Tag Archives: connect

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Thank You Facebook!

There’s a new trend floating around Facebook being referred to as- Then and Now,  The 10 Year Challenge, Aging Challenge, or Puberty Challenge. The premise is simple- users upload their first Facebook profile picture and their most recent one side-by-side to see how much they have changed and what type of transformation has occurred over the years.  

Some people have had issues with this challenge and were upset that the focus appeared to be primarily about one’s looks.   However, I took it as an opportunity to reflect on my life and how far I’ve come over the last ten years, as well as how FB has helped to change my life and grow my business.  

Facebook launched in 2004. When FB first started I was not a huge fan. I had no desire or interest in it and to be quite honest didn’t really believe it would be around as long as it has. In fact, I didnt even create an account until 2008, almost 4 years later.  

Now, I have to say that FB and social media has become a big part of my life- both personally and professionally.  

The rise of social media and networking has made it faster and easier to access information around the world and communicate with one another.  Whether through a simple tweet, post on Instagram or a status update on Facebook, we can instantly be made aware of different issues around the world.

For many, especially business owners, social media has moved from a “nice to have” to a “must have”.

FB in particular is a great tool to help you communicate and connect with friends, share your story or opinion and as a business, connect and engage with customers, provide great customer service by responding to customers in real time, and a great tool to help hire new employees.  

I have no doubt social media is changing and will continue to change our society. This change is permanent and upcoming generations won’t even know a world where social media does not exist.  While social media has its advantages and disadvantages (like everything else) it’s up to the user to decide how he/she will use it.

Just like with the challenge- is it about looks or an opportunity to see how far you’ve come and share your dreams and goals for the future?

I am grateful to have FB and particularly like looking through my memories and photos. Gone are the bulky photo albums from my past to digital albums online.  What a great way to document one’s life and legacy.

For the Then to Now Challenge- I uploaded my two photos and what I see is a girl who was more fearful to try new things, content with the status quo, stuck in a job she didn’t like, and not very athletic… to a woman who doesn’t back down, quit her job to pursue her dreams and open her own business, competed in several athletic events (even a full Ironman in July 2018), and tries to live each day to the fullest without any regrets.   

Thank you FB for giving me this opportunity to reflect, for storing and saving my photos and memories, and for helping me to stay connected to those around me.

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Yoga

Making Friends in Yoga

Over the years, I have discovered that yogis make some of the best friends. From my studio in Boston, to my own studio now, and the ones I’ve worked in and visited along the way; I have met so many incredible people & have built many lasting friendships. Yoga is a truly great place to meet and connect with people.

Yogis of all ages and backgrounds are often united in their love of yoga and a common desire to be friendly both on and off the mat. I’ve been able to deepen friendships through the transformative experience that was my teacher training, numerous classes I’ve taught and attended, workshops, as well as community gatherings and potlucks.

With yoga as the glue, I have found that that the things we have in common are far greater than those things that set us apart. So yoga studios are a great place for meeting people and building friendships.

Yoga for the individual:

Yoga is about self discovery. It’s a wonderful way to become more in tune with your mind and body so you can find your true self.  Yoga helps eliminate suffering, stress, and negativity in our lives. During a yoga class, you’re challenged to bring your attention inward and connect with yourself on a deeper level.

With an open mind and willingness that’s cultivated in class, we can work on ourselves and begin to strip away the negativity. When we let our guard down like this, we not only begin to explore a deeper connection to ourselves, but also a deeper connection to others.

Yoga for the group:

While yoga is very individual, it is also very collaborative. Yoga helps create union with one another and a sense of togetherness. Through collective breath and movement in class, yoga helps create bonds with the people around you like none other.

Once class is over, there’s this overall feeling of oneness, connection, and collaborative energy.  There’s this beautiful window of opportunity to make introductions, mingle, and foster a deeper connection and potential friendships to those around you.

Next time you’re in class:

Spark up a conversation with your yogi neighbors in class, introduce yourself to the teacher, talk to people after class, whatever it may be, break out of your shell, be brave, allow yourself to be vulnerable and open. We are all connected and if nothing else, one thing we know we have in common, is our love for yoga and our dedication to our practice. There is always space in our lives for new positive people. Take a chance, say hi.

 

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