Heal The Self, Heal The World

"OMG should I do it? Should I commit?" Janet asked.

We're both in transitional times in our lives and are already over-committed with endless projects and to-dos.

Needless to say, it was not the best timing.

Yet, we both knew being perfectly ready and having perfect timing is just excuse making at it's finest. 'Screw it,' I said to myself.

"Yes baby cake (what I call her) you should. You've been wanting to do this for years," I said.

I knew this would really test her and bring her to her growth edge. It's what we do though. We challenge each other, support each other and speak to each others' highest possibility.

"Okay, I did it!" She hit 'submit' and sent her very last dollar to booking her spot in the next chapter in her journey, a service trip to Kenya with Africa Yoga Project.

She now needed to figure out how to raise $4,000 USD in just under 8 weeks, not to mention having to pay for her flight, program fee and accommodation.

Let's rewind for a sec...

In 2012, Janet was absolutely devastated by the loss of her two best friends. Her pain and grief was so hard for most people to understand, including myself.

Part of her healing process revolved around her yoga practice. Slowly she began to feel like herself again. She put herself back together, got back on her feet and began to feel alive again.

She was so inspired by the power yoga has had on her life she became even more committed to sharing this love with other people. This was the big WHY behind choosing AYP.

Through AYP 300+ classes are taught weekly at deaf centres, orphanages, prisons, AIDS/HIV centres across Kenya. It's helped the locals become more confident and become leaders in their communities.

Fast forward to now!

We had NO IDEA how it would all come together. We've never done any fundraising.

Asking for money from people!? Agh, that's gonna be brutal. It's gonna be uncomfortable. It's gonna be hard!

And you know what? It was all of the above.

I have never seen Janet be so committed. She has tirelessly sought out support, donations for her auction, promoting, connecting with people, it's incredible.

This is on top working, teaching, trying to remember to eat, sleep, etc.

Moreover, she had to cut out distractions, spend less time with friends/family, and say 'no' to people and things she wishes she had time for, all to continue making progress towards her goal.

And it's been so damn worth it.

She is a living example of what it means to find something you're passionate about and Go. All. In.

In just 6 weeks we have witnessed kindness, generosity and support from so many unexpected people and places.

Through yoga classes, workshops, and events, donations have reached $3345 USD (83% of her fundraising goal)!

We had no way of expecting this much support in such a short amount of time. People have been offering help, spreading the word and it's just so beautiful to see people get behind Janet and her dream.

It's showing the both of us and anyone watching that ANYTHING is possible.

A part of the reason I believe people have been so supportive is Janet's openness with her story. She has been vulnerable in sharing her experience with grief, how yoga helped her heal and why she chose AYP.

I believe her story hits people because it's authentic, real, honest and offers us a glimpse into what's possible for ourselves.

My takeaway...

When you're committed, have a massive WHY and are willing to do the work - the universe has your back!