From Surviving to Thriving: How Yoga Transformed My Life and Career
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Every weekday morning, I woke up with a knot in my stomach. The 8-to-5 job I held was something I was good at, but I didn’t love it. Anxiety followed me from the moment I arrived at work, stayed with me throughout the day, and clung to me as I left. Weekends became a blur of processed foods, substances, and attempts to numb the overwhelming stress, just to prepare myself for the cycle to repeat. That was not living. That was surviving.
Then, over ten years ago, I found yoga. It changed everything.
Discovering Yoga: A New Beginning
Yoga was more than just a physical activity for me. It became a doorway to something deeper. For the first time, I found something to look forward to. The practice shifted my energy and helped me connect with myself in ways I never imagined.
Through yoga, I began to:
Tune into my feelings instead of pushing them away
Develop self-love and acceptance
Build awareness of my mental and physical state
Realize I had the power to change how I felt
This was a foundation I had never built before. It wasn’t just about stretching or strength; it was about mental health, physical health, and spiritual health coming together.
The Power of Commitment to Practice
In the beginning, I wanted to share this magic with everyone. But most people I met only wanted surface-level changes. They didn’t realize that true transformation starts from the inside out.
Yoga taught me that when you commit to the practice fully, you unlock a world beyond what you thought possible. It cracks open your whole perspective on life, on being human, and on creating a life you love.
This journey wasn’t perfect. I still faced setbacks and new challenges. But yoga became my reset button—a way to shift my energy and understand myself and others better.
From Student to Teacher: Manifesting a Dream
Just a year after starting my practice, I felt the urge to teach. The idea sat quietly in my mind for years, waiting for the right moment. In 2019, the universe handed me an opportunity on a platter: I became a yoga teacher at my CrossFit gym.
Teaching yoga in that space was a new challenge. For six months, I balanced both worlds, learning how to guide others while continuing my own growth. Then, with encouragement from my CrossFit mentor, I decided to start my own business and create a brand that reflected my vision.
Starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic seemed risky to many. Some thought I was crazy. But I knew this was the right step. The timing felt right because the world was changing, and so was I.
Building a Business Rooted in Authenticity
Launching my own yoga brand during uncertain times taught me valuable lessons:
Adaptability: I learned to offer virtual classes and connect with people beyond physical spaces.
Community: Building a supportive group of students who valued deep transformation over quick fixes.
Consistency: Showing up every day for my practice and my students, even when motivation waned.
Honesty: Sharing my own struggles and setbacks helped others feel less alone.
This business wasn’t just about teaching poses. It was about sharing a lifestyle that supports mental clarity, physical strength, and spiritual connection.
Why Yoga Is More Than Exercise
Yoga’s impact goes far beyond flexibility or fitness. It’s a tool for:
Mental clarity: Practices like breathwork and meditation calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Emotional balance: Yoga encourages self-reflection and emotional release.
Physical health: Strength, balance, and mobility improve with regular practice.
Spiritual growth: Connecting with your inner self and finding purpose.
When these elements come together, life feels fuller and more vibrant. You move from surviving day to day to truly thriving.
Practical Tips for Starting Your Own Yoga Journey
If you’re curious about yoga but unsure where to start, here are some tips based on my experience:
Start small: Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
Find a style that fits you: There are many types of yoga—explore to see what feels right.
Be patient: Transformation takes time; don’t expect overnight changes.
Focus on how you feel: Notice shifts in your mood, energy, and mindset.
Commit to consistency: Regular practice builds lasting benefits.
Seek community: Join classes or groups to stay motivated and supported.
Check out my YouTube channel: If you're not ready to step into the studio this is a great place to start.
https://www.youtube.com/@welllifeyoga
Moving Forward: Your Life Can Change Too
Yoga transformed my life from a cycle of anxiety and numbness to one of awareness and joy. It gave me the tools to reset my mind, shift my energy, and build a career that aligns with my values.
Your motivational yogi,
April Gutierrez
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