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It's Time to Live Boldly and On Your Own Terms

Wellness & Yoga with Christine | JUL 1, 2023

live on your own terms
bhagavad gita
dharma
Iris Apfel at age 100 (Photo credit: @iris.apfel Instagram)
Iris Apfel at age 100 (Photo credit: @iris.apfel Instagram)

How much longer will you wait?

How much longer will you wait until you take your first step towards living life to its fullest and on your terms rather than based on the expectations of your family, friends, or society? Another day? Another month? Another year?

I invite you to celebrate the freedom to choose, to grow, and, above all, the freedom to embrace your unique self … without any apologies.

There is a profound verse from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that forms the foundation of yoga philosophy, that I absolutely love:

“Better is one’s own dharma, though imperfectly carried out, than the dharma of another carried out perfectly.” — Bhagavad Gita

Simply said, it’s better to be an imperfect version of yourself than a flawless imitation of someone else.

Not resonating with ancient Hindu scriptures? No worries!

Perhaps you find inspiration in the words of Katharine Hepburn, who reminds us that “if you obey all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun.”. Or, if you’re more of a Lady Gaga fan, she urges us to “be unique and different and shine in your own way.”

Whether it’s the Bhagavad Gita, Katharine Hepburn, or Lady Gaga, they all emphasize the importance of living on your own terms.

Fear initially held me back from living on my own terms

Learning to live fearlessly and boldly has been a transformative journey for me. You might know me as a yoga teacher and wellness coach who enjoys helping clients live less stressful lives. But my life wasn’t always this serene and this fulfilling.

For over 15 years, I was a high achiever in the corporate world. My job consumed me 24/7, and I relished the financial validation and the prestige. But deep down, something was missing. The successes didn’t bring me joy. I wasn’t happy despite all the outward signs of success. And I didn’t feel I made a real impact on people’s lives.

Leaving the industry often crossed my mind, but I feared judgment from colleagues, friends, and family. Walking away from a well-paying job seemed daunting. My identity was tightly wound with my corporate role.

But eventually, the desire to live a more joyful life became louder than my fears. I took a leap and embraced my authentic self.

I left the corporate world and initially focused on the creative aspects of my personality that I had been suppressing, including photography and interior design. This was just the beginning of a wonderful journey that eventually led me to dive deep into wellness trainings and become a certified yoga teacher. I now run a virtual yoga & wellness studio to help high-achievers live fulfilled, high-energy lives without burnout. I get to make a difference in people’s lives.

Let me be honest: breaking free from others’ expectations and my doubts wasn't easy. But with practice, I grew comfortable taking action despite fear and by silencing my inner critic. And guess what? Fear doesn’t magically vanish. But we can learn to lean into it.

Stepping into the unknown opened doors I never dreamt of. Now, each morning I wake up with purpose and joy, knowing I’m fearlessly and boldly living life on my terms.

It’s time to start your own journey

Consider this: would you rather live a life pretending to be someone you’re not, constantly trying to meet others’ expectations, or would you rather revel in your unique qualities, quirks, and talents?

Don’t let fear hold you back. You don’t need to know the final destination of your journey. You only need to push aside the fear and make the FIRST step towards living your dream life. You deserve a life that resonates with your soul.

The world is enriched by diversity and individuality. By being true to yourself, you’ll not only be much happier, but you can also make a genuine impact.

So, embrace your strengths, accept your flaws, and let your true essence shine. The world needs your unique contribution!

My three favorite books on finding our passion

If you want to dive deeper into the idea of living a fulfilled life on your own terms, my favorite books on this topic are:

Cheers to the freedom to live life on your terms!

Best, Christine

P.S. I invite you to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to receive wellness & yoga tips and to stay in the loop about upcoming classes, workshops, and special offers!

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Wellness & Yoga with Christine | JUL 1, 2023

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