Recently, two people told me, "You're just a yogateacher." Hearing that stung. As I navigate my pregnancy and my move back to Puerto Rico, I’ve decided to take a break from my yoga career and all the administrative tasks that come with it. My focus now is on creating a peaceful, happy environment for my baby.
Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered voices questioning my choices, suggesting that because my path isn’t the typical one, it must be the wrong one. But this post is for anyone considering taking a risk or stepping into the unknown. Don’t let others define your worth or tell you what path you should take. You are more than enough, even if your choices are unconventional.
I didn’t make these decisions lightly. I come from a middle-class family (LOL if you get the joke), I have a bachelor's, a minor, a master’s degree, and I once worked for a Fortune 500 company. I was living the traditional life that everyone expects you to follow. But deep down, I wasn’t happy.
Like many who go through a life crisis, I started searching for meaning. I tried running, tennis, clubs, non-profits—anything to fill that void. But it wasn’t until I found yoga that everything started to make sense.
After five years of dedicated practice—not like some people who jump into trends—I decided to take the plunge and become a yoga teacher. The first thing people said was, "You could make a business out of this!" But honestly, that wasn’t my goal. I became a yoga teacher because I wanted to help others, just as yoga helped me. Earning an income was nice, but it wasn’t the priority.
Then, life threw a curveball—right when I took the leap, the market crashed. Like many others, I struggled. But do I regret my decision? Absolutely not. Would I go back to corporate life? No way. This journey has challenged me in ways that pushed me to get creative and live minimally. And yes, it’s hard in today’s economy, but I don’t regret changing my career in my late 20s. Even though it’s tougher than the traditional path, I’m much happier.
My advice for anyone considering taking the leap? Organize your finances, cut your spending, and then go for it. What’s the worst that could happen?
So yes, I am "just a yoga teacher." But I’ve helped people. I’ve trained people. I’ve watched them discover new things about themselves. I’ve found meaning in my own life. And I’ve learned that no matter what you do, people will always have something to say. Even if you take the traditional path.
So, you do you, boo!
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