A few weeks ago, I received an upsetting phone call from one of the yoga studios for whom I had been teaching a few classes. My classes were being cut. I was stunned, hurt, angry and immediately began to question myself. Did the students not like me? Was I not a good teacher? Were people complaining? It’s so easy to go to that negative place where insecurity, self-doubt and self-criticism start creeping in. My head began to spin. Only a few months ago, I had just given up 8 classes a week to work on other aspects of my business. Having two more classes cut left me only teaching one! How could this be? What had I done wrong? I thought my classes had been doing well. I should never have given up those other classes. I was barely teaching in the community anymore, something I had loved doing for the past 15 years. I was I was devastated. After taking a day or so to better assess the situation, I was able to cool down. I realized the decision was not a reflection on my teaching at all. My clients loved my classes. In fact, when they heard the news, they all started contacting me to see what they could do to bring me back. The truth was that the owner of the studio and I didn’t see eye-to-eye. I knew this for a long time. I had different visions for the studio and for myself that didn’t align with hers, and you know what? That’s okay! In the heat of the moment, it is always easy to feel like your world is spiraling down. That is what happened to me upon hearing the news. I cherished the few classes I taught each week; I loved the precious hours I spent moving my clients through asanas, teaching them to breathe and let go, and witnessing their progress. Yoga has been a major part of my life for the past twenty years, and I love sharing my passion for my practice with others. So when someone else makes a decision for me that I was not prepared for, my emotions took control. But after reflecting upon the situation, I recognized there were other studios where I could share my passion. I would be able to pick up more classes at a different location sometime in the future. It really wasn’t the end of the world. With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, it is important for all of us to remember all that we have to be grateful for. Even if the glass looks half full, be thankful that there is a glass with something in it at all. I have had an unbelievable year. I’ve launched a new business that I love running and is turning out to be extremely successful. I hosted my second YogaWorks teacher training with 20 graduates. I have my health and in fact, I feel better than ever before. I have two beautiful daughters who I adore watching grow up each day. I have a wonderful, caring husband who supports me in all of my endeavors. It can be easy to feel unfortunate, but when I look at the bigger picture, I have so much to celebrate. You may not be completely satisfied this holiday season with some aspects of your life. Perhaps you’re unhappy at your job, or you’re in a relationship that is no longer serving you. Always remember you are the author of your life. You get to decide what you want to change that will bring you more in alignment with yoru true self. As you grab the reins and take control, celebrate the joy that is present in your life now. Look at the bigger picture. I’m sure you will find plenty for which to be thankful. To see this article on
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