Celebrate Life
What I've learned in the 16 years since my heart attack
Last Friday, July 11, marked the 16th anniversary of my second chance at life. In 2009, I had a heart attack and only survived because the friend I was biking with that day didn't take "no" for an answer when he insisted we go to the hospital. I thought I'd be fine. I had no idea that the symptoms I’d been feeling all day—lightheadedness, indigestion, neck and shoulder pain, and a heaviness in my chest—were related to my heart. It turns out I had a blood clot in my coronary artery that would have killed me if we hadn’t gone to the hospital.
Nearly dying at 31 changed my outlook on life and led me down a new path. Though it took time, I began to let go of the idea that success is about climbing the corporate ladder and making money. I switched to a plant-based diet, started practicing yoga and meditation, and created my own health and wellness business. I realized that life is about pursuing purpose and happiness.
Finding my path meant pressing pause, slowing down, and tuning into my body and spirit. I accessed my inner resources and surrounded myself with supportive people. I pursued an education in nutrition and health coaching, received certification in teaching yoga, and continue to learn and grow as I explore other interests like writing.
It's hard to recognize what needs to change when you're in your usual day-to-day routine, going through the motions, which is why retreats are so helpful. They give you space to connect with your true self and listen to your inner voice. All the answers are already within you; it's just a matter of letting go of the outside noise and trusting your intuition.
In 2015, I began leading yoga retreats to help people connect with themselves, others, nature, and food. My aim was to create an environment where people could tap into their inner light and lead happier, healthier lives as a result. Ten years later, I'm still doing it and have treasured all the places I've been fortunate to explore and the wonderful people I've had the pleasure to meet and get to know.
Many of us ignore the messages from our spirit and our bodies (I did, which is why it took a heart attack to get my attention). Yoga is one way I've been able to quiet my mind, build body awareness, and develop a relationship with spirit. I just started a daily meditation practice again last week after years of inconsistent practice. Taking the time in the morning to sit, be still, and focus on a mantra helps to center me for the day.
Over the past few years, I've said yes to many things and found myself just as stressed about my business and responsibilities as I was when I worked in the corporate world. This summer is about getting centered again, pressing pause, and reconnecting with joy. My trip to Croatia in June was the perfect place to start. The vibe on the four islands we visited was relaxed. John and I spent time floating in the turquoise sea, kayaking both in the sea and on the river, reading by the pool, sampling local wine and olive oil, learning about the country and culture, and talking to each other. I wrote a poem, watched birds, and listened to the sound of the sea tumbling the pebbles that make up the beaches. It was pure bliss. You can see photos and reels from our trip on my Instagram. Croatia is a truly magical destination.
Now, I'm back home in Evergreen with plans to do lots of camping, outdoor yoga (on land and paddle boards), hiking with the dogs, and writing.
What's one way you can press pause this week? Maybe it's saying no to something you don't really want to do, taking an hour to curl up with a good book, going for a leisurely stroll with no destination in mind, or relaxing in a chair on your patio. I'd love to hear from you, so comment to let me know if you took a pause, what you did, and how it felt.