Opposition is just a small test of the strength in your faith that you have in yourself.

Here are a few lessons learned on my path to finding my footing and learning how to (sweetly) stand up for myself. Hope you enjoy!

1. Take care of yourself first.

You know that policy on airlines where in case of an emergency we need to put our mask on first, before we can help someone else with theirs? Well it’s true, and it applies to most situations in your daily life and career.

In order to be fit to love and care for others, we first need to love and care for ourselves. This may mean refocusing some time in your calendar and scheduling yourself as a priority.

It can be taking a yoga class, reading a book, going for a run, getting a massage, or even taking a mini-weekend get-away. Just take the time to replenish and refuel yourself doing whatever it is that makes you happy! That happiness will automatically translate onto others.

2. It’s okay to say no.

In the beginning of my career I used to be a people pleaser and would shy away from confrontation, and as a teacher specializing in inversions and teaching people how to “face their fears head on’, I was pretty scared to face my own.

This was one of the hardest lessons to learn but it was well worth it.

Instead of being a people pleaser, I learned to say thanks, but no thanks!

When you learn to put your foot down when it comes to what matters most to you and say no when you need to, you will feel completely empowered and liberated!

3. As cliche as it sounds, listen to your intuition.

When it comes to making important decisions in your personal life or for your career, one of the best tools I use and have learned to develop with practice was my intuition.

It is the immediate reaction you have to situation and you will feel it deep in your core.

It’s that general sense of “just knowing” something without any tangible proof or having any definite outcome. You will feel it in your heart, emotionally, physically and energetically.

Learning to tap into your intuition is a huge skill to making the right choices, it’s like your inner compass. Yes, you do need to have a clear perspective of your current situation and give some thought before making any permanent decisions, but generally, through experience I have learned along the way that your intuition is almost always right.

4. Be authentic.

I believe we attract every single person that comes into our lives.

Along your path you might have people that disagree with you, your teaching style or philosophy or just straight up don’t like you!

But it’s never personal, it is just a reflection of their own personal opinion.

If you believe in what you are giving and you believe in it with all your heart, you will begin to attract the right people into your life and the others will start to fade away.

Opposition is just a small test of the strength in your faith that you have in yourself. Being authentic to yourself can be challenging at first, but with practice you will find it to be the most liberating experience when you are able to live your life from a place of truth, and being comfortable in your own skin with everyone you meet.

5. Know your worth!

This one might be the most important lesson I’ve learned out of them all.

People will only treat you how you let them.

When you know your true worth, you will never doubt your own value according to the opinions of others.

When you know your true worth, you will automatically gain all the courage in the world to face your biggest fears.

When we value and respect our selves, it helps us realize how every single human being on this planet serves an invaluable purpose and deserves respect as well.

Kat Fowler is an experienced yoga teacher with over 500+ hours of training. She is known for her light-hearted and inspirational style of teaching that encourages personal expression, playfulness, and courage through movement. Kat is based out of New York City where she joyfully leads group classes, workshops, teacher trainings and international retreats. Find her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

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Assistant Ed. Rebecca Schwarz/Ed: Bryonie Wise

{Photo: via Kylie on Pinterest}