Hello, my name is freedom

There is Value In Your Struggle 

There is value in your struggle. I was depressed, my self- esteem was diminishing, I was struggling financially and my marriage was failing. My life felt like I was sinking into quicksand. I was paying a good licensed therapist and not following her professional advice. I had allowed my ego to convince me that I did not need anyone’s help, and that I alone could see myself out of the darkness (note to self: never allow your ego to lead). 

It was during this time that the universe placed a small yoga studio, owned by a licensed therapist, in my path. My first class was freedom…I belonged in that space, at that time, practicing yoga and meditation. Practicing yoga and meditation that day, in that space, for 45 minutes provided me with something I’ve always wanted: “A tranquil mind.” After experiencing that spiritual awareness, I decided to embrace my personal power and live my truth.

I’m five of nine children. Being placed right in the middle, I spent most of my formative years hiding myself. I had convinced myself that if I stayed hidden, my personal insecurities would not be revealed to others. The more people noticed me, the more I learned to switch tactics and retreat within. 

My new retreat tactic caused me to hold everything in, resulting in me being very angry with any and everything around me. This vicious cycle continued for years until I finally had the courage to move away from home at 18 to reinvent myself. There is value in your struggle. Had I not been angry, insecure and trying to hide, I may never have left home and started to discover who I truly am.

Stepping outside of the comfort zone of my home state of Michigan and moving to Georgia gave me some needed space for personal growth. I began to see a therapist in my early twenties, and for a while, this helped tremendously. I got married, and then “real” life began to take shape. I loved my husband and he loved me, but love was not enough to save our marriage. 

My depression and anxiety began to seep in long before my marriage ended, and it lasted for years. I felt useless to myself, so I decided to began taking an antidepressant. I also began to see a therapist again to get to the root of my depression. Both were helping, but I still felt like something was missing inside me. I did not feel whole. The value I found in my continued struggle gave me the ability to look deeper inside myself.

I continued to practice yoga and meditation at Indigo Gypsy Yoga Studio. I have attended many yoga classes over the years at different studios, but at Indigo Gypsy the energy was different. My spirit was different. When the universe placed this small studio in my path, it felt like I was practicing yoga and meditation for the first time. I began to find my peace and clarity, and it became priceless. 

My yoga mentor convinced me to study for my teacher certification in yoga and meditation. Yoga, meditation, and therapy literally saved me from destroying myself mentally. The value in my struggle gave me the courage to begin a new career after 20 years.

The value of my struggle led me to places that feed my soul and caress my spirit. It led me to pursue yoga, meditation, and certification as a Health and Life Coach. It taught me that I can achieve anything, if I clear my own way mentally. 

It taught me that freedom is truly obtainable if I continue to look inside myself and honor my truth. It also taught me that making the decision to become a Certified Life Coach was the final piece of my puzzle.

In summary, we are a collection of our choices. Today, I help others listen to their intuition, embrace their personal power and honor their truths. We are all capable of rediscovering who we are truly meant to be. We have the Freedom To Change.

Thank you for reading my story. As we work towards healing, just know regardless of your struggles you deserve peace, you deserve forgiveness, and your are more than capable of living the life you desire. 

-Freedom Mitchell