WOW. That is all I can say. WOW.

I have been searching for a new career. dabbling here in there, in MLM, and other options. Nothing sticks. Nothing . Currently, I am n Instructional Support and Behavior Paraeducator. I LOVE working with the kids.On the good days, I feel like a made a HUGE difference. ON better days, I have those quiet talks about Jesus, when the ask.

Lately, though, things have gotten rough. That was BEFORE COVID! I am Autistic, so the rough days really affect me My income, begin a single mom, requires me to work in the after school program as well; but still forces me to rob Peter to try and pay Paul.

I need to find something to do that will allow me to be my Autistic self, help others and make a difference, and yes, make enough income to pay Peter AND Paul. I need a new career direction.

Enter the world of Yoga with Adriene** on YouTube. She is an amazing, down to earth, and hilarious yogi that I discovered last December, trying to get some physical activity going again. With the gentle phrase “Find what feels good,” Adriene guides her practice in a way that allows for beginners-ME!!- and advanced yogis to get a good workout. She is brilliant and real.

After the first couple of sessions, I discovered that she does a free 30 day practice every January. Better believe I was all in on that!

I LOVED it!

I made it to the mat every night for 30 days straight. Some nights were a bit difficult. I found myself gaining strength and stability. I felt good. I could self-regulate my anxiety a bit.

Could this be a way to meet my career goals? A strong possibility! However, I am so inflexible, and yes, a bit pudgey. It takes money to get certified, and I need to hit ALL the poses. So what can I do?

Well, work still called, so I did not really have time to think about it, much. I slacked off from the Yoga, because—-well, I just did. I was only doing it a few days a week.

Then, as things were escalating at work, COVID hit. Next thing I know, we are shut down. No school meant no work. Thanks to my wonderful union, I was able to work my primary job from home, after about 3 weeks. My second job, however, not an option. I had time on my hands. Time to start thinking and planning.

I began doing Yoga again, just to keep my mind cleared, enough to pray stronger. I began to do advanced yoga practicing for the inflexible yogi. I realized that yes, I want to teach yoga, but also, I want to work on wellness. the tie together, do they not?

Clearly, now, I have the time, but I have even less money. How do I begin?

Another 3 weeks have now gone by. Shaw Academy*** started popping up on my Facebook feed. Shaw Academy with a Diploma of Nutrition. Hmmm, tie together Nutrition and Yoga along with all the certifications I have special education and mental health? perfect foundation for a wellness practice!

I looked into that Shaw Academy. The first module is FREE! What? Oh yes, I jumped right on that!

I am taking the first module right now, and I have found it is very well put together. I am hoping to move forward with the next 3 modules and get that diploma. With that module, and with the other background certification I have, I can begin laying that foundation for my new path. Blogging, or vlogging, making videos, taking on some clientele will be a great start for me, while I continue to master my yoga poses.

By the time I am comfortable in the yoga poses, I should have a nice little wellness practice and be well on my way to rounding it off with a yoga teachers certification.

I see a light in the distance! I see a new career path!

Thank you COVID-19!

**Yoga With Adriene https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

***Shaw Academy https://join.shawacademy.com/online-nutrition-course