Celebrating My Journey: From Art to Yoga Retreats

Embracing Accomplishments

I hope to get this all out so I can maybe post on Instagram (lol). I've been meaning to for a month now. Why am I so scared to admit my accomplishments? I'm more willing to share my failures than to say I did something well. Maybe it's because once I admit it, it's gone. Or maybe I fear it will be taken away from me. It feels like my accomplishment didn't happen unless it's acknowledged by someone else. Probably both.

It's scary. Life is scary right now.

The Journey of Teaching Yoga

When it comes to this—this being... I have finished my first year teaching yoga. And I've done a lot with it. This is intimidating. To admit I only have a year of teaching under my belt and have the guts to launch an international yoga retreat? Will people not want to go on the retreat or take a class with me?

I spent five years studying fine art and spent my whole childhood drawing before that. I have a degree in it rolled up somewhere. Never opened. Yoga? Just two months living on an island and a laminated piece of paper. That laminated piece of paper opened more doors for me—even doors to use that rolled-up art degree.

The Weight of Imposter Syndrome

And that's just one aspect—the imposter syndrome, I guess you would call it. To add to all that, the road to this yoga career I want to be proud of was not easy. I went into a lot of debt to get here. I broke my own heart so many times trying to reach my goals. I even moved back home. There's a lot of failure tied in with this success. I don't even want to call it that because it's still scary to me. But I guess I should...

I've been teaching yoga for just over a year now. I have regular clients. I even fill up a class or two! I'm hosting a yoga retreat, and that paid itself off in one month. Yup. I'm terrified to say I did that and have it all taken away.

Acknowledging My Success

The simple accomplishment remains a fact. It cannot be taken away, no matter what. As of today, 10 people find what I have to offer valuable. Success to me. Scary to admit.

I really am so grateful. To be trusted with others' bodies... maybe even their minds. I don't take that trust lightly. I love what I do.

The Importance of Trust

Trust is a big deal in this line of work. When someone steps onto my mat, they are putting their faith in me. It's a beautiful exchange. I’m not just teaching poses; I’m guiding them through a journey of self-discovery. That’s a responsibility I cherish deeply.

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next? I’m excited about the future. I want to expand my offerings. Maybe more retreats? Perhaps workshops? The possibilities are endless. I’m ready to embrace them, even if it’s scary.

I know I have the skills. I’ve worked hard to get here. And while the fear of failure lingers, I also feel a spark of excitement. I’m ready to share my journey with others.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for your trust. I’m here, ready to grow, learn, and evolve. I’m not just an artist or a yoga teacher; I’m a creator of experiences. And I can’t wait to see where this path leads me.

So, here’s to celebrating accomplishments, big and small. Let’s keep moving forward together.

—Jill