The road not taken, the missed opportunity, the what if dilemma is something that never sits easy with me. Why, why, whyyyy did I just not go for it or even try it?! I could have liked it, I could have loved it, I could have hated it but at least I would have known. Sound familiar?
Why, why, whyyyy did I just not go for it or even try it.
On turning 29 last year, I made a promise to myself I would not have any regrets, no what ifs and certainly no doubts on the last year of my twentys. I would explore all opportunities that presented it self and be open to new things and new types of people. Little did I know what 2017 had in store for me ... which came in the form of palm trees, clear sunny skies and king coconut living!
Last year, I moved to Sri Lanka and joined the Sunshinestories family. Far from the fast paced fashion world in London and having never really travelled the eastern world, always focusing on the career and building CV experience since collage, to one day waking up and leaving my dream job at Liberty, which I worked hard to get and leave everything and everyone I knew with the simple reason ... "it just feels right?!" I still can't explain much more the why? but all I can say is it didn't feel wrong, a little crazy, unexpected and on reflection now I think that was the appeal. The unknown.
Trading in my pretty floral Zara blouses for Seea suits, swapping all my cosmetics and make up for factor 50 suncream, forget the succulent sweet perfume good bye my "dear polly" scent to Boots insect repellent and bite cream. It was jungle life from here on in. I worked as a Marketing Manager for the most beautiful surf and yoga retreat, Sunshinestories and boutique hotel Ceylon Sliders in Weligama where, I learnt so much more about life, my inner passions and gained a whole new sense of perspective. This new island girl was determined to push past fears of big reef waves, unidentified creepy crawlies living in my room, driving scooters on traffic lights free roads (sorry mum and dad) and instead embrace a new wonderful culture, see it as an adventure a trip of a life time, enjoy all the turmeric dal and curries because it's all you could make and start to live more in the moment (that I certainly did).
One of the things I am most proud of is becoming a yoga teacher. Last October, I trained With Grace and Joy and undertook my first 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. This month long intensive training was so rewarding but definitely one of the most challenging experiences or goals I have ever set myself. We trained between 10-12 hours a day in the yoga shala perfecting our own self practice, studying the sultras, learning in-depth asana alinement, breath work, meditation, creating yoga sequences and learning anatomy of yoga. The training was truly amazing under Jessyca Eve Canizales and Debbie Krecji leadership where they gave us everything and more in making us into confident, enthusiastic and high energised yoga teachers with a purpose to be able to hold space for people.
Now, having moved back to Dublin and looking to explore the wellness, yoga and health industry in Ireland, I am more excited than ever, where it feels like a new beginning and a fresh start in so many ways.
On boarding the flight my younger brother Ryan gave me one of his books called Courage by Osho, with a heavy heart, red watery eyes and tight chest I began to read it on the plane over, this quote has always stuck with me ...
" In the beginning there is not much difference between the coward and the courageous person. The only difference is, the coward listens to his fears and follows them, and the courageous person puts them aside and goes ahead "
Osho
Thank you Josefin Sveberg for the beautiful imagery. So much love xx