Hello and welcome to my little corner of the internet! I'm so happy you're here and following me as I grow.
My name is Frannie. For about a decade, I've had an on-again off-again relationship with movement. I am not naturally athletic, I'm not adept at any particular physical activity. At times I fanatically did HIIT and cardio several days a week and ran miles a day. For some years I did yoga daily but didn't develop any body or mental awareness.
Then I graduated college and began working myself into the ground, lived in a small rental, and dropped most physical activity (besides hiking) to the wayside. Several years and a move 600 miles from home, and I found myself struggling deeply with body image issues and self-loathing.
These weren't new issues by any means, but I'm very good at compartmentalizing and had shut them out, refusing to acknowledge how I felt about and talked about myself.
I wanted to make a change. I wanted to feel good in my body again, in my head. I wanted to be strong.
I started with short workouts a few times a week. My movement space was just barely big enough to use (2 lunges one direction, turn around, 2 in the other direction), but I dedicated myself to it. The first program I ever purchased for myself was put together by a beautiful soul who started me on my journey of finding and enjoying movement. I am glad I found her -- she emphasized the importance of LOVING what you're doing. Movement is important, no matter how you do it, and a sustainable movement practice is one that you enjoy. That message has been one of the most important things I've learned.
Some time later, I started doing yoga (I prefer to call it movement) with a wonderful teacher who has changed my life. This time around, I immediately began developing body awareness, better proprioception, AND tools to help with my depression, anxiety, and body image issues.
This year I started arm balancing and inverting and things really changed for me. I've never told anyone besides my partner this: for 2 years, one of my new year's goals was to "nail an inversion". For two years, I didn't achieve that. And then in January I joined Yogi Flight School and my life was rocked (in the best way).
Not every day is a good day. I do still struggle, but I'm learning how to take better care of myself. Learning inversions made me be up front with myself and taught me that even if you stumble or fall, you still have value and worth.
My current goals are mostly focused on fine-tuning my balances and inversions. I plan on enrolling in yoga teacher training next spring. My yoga practice at home continues to grow and develop and support me.
I hope that as I grow, I can encourage and inspire others to move and learn how to care for themselves with love and joy.
Thanks for sticking around and reading this far! I'd love to hear about your goals, aspirations, or struggles. Reach out and tell me a little about you!