Many people never go after their biggest dreams in life. It takes a lot of courage and you have to let go of your fears, including the fear of failure. Once you do, however, there is an incredible freedom on the other side. It is through challenges that we learn how much we are truly capable of achieving and through this process we grow.
I went after my big dream much earlier than I had anticipated. I opened my studio about a year after finishing Yoga Teacher Training. Everything fell perfectly into place and suddenly my dreams were coming true. But owning a studio comes with its own challenges. I loved helping people, inspiring them, being inspired by them, and seeing them conquer their goals! The reality of running my studio, however, was that I was like a volunteer who had tons of responsibilities for the past two and a half years. I never took a pay check. I covered my employees and overhead, but I did what I did out of the love and joy of it. So recently I had to make a critical buisiness decision to close the doors to my physical studio. Some may see this as failure, but I do not. It was my greatest success to date because I pushed through more fear than you can imagine and came out a stronger person. I met the most amazing people who changed my life, enhanced my soul, and helped me to grow.
My daughter was there when we remodeled the studio before moving in and we put in countless hours sanding, cleaning, painting... AND she, and her friends (to whom I am so very grateful) were there to help me move out. After cleaning, I finally lost it. My lip started to quiver and tears rolled down my cheeks. Tears of joy for all the amazing memories. Tears of sadness for this chapter ending. Then I looked at my beautiful daughter and she was sharing the exact moment. The love and vulnerability was so beautiful. We shared a hug and wiped our tears. Not all good things come to an end, but many do. And often it is because something better is on the way. What is meant to be will be and we have to TRUST rather than fear.
My last photo before turning in the keys to my studio. So grateful!
This was just the start for me. I do not know exactly where I am going next, but I know I need to teach and continue this amazing journey. I know now that there is nothing to fear! If we do not ask, we never know! If we do not try we can never conquer! We must remain vulnerable and open. So here you go. I am real. I cry, I laugh, I get scared, I get frustrated, but mostly I live from a place of love and acceptance. I accept my past, I accept my present and I welcome my future!
Thank you for being a part of my journey!
Love & Light,
Libby
P.S. - I had an incredible landlord who was easy to work with and who made closing a very positive and uplifting experience.