Chapter 1: Embracing the Familiar and the Unknown

Life is filled with things I excel at, yet there remains a vast realm of uncertainty. I often find comfort in the familiar, occasionally pushing myself to explore something more challenging, but I always retreat to my safe zone. While I enjoy engaging in thrilling activities like extreme sports that quicken my pulse, I hesitate when faced with changes that could disrupt my daily equilibrium. My aspirations are grand, and after enduring two tumultuous years, my spirit has been battered. The emotional manipulation and trauma I experienced have left me feeling less steady, making even the smallest steps outside my comfort zone daunting. For an extended period, I craved familiarity and predictability, seeking solace in monotony. But now, I recognize the need to summon my courage.

For a decade, I have dreamt of becoming a yoga instructor. This aspiration was ridiculed during my marriage and sexualized in a subsequent relationship. In both instances, I struggled to be vulnerable and knew I wouldn’t receive the support I needed to take a three-week course while caring for my children. This dream nestled in my heart, waiting for the right moment. Recently, I decided to limit my social media usage to enhance my mental well-being and focus on tangible aspects of my life. This break has been crucial for my healing, allowing me to avoid distractions.

Two days ago, I logged into Facebook for the first time in a while, hoping to catch up on important updates. Just a few swipes in, I encountered an ad for yoga teacher training. I paused, captivated, and after a few minutes of contemplation, I clicked to explore further. Suddenly, I found myself delving into reviews, assessing practical requirements, and reaching out to trusted friends for their insights. Everything seemed perfectly aligned—the cost, the flexibility, and the ability to balance it with my responsibilities as a parent. Here was my dream, merely waiting for me to embrace it.

However, a wave of anxiety engulfed me, flooding my mind with doubts about my abilities—whether I was competent, knowledgeable, flexible, or spiritually aligned enough. The negative seeds planted by toxic relationships bounced around in my head, creating chaos akin to a pinball machine. The thought of recording multiple yoga classes for assessment made me panic. I excel in academic settings; essays and exams are my forte. But speaking to a camera and performing felt like a daunting leap into uncharted territory, demanding profound self-trust. Amidst the turmoil, a calming inner voice emerged, encouraging me: “This is your dream, and it’s right in front of you. Go for it.” I chose to silence my doubts and trust that the universe was unfolding as it should. With the negativity behind me, I made space for positivity and took the leap—I enrolled.

A mix of exhilaration and nervousness washed over me. While my life is already quite busy, I have a six-week window before my classes commence, allowing me to prepare. Everything seemed destined to align. The first day of my training dispelled my worries; the instructors emphasized that yoga is a personal journey, and my unique approach to teaching would be valuable. Today, I attended a lecture on self-compassion that ignited a fire within me. I felt as if my heart was soaring, and the lessons offered comfort and healing.

As I drove through my neighborhood today, the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing through my open window, I experienced a profound sense of freedom. I was no longer haunted by fear of encountering my past abuser. In that moment, I felt joy and gratitude, taking stock of my life. After such a long time, I felt a flicker of my eighteen-year-old self, and the sensation lingered longer than the brief moments of hope I’d felt previously. This experience filled me with optimism—better days are ahead.

I harbor monumental aspirations for my future, and they now seem within reach. The energy I previously expended merely surviving an abusive relationship now fuels my ambition. I can transition from surviving to thriving, taking deliberate steps toward my goals. In a few months, I will achieve my certification as a yoga instructor. In a couple of years, I aim to become a qualified nutritionist and naturopath. Eventually, I envision establishing my own practice, a studio that embodies my dreams. My mission is to empower others and contribute to making the world a better place, one small step at a time. Along this journey, I will continue to write, nurturing my aspirations in that arena as well. Ending my abusive relationship was not merely a conclusion; it was like closing a book with an unsatisfying plot and choosing instead to write my own narrative. I now recognize my strength and the courage I possess. Though the experience broke me, I am on the path to rebuilding myself into someone resilient and unbreakable. The scars of my past serve as reminders of my journey, illustrating my fierce spirit and my capacity to pursue my dreams relentlessly.

Chapter 2: The Courage to Chase Your Dreams

The first video titled "The Courage to Fulfill Your Dreams" delves into the importance of overcoming fears and pursuing your aspirations with determination.

The second video, "How to Actually Develop the Confidence to Chase Your Dreams," offers practical advice on building self-confidence and taking actionable steps toward your goals.