years!!!) felt like Naples was home. Now, even though I am working from home, I don't feel isolated and like the only thing I have is my job and yoga. Right now I have a good balance.
I cut down on the classes I teach so that I have time for my own practice and running and working out, but I still teach 3 - 4 times a week with my class at BV and the private couple I work with in their home. It's a great balance, and it's fun. I never would have imagined I'd be here two years ago, but here I am... going with the flow, responding to what's real and present in my, and following my heart. Cheers to you doing the same.
The same happens in my life, and as I adjusted to my reality, I find myself with another career change - back to my old job! I never would have imagined that my path would lead me here, but I have learned that I have to go with the flow, and create my life to be in line with what is important to me (and that what is important to me may change week to week, year to year!).
The journey of my last two years has been amazing and I am so grateful for the experience. I would do it again if I had the opportunity to live my life over. I took a big risk and quit my corporate job so I could focus on teaching yoga, a passion that was at the center of my heart and loudly calling my name at the time. With that time I was able to take many yoga trainings and teach many different types of yoga classes - definitely challenging myself and forcing me to learn A LOT quickly.
I worked my butt off for the first season teaching over 20 classes a week all over Naples. It was exciting to meet and impact so many different people who were looking to get in shape, de-stress, or calm down. But it was hard for me to be inspiring and truly show up 100% for so many classes. I got burnt out quickly.
And, because the universe always has a plan, a part-time job was offered to me at BV Yoga, the studio I love, practice, and teach at. So I accepted and did marketing and promotional work part time while teaching part time. It was fun to use that part of my brain again and have such a cool balance and variety of daily activities. BV is up to big things and my responsibilities and working time grew... enough to warrant working at BV full time (which also made more sense financially, plus I got some vacation days -- those little things I never realized were so important when I was working in the corporate world!).
My role at BV grew. I managed both Naples' and Miami's marketing and all our events, including BV's first ever Teacher Training Retreat in Tulum, Mexico. It was an amazing experience and I got to know BV's owner Kiersten and all the other incredible staff and teachers better. I was working 40 hours a week, teaching 7 times a week and working loooooong weeks, but for the most part enjoying it.
Then I had a shift, I realized that I was working really hard and long hours, and while I was enjoying what I did and who I was working with, I couldn't make ends meet financially. Plus I realized that what was important to me was being able to get on a plane to see my family and friends whenever I wanted, to travel and see the world (I'm thinking Paris and Amsterdam next!) and to be able to live without worry about how I can pay for something if my car breaks down. Unfortunately a small business like a yoga studio couldn't offer me what I needed to live the life that was important to me.
I journaled long and hard on what I enjoyed doing for work, what skills I have, and what makes me feel challenged. This process brought me to the "aha!" moment that what I enjoyed and was really good at was my old corporate job! I needed to step away from it for awhile, and of course follow my heart, to realize that it was something I wanted. I think at first I had, in a way, felt the "victim" of my job, like since I had moved to Naples there really wasn't a lot of job opportunities, so I had to stay with the one I had. But now I can say that I truly CHOOSE my job because I love it and want it, and that's a great feeling to have. I approached my old employer, and shortly I was back working for them again and excited for the new, but familiar, opportunity.
I also realized that the two years I immersed myself in teaching yoga and working in Naples allowed me to strengthen friendships, meet new people, and gain a sense of community within Naples. I finally (after 6 years!!!) felt like Naples was home. Now, even though I am working from home, I don't feel isolated and like the only thing I have is my job and yoga. Right now I have a good balance.
I cut down on the classes I teach so that I have time for my own practice and running and working out, but I still teach 3 - 4 times a week with my class at BV and the private couple I work with in their home. It's a great balance, and it's fun. I never would have imagined I'd be here two years ago, but here I am... going with the flow, responding to what's real and present in my, and following my heart. Cheers to you doing the same.
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