Bri's Love of Yoga Teacher Fund
"Everything you've ever wanted, is on the other side of fear"
They say a dream starts with the ability to try, pushing through the triumphs, and tribulations along the way. Your blood, sweat, and tears, that are put into the process, mold you to be the best that you can be. As you read about my story, who I am, and what my dreams are, take a moment to picture your dreams, and what you are willing to do to reach them.
What is it that you love to do? For me, YOGA is my ultimate favorite activity! Two and a half years ago, I was taken into surgery for what is known as Os trigonum, aka having an extra bone in your ankle; only 12% of people in the Nation have this syndrome. Yet sometimes, the only way to get rid of the pain is to shave down the bone. Which then leads to wearing around an 8lb cast, minimum walking, and months of recovery. Needless to say, I was miserable. Coming from an athletic background, I was always moving, so being completely still with little mobility was something I had to work through. After recovering, my best friend noticed how depressed I was and told me to get moving again by accepting to complete a month long instagram yoga challenge with her. The next day, that is exactly what I did. Anxious to get active again, I instantly fell in love with the movements of the yoga. What started with a way to get moving, ended up turning into a lifelong passion! I began going outside in my backyard every single morning, getting my yoga in before class and before my day started. Any extra time I had, you would find me in my backyard practicing, doing, moving, learning, and growing! Every chance I got to talk about yoga, dream about yoga, breathe about yoga, I did. Then, one day in my world religions class, we were asked to complete an assignment, which was to chose to go to a place or do an activity that was connected to religion and write a one page summary. Of course I chose Bikram yoga. That Saturday afternoon, I fell more in love with the yoga. After the class, laying on my back recovering the body, in what is known as savasana, I realized this was EXACTLY what I wanted to do the rest of my life. I loved the way I felt after class, the challenges I faced, the struggle it was to be still and breathe, and the sweat that cleansed my pores immediately. Ever since then I haven't stopped. I started competing; I know it is a crazy thought, a yoga competition?! What?! Well, I did it because I wanted to pour my love out for yoga and show the world that I am in love with this practice. In 2015, my first competition, I placed 4th in the state, then moving onto Nationals, placing 10th! I was beyond ecstatic! This year, being my second year competing, I placed 7th in the state. After the results last year, of course I was disappointed with myself, because I knew I could have worked harder. But the moment I received the invitation to Nationals, I jumped at the opportunity, and aimed for the stars. I began to train right away, knowing there was only one month until I was back on stage in front of what felt like everyone in the United States. A few days before the competition in Jackson Hole Wyoming, I broke down, from working extremely hard, pushing through every single day, making sure I was focused and prepared, my emotions and nerves got the best of me. My family reminded me why I wanted to get on that stage. Inspiring at least one person to face their fears and follow their dreams. I knew my eye was on the prize, but little did I know what was to come that unforgettable weekend. I had to get on stage the first day because of my position in Florida, I had to prove my place to move on to the semi finals. Once I moved onto semis, I was very excited. Going into the round, I knew that all I wanted to do was have fun. Day 2, I placed 2nd going into the final round, I knew that this was it. Day 3, was my chance to give everything I had, trying a posture I had learned just 2 days before, there was no holding back. I hit every posture and had so much fun, resulting in winning the GOLD! The moment I saw my name in 1st on the screen, the tears of happiness immediately began to pour out. I couldn't believe that I had just won. Everything I had worked so hard for, came true.
Just when I thought my dreams were coming true and they were at their peak, I was invited to travel to compete in the Internationals held in Pordenone, a small town in Northern Italy. In the adult division, only the 1st and 2nd place of each country was invited. I knew I had to raise money for this trip otherwise there would be no trip! I started my annual beach yoga class back up, at Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral every Saturday morning at 8 am. Rain or shine, sickness and in health, I would be there. My sponsor, weareyoga (thewaymat), sent mats for me to sell to add to my fund, and the people in my community donating as well, provided a lot of love and support! During the chaos, I was training, balancing what I ate, and calming the mind. Even after being scared to travel across the ocean alone on a plane, I just went along for the ride. There, I received a BRONZE medal! Giving me the title of 3rd best adult woman yogini in the WORLD!
If you asked me 4 years ago what I thought my future looked like, I would have never guessed I would be following my dreams.
My goal is to change the world, inspire others to NEVER give up, push through even when you think you have nothing left, follow your heart, fuel the body, feed your soul, and LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST! Because life is too short to let negativity take over. You only have once chance!
I tell myself to never stop learning and growing! With that said, I am ready to become a Bikram yoga teacher. In just one month, September 25th, for nine weeks of two hot classes a day, with lectures, posture clinics, studying, memorization, and some time to eat in between. This experience will put my body, mind, and soul on a ledge. I will be writing about my experience, what my body is going through, and how I feel day by day. I want to share with you why the yoga is made for everyone, because YOU too can feel good at any age! I hope to help make the world a happier place again. With this certificate, I will have the chance to do that, become a better instructor, be able to share the practice with the WORLD, and make just enough to live life doing what I love.
Yoga is about more than who can touch their toes, or bend like a pretzel the tightest. Yoga teaches patience, love, achievement, determination, Bengal tiger strength, and so much more. It can heal disease, broken bones, and aches and pains in the joints or muscles. It makes you feel so amazing from head to toe, providing you with so much energy throughout your day.
As you can see, my passion for sharing this practice with the WORLD is so strong! My purpose in this life to spread the love to others, and make the world a better place one day at a time.
If you have a dream, are you willing to do what it takes to make it a reality? I know I am! This means SO much to me. It is time. Time to take a stand for what I believe in, and do whatever it takes to get there.
Thank you for taking time to read about me, my love for this yoga, and my dreams for the future.
I HAVE ONE MONTH!!!!
Even if all you can give is $5, or all you can do is just send me your love, please share this with everyone you know! I promise I will work hard to make you all proud!
