You matter more than you'll ever know

We all have this incredible, innate ability to shine our light and help illuminate the way for others.

The way we show up in the world matters more than I think we realize sometimes, myself included. Not only to people who know and love us, but to strangers as well. I often think there is magic in the world that my life can change in a moment depending on who I meet or the decision I make. I'm not alone in this. There are many books, movies, songs, and even short videos online with real and fictional accounts of people making a difference or changing their path from one small interaction or choice.

For example, how did I even become a yoga instructor? Back in 2006, I joined a local gym where I took classes and used the equipment during the winter months. It was just something to do at the time, a way to get out of the house and keep my body moving between working at a desk full-time and running in the summer. One day, I was on the treadmill when a fitness instructor who recognized me from classes came up to me and asked if I would ever want to be a yoga instructor. I had grown up as a (pretty mediocre) gymnast, so sure, I was flexible, but in no way did this woman have any reason to look at me and think, "Oh yeah, she looks like a potential teacher." I was pretty high-energy, impatient, fiery, and not at all chill. For some reason, though, that one random comment planted a seed. So in 2007, I signed up for a yoga teacher training that met at night and on weekends, alongside my full-time job, and started teaching Sunday mornings.

Here is the wild part. I took a Pilates class this morning, almost 20 years later, and someone came up to me and asked if I was a yoga teacher. I hadn't seen this woman in probably 15 years, and she still remembered my yoga classes back in the basement gym in North Falmouth! They stuck with her through all these years, just like the comment about being a yoga teacher stuck with me. And for me, it truly changed the course of both my internal and external life. I love this practice, I love sharing this practice, and the fact that this is what I get to do with my life still gives me pinch-me moments.

We never know how our energy, words, and actions will land with other people. It truly can be the littlest things that make the biggest difference. I'm often reminded of this when traveling alone. A smile, a micro-connection, or a small act of kindness can fill my cup for the entire day when I'm solo traveling. They make a difference. You make a difference.

It is also a reminder that how we show up in the world is an expression of ourselves. What we say and do, both verbally and nonverbally, is an opportunity. We can be present with authenticity and put our best foot forward. We can be kind (or we can be an asshole). Some days, being an asshole does seem easier because, believe me, I am still fiery and can be quite impatient (hello, driving on Cape Cod in the summer). Though if I can slow down just enough and remember I'm not alone in this world, I have the ability to shine my own light and hope that it helps light the way for others. Because I get to receive the same from the people I meet every day.

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