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.
