By Brittni Barcase
My life has been full of ups and downs. I’ve seen divorce as a young child and as an adult. I’ve struggled with debilitating depression and a crippling eating disorder. I’ve experienced an abusive relationship. I’ve seen cancer take a close friend and I’ve seen cancer catapult a close friend into being one of the strongest women I know. I’ve seen death. I’ve seen addiction. I’ve held a four-hour-old newborn in my arms. I’ve experienced the greatest love in my marriage and I’ve birthed two breathtakingly beautiful humans. Really truly, I have lived.
There was a time when I had so many questions about whether or not I was “doing it right.” Was I making the right choice in how I was living? At one point I found myself moments away from completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification only to raise my hand and inquire about additional trainings I could take to expand my expertise as a teacher. I’ll never forget the instructor’s response: “No, Brittni. You don’t need any more trainings to teach prenatal yoga.” I was taken aback. What did she mean I didn’t need the training? I did if I wanted to be a successful prenatal teacher, I thought to myself. Then she simply added, “You already have all the knowledge you need. Think of the additional trainings like refining courses to add to your resume. A nice bonus, sure, but not necessary for success.”
I left that day feeling really deflated and unheard.
Continue Reading on The Mental Well, a project of JCS >>
Brittni Barcase is a Health Educator at Jewish Community Services.
The Mental Well, an initiative of JCS, is an online community for young adults, created by young adults, who are navigating the highs and lows that accompany their 20s and 30s. To learn more, visit thementalwellblog.org or email thementalwell@jcsbaltimore.org.
Jewish Community Services (JCS) is dedicated to providing programs and services that help people of all ages and backgrounds achieve their goals and enhance their wellbeing.
To learn more, visit jcsbalt.org or 410-466-9200.
