HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Pt. 2

-A message from Carolina

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Today, I'm thrilled to open up and share a piece of my journey with you, a story that captures the essence of resilience, cultural diversity, and personal growth. My name is Carolina, and I'm a first-generation Mexican American, born in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas. However, my journey took a unique turn when I was just two years old when my mother decided to relocate to her home country of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

Life in Mexico provided me with an experience that exposed me to different perspectives, and it was the first of many cultural shifts, yet one of the most beautiful years of my young life. However, my story took another twist when my parents made another life-altering decision, choosing to establish roots in a small town in Iowa. The shift from a vibrant environment to the confines of a small town was quite the culture shock. This change was significant, and it marked the beginning of a series of challenges that would shape my life in unexpected ways.

Moving to Iowa wasn't the fairytale ending we had hoped for as a family. One of the initial hurdles we faced was finding a place to call home. We were constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long. At one point, I vividly remember moving schools constantly, going back and forth between Texas & Iowa at one point, and always feeling like I had to start from scratch. As a kid, the lack of stability and the constant state of flux began to take a toll on my mental well-being. Uncertainty and anxiety became unwelcome companions on my life journey. The weight of these concerns pressed upon me and made me grow up faster than my years would suggest.

However, as time passed, I learned to see the silver lining in this turbulent chapter of my life. Adapting to new environments and making friends on a regular basis equipped me with invaluable life skills. I became more resilient, open-minded, and resourceful. I realized that change, although challenging, also brings opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I learned to appreciate diversity in all its forms and understand that the world is a rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and people. Growing into my teenage years the small town life did start to feel limited when I knew there was a whole world of experiences out there waiting to be explored. Yet, I truly found a deep appreciation for the small-town community, and while different, it still had its own charm and warmth.

Once I turned 18, I was eager to move out and ready to pursue life as a college student. College became a vague plan without a clear destination though. I wandered through life still feeling confused, unsure, and somewhat alone. I started my college journey, completing two years of schooling, still feeling uncertain about my future. Until I decided to make a bold choice.

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith and knew it was time for big drastic changes to move back home to Dallas, TX. I didn't have to do this "big move" alone. I had the support from incredible friends I consider my sisters, family members scattered across the DFW area that provided the encouragement I needed, and it felt like the chance I'd been waiting for. This move, without knowing what it would do for me, brought a sense of belonging, community, and the opportunity to chase dreams that had previously felt out of reach. And it didn't take very long for me to find where God wanted to place me for learning opportunities and growth. That place was PURE Yoga Dallas.

PURE Yoga Dallas became my refuge, a sanctuary where I could escape the chaos of my ever-changing world. I felt a sense of belonging that has continued even after 4 years of being a student and teacher at PURE. I remember taking my first yoga & pilates class and finding solace in the practice which led me to invest in my journey as a fitness instructor. I not only found my physical balance, but also my emotional equilibrium. The uncertainty and anxiety that had once overwhelmed me started to leave my body and mind, and I began to see a brighter future ahead. The practice of yoga was my constant, providing me with the tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. PURE became a crucial part of my personal evolution, a path that led me to find my purpose and tribe. Being a safe space for others brought a greater sense of joy. Yoga, something I had never done before, became more than just a physical activity; it became a philosophy for life. It taught me stillness in the chaos, to embrace change even when scared, and to cultivate inner strength. The studio welcomed me with open arms, providing me with a community of like-minded individuals who would become my support system and one community I will forever be grateful for.

Being at PURE Yoga Dallas is more than just being an instructor, it's more than just a place to teach or practice yoga; it's an avenue for me to share a piece of myself in everything I do. When I think of "Hispanic Heritage Month," I reflect on the representation of my culture and the winding path that led me to believe in myself and my ability to build a supportive community. Every person has a unique story, and we all have the capacity to persevere despite the challenges we face. Most importantly, we can always rewrite our own narratives. Before PURE, there were voids in my life. This very experience has molded me into the resilient woman I am today, shaping the way I approach life, both for myself and others. I learned to survive from a very young age, and that's a valuable skill because it taught me to adapt during the toughest of times. Fast forward to now, I was able to grow a community to bring representation for Latina women across DFW & virtually, host events in the health and wellness space, as well as kickstart my entrepreneurship journey.

My culture has instilled in me the spirit of a warrior. Regardless of what life throws my way, I can draw on my experiences, my community, and the mentors I've met along the way to fill the void in my heart with love and kindness. This is the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month for me – a celebration of resilience, community, and the power to change one's own story. Whether it's through music, art, food, or personal stories like mine, let's continue to be proud of who we are and share our heritage with the world.