My Truth, Exposed..

Born and raised in Alabama.. I moved to KC in 2012 with my man, Julian. He was working an entry level job in software and I was letting life push me on down the river.. college.. job.. climbing that corporate ladder.. you know, checking the boxes, following the rules, working hard always, people pleasing doing my best to show up just as I perceived the world and the people in my life expected me to. 

Over time I started to hate my job, I was stressed and exhausted, negativity was beginning to seep into every aspect of my life. Didn’t feel like working out, didn’t feel like doing anything really. Couldn’t wait to get home and find my couch, so I could wake up the next day and make it through the workday. 

I decided to start practicing yoga again as a way to get my body moving, but what I found on my mat was much more than I expected. 

I remember the moment vividly, I was lying on my mat at the end of practice when an overwhelming sense of calm came over me. For the first time in my life I was listening to me. What do I need, what do I want, what makes me happy. The path became clear. 

Things started to move quickly, I quit my job (not easy.. I still miss my people, shoutout Wells Fargo crew), got my personal training certification, began researching yoga teacher training programs and started working with companies on developing employee wellness programs. This was a step in the right direction.. but still didn’t light me on fire.  

That’s when I found my voice as a yoga teacher. Stars collided and boom chakra laka! MAGIC! I found my purpose. 

I was always a tomboy.. hung out with the boys, played sports, basketball, volleyball, crossfit.. I never thought I was the yoga type, but I was wrong. Keep your eyes open to opportunity, and take time to listen and pay attention to you. Form your own opinions through personal experience. Don’t spend time worrying about other peoples expectations or perceptions of you. 

Flash forward to today, I just celebrated the one year anniversary of MY business.. (like what?!), and Julian worked his way up to an executive at his company, yes, he is a baller. And guess what my friends.. we are just getting started!   

I am still learning what it means to own a business and am basically just putting one foot in front of the other each day. Truth be told, I had no idea what I was doing when I started, I just knew I wanted to teach yoga so I went for it. It’s not easy and dangit.. somedays I miss those paychecks, but I truly feel like I am living my best life. And turns out I didn’t really need all that stuff I was buying anyway.

I am truly grateful for each day, each person I meet, every struggle. It’s all a part of my story and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Shoutouts! 

Thank you to my family for building confidence in me, thank you to Talena Hooper for showing me that being 100% yourself is not only okay, but respected and admired, to Matt Scanlon for believing in me and seeing my potential, and to Julian, my love, for always pushing me inspiring me, motivating me listening to me and loving me just as I am, perfectly imperfect.