How I Made My Dreams Come True

I posted this #TBT picture sharing my journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a yoga instructor. I've been really surprised to receive a lot of messages from friends on Facebook and Instagram asking how I'm making a living off of being a yoga teacher aka a full-time hippy (lol jk) I decided I'd fully share my journey of this huge career transition and what has helped me find success!

Firstly, I never planned for this! Honestly when I gave my notice to my previous job in October 2016, I had no plan. I had a vague idea what my next step was. I was in such an unhappy position that not knowing was so much better than remaining where I was. I was absolutely terrified. I had just enrolled in grad school for Nutrition and figured I would begin yoga teacher training as a complimentary thing. I had debated the idea for 2 years and randomly came across a Corepower ad on Facebook. The program was 2 months and honestly I had only ever practiced at Corepower once or twice. However, something pushed me to respond to the "sign." I called their corporate number and enrolled over the phone, haha.

I remember the day I gave my notice. It was the day before I started my teacher training program- October 11th- and I told myself if "Landslide" comes on in class, I'm leaving. Well, I got in the class and the teacher's intention was about letting go and trusting to get the things we need...and then "Landslide" played. I cried...scratch that, no I BALLED the entire class. I woke up my husband when I got back home and told him "I'm doing it! I'm quitting!" (I want this to be emphasized- my husband was the biggest emotional support through this all. He was prepared for any disaster, as long as I was happy. Thankfully, no disasters occurred. I prayed way too much for all that ;))

You're probably wondering how horrible my old position was for me to feel not having a plan was better than staying there? Let's just say I cried everyday on the way to work, and would read inspirational quotes before I would get out of my car. I also started to initiate unnecessary arguments with my husband and drink so much from my lack of happiness. I had been in therapy for other personal issues and it soon became a safe haven from work. My therapist ended up diagnosing me with Work Related Depression and Anxiety. From such, despite me quitting, I was given the right to receive unemployment benefits. I had planned on returning to work ASAP but it was apparent that I needed to take advantage of the benefits available to me. I must have applied to an average of 2 jobs per day, and probably received a total of 3 call-backs. I'll be honest- I was a little embarrassed that at 25, I was on unemployment with no job in sight. However, sometimes you have to put your pride aside and just keep truckin'.

As soon as I graduated my teacher training program (December), I received my first teaching gig with Bloom Yoga, then on a whim I applied to LA Fitness and got hired, and then found a resort-style apartment complex seeking a teacher. Before I knew it, I had a class everyday. I always kept my eyes peeled on Indeed.com! I ended up finding a part time at-home position- I assist an owner with a club lacrosse team. From then, a friend of mine introduced me to the owner of Sojourn - the newest studio on my resume ;) where I'll also be assisting (aka hanging out lol) with anything and everything yoga!

I only have a year left of school so I'm excited to see how Nutrition will incorporate into all of this. Between my multiple teaching jobs and helping with Sojourn, I've managed to build my income back up to what I was making when I was working full time ...working no more than 30 hours! So why do I share this with you? The point is that as long as you keep an open mind and follow your heart, you will be okay. l know how cliche that sounds but it's said for a reason. If I could credit my "success" to one thing, it would be stepping out of my comfort zone. This started with me quitting a job that didn't serve my happiness. Most recently it's been me saying "yes" to more public speaking opportunities- I co-hosted a Nutrition workshop and this Saturday, I'll be guiding a meditation class. I figure I can't say no to anything from fear, and neither should you. I do not spend my free time watching TV. In fact, I try to avoid "relaxing" for the day until I've studied, taught, and contributed to my future in some way...today that would be contributing to my blog. Other days that means creating a new playlist or researching new yoga poses to use in class.

So whatever it is that you want to go after- do it. It is okay to be scared, but think of the amazing things that lie of the other side of your fear. But most importantly remember this, "A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there."

XO
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