How to Find Your Community: The Colorado Adventure
I wasn’t planning to do a follow-up blog to “How to Empower Yourself: The Magic of Solo Travel.” But I am currently sitting in Denver, and something has been on my mind since I have come to Colorado: the notion of community and support. I never had a community I could lean on or call my own. Growing up, I didn’t have many friends, and the friends I had were either out of pity or fake. Even within my own family, I didn’t have real connections.
I always sought a connection, even when I forced connections to feel like I “belong.” I realized as I got older that was worse than having no relationships. I couldn’t afford to travel a few years ago, but I felt that I needed to do yoga or some movement. I googled local places near me and stumbled across Flying Buddha Studio. This place has changed my life in so many ways.
One of the major things this studio changed in my life was that I found a community of people who ACTUALLY supported me. This was a different experience since I haven’t had that in my life on that scale. This studio has given me more confidence than I ever thought I could have. I could list so much more, but these two aspects explain why I started this blog. This was the first community where I experienced support, love, protection, kindness, etc.
When I started to travel more, I found my second community: the travel community. I realized in this community, people support you like no other. They will provide advice, secrets, a good laugh, or a funny story. They have my back, like Flying Buddha Community. I have often been told I am an inspiration, and I respond with…umm, are you sure? I never felt like I was.
I had doubts during my current trip after discovering that some people did not support me in my adventures, blog, or the things that make me happy. This hurt because it felt like I finally got to a healthy place where I was happy. And we all know how hard that journey to find happiness can be. I started to doubt myself, my lifestyle, and just everything.
But the universe has a funny way of reminding us that each of us is an inspiration. I was gently reminded twice on this trip. First, I had a random date, and we had a great time. I told him about my headstands, and instead of telling me I was crazy or that dumb, he encouraged me to do my daily headstand while it was snowing. I did a few, and it was the best night because a random stranger I may not see ever again encouraged me to be myself and do my headstands.
The second reminder was from my yoga mentor. She is the one who taught me to headstand, but I seek advice from someone who is legit the best damn human on Earth. It doesn’t matter if I had the shittest day. Talking to her for five minutes makes me feel calm and happy. She reminded me again that I inspired her, which is mind-blowing because she is beyond talented and skilled. She wrote this when I sat on a mountain after a long day of skiing: “Well, you taught me it’s okay to go on your own…. I would have never been courageous enough to ski alone if it wasn’t for you, and I loved it!!!” I started to tear up on the mountain while drinking my beer because it was one of the best things someone had told me. This gave me back the confidence that I lost on this trip.
On this trip, I learned that not everyone will understand your headstand journey, traveling alone, starting a new business, a new relationship, etc. We need to stop doubting ourselves and stop listening to what others say if they judge us. Appreciate your community! These people will cheer on your craziness who will love and support you no matter what!
You never know who you will accidentally inspire. So, go out. Have fun. Be a good human. Do well. Do what makes you happy, and take an adventure!