Coming back to consciousness from my black out, I found myself underneath a complete stranger. Without finding my shoes or phone, I ran home and did not look back. I was confused as to how I could have blacked out when I only had two drinks throughout the entire night. Ever since that night, drinking and smoking became daily occurrences. I could not face the day unless I had something to numb me, help me forget.

Little did I know that this experience is what would push me to begin my yoga career.

It started as just some research online. I took classes on and off over the years, but never really got into the yoga lifestyle. Then as I was researching, I stumbled upon Maui Yoga Shala. I read reviews for their teacher-training program and something inside of me said this is it Abby, this is what you need to do.

Next thing I know, the semester is over and I’m hopping on a plane to Maui. Not sure what to expect, I pull up to the studio and introduce myself to a woman whom I would soon come to realize is the most influential and inspirational person in my life: Nadia.

Nadia is the kind of person you meet who you fall in love with immediately. The positive energy that surrounds her is incredible. Her kind heart, love, and generosity inspire everyone to be better people. Learning yoga and life lessons from her was an absolutely unforgettable experience.

When you learn to love yourself and find peace within, you can then share it with others and send it out into the world. After gaining a positive mindset, it is so much easier to surround yourself with others who are also positive. And who knows, your positivity can rub off on others and make them more positive people. There is so much more to yoga than just doing some asanas on your mat. Practicing yoga as a lifestyle frees your mind, body and spirit.

Everything always comes full circle – that’s life. Learn to love yourself, your body, and your life. Then the alcohol and drugs become unnecessary. Things become so much clearer, I promise.