Written by Kayla Reetz, Yoga Instructor + Trauma Supports Team Member
"Sometimes the things we ask for aren’t the solution we really need to feel better."
My husband and I are in the midst of a great change in our life.
We have been married for almost 8 years and lived in the same place for that amount of time.
And now, we are moving back to our hometown…and in with my parents…by choice.
A few years ago, if you asked me if this was something I would ever want to do, I would have said NO with an “H-E- double-hockey- sticks” in front of it.
And honestly, I was not equipped then to do what I am about to do now.
A few years ago, I started my journey with Challenge to Change.
I started with C2C before I even left my previous teaching job.
Back then, I was just starting to notice different things.
I was starting to look at things with a larger perspective.
Mind you, this was right after the pandemic and we only just returned to schools with masks and high sanitation procedures.
We were slowly working our way back to “normal”.
But truthfully, I didn’t want to work back because it wasn’t what I wanted my “normal” to be.
So, I started to practice compassion- both for others and myself.
I started journaling. Heavily.
I started therapy consistently (and if you are thinking of doing this and have the ability, do it. Seriously).
I started to spend time with myself, for myself.
I started to notice how I phrased things and reflect on how it may be perceived.
I started to dive deeper than the surface level of what someone was saying and look at how they may be feeling.
Sometimes the things we ask for aren’t the solution we really need to feel better.
Essentially, I started practicing the work I also currently teach.
I feel very fortunate to have a job that not only helps me, but helps others simultaneously.
When I work with and for others, I am also working for myself and who gets to say that?
And I share this not to make you a part of our team, but as a reminder that everyone can work toward their new “normal” should they choose to.
Will it be scary? Yes.
Will it challenge you? Most definitely.
Is it worth it? I think so, but that answer lies only with you.
And no, I am not perfect. I still (and will) struggle.
Yes, things still bother me and cause a gut reaction in my body.
Yes, I still get “emotional” about things.
But, I am also able to better identify how I truly feel when it happens.
Knowing that helps me better understand and communicate my needs while modeling this work for others.
So, here’s to the new “normal”, knowing that it will not be forever, but will always be something we can create and work toward.
I wish you nothing but peace. Peace in the mind, in the heart and in the rest of your days.
Kayla Reetz