I Am Me.
Most of my supporters for The Healing Leaf are new to this page, so I thought I would give you guys a background of who exactly I am and why I am doing this.
Well, here it goes.
Hello, my name is Hannah. I am 20 years old, but I'd like to think my soul is much older. I live in south Mississippi, and I am currently attending The University of Southern Mississippi. While college isn't the greatest, I have to thank this part of my life for molding me into the person I am today. If it weren't for taking a one credit yoga class over a year ago to fulfill my credits for a grant, I probably wouldn't be typing this to you. I probably wouldn't have found peace within myself that I embody today, and I would definitely not have the courage that I have today to share my message and journey with you. Now, I have my own class where I teach and express my love for yoga to others. So, thank you lady yoga and thank you self confidence. :)
A major goal of mine in life is to eventually open up a yoga studio (how shocking)- not only offering yoga classes, but positive affirmation courses as well as meditation and so on. I believe that this world has become so out of touch with ourselves, and I want to see a change- I want to be that change. I know this goal seems so farfetched, but I can't help to strive for it. I've wanted this since I fell for yoga, and I can't wait to see where this dream will lead me.
It's crazy what just thinking of your long term goals can do to your motivation. If only I had the means and money to do so now, I'd have 20 studios open. I just want people to reach the happiness that they deserve, and be completely happy in how they're living their lives. If you aren't happy, why are you doing it?
Another fun fact about me that most people don't know: I have two mothers. Shout out to Pride Month! So yes, my mom is a lesbian (if you like labels). I was raised by two moms, grown around two moms, and didn't even know it was considered "not normal" until I entered into middle school. And oh geez, was I bullied. Just for having two moms. The meanness coming from my classmates made me question my own mom's lifestyle. I remember a certain point as a child where I was embarrassed of telling my friends that my mom was gay. In Mississippi, it was unheard of. Now, I am so thankful for the life I've been given, and I can't thank my moms enough.
Growing up, everything was normal just like any other household (I get that question a lot.) I had chores, I got in trouble for being on my phone too late, and I was encouraged to make good grades or else I'd be grounded. As I've seen on social media, many people don't believe same sex couples can raise children "the right way." Well, I'm literally living proof that they can, and so is my brother. What is the right way anyway, and who are they to define a perfect household? I believe we turned out just fine in my eyes, if not more open minded to others.
Living in Mississippi has been one hell of a ride, but comparing to now, it is definitely making its way to equality. I am so proud of my mom, and for her courage to stand up for what she loved. All of her life, she was told she couldn't like a certain person because "that's not what the Bible teaches us." Now, she's living her best life on 20 acres of land with 3 loving dogs and HER AMAZING WIFE. :) She's ultimately my role model.
So enough about me. Now, its time for me to share with you my reason for doing all of this. The yoga, the videos, the blog, the affirmation tee shirts, etc.
I am spreading my message to you guys because I want y'all to realize that you are not alone on this journey. Many people face depression, anxiety, break ups, outer acceptance issues, hatred, and so forth- and I want to help. I've been through it all, and I know I am not the only one. My words are here to help you through those times of need, because when I was bearing it, I wished I had a place to turn to. And that is what I am trying to make, a safe place. A place where you can admit your issues to yourself and feel the need to change them. A place that provides ways to help battle issues within your life. Life is too short to have these things weigh us down and define us. By sharing my past experiences and providing ways to help you, I feel as if I am doing my best to make this place a better space to live.
If I can't change the world, why not try to impact the space I live in.
As always, I love you all with my entire heart. I can't thank you guys enough for this wonderful journey, and I am so happy to provide a space for those who need it. If you need someone to talk with, I am an email, direct message, or wix message away.
Thank you to everyone who took their time to read this (i know my posts can be lengthy -_-). I hope you have a great rest of your day, and always remember that you can achieve anything you truly put your mind to.
As always,
Stay Loving.
Stay Kind.
XOXO,
Hannah