Dear Hot Yoga,

When my sister told me that she wanted to introduce us, I immediately judged you, not wanting to give you a chance.

I knew my type. You were not it. Afterall, I hate the heat, so there was no way we would be compatible.

I’d been introduced to the likes of you before with no success (ie. Crossfit, Mr. Treadmill, Rock Climbing, Weight Lifting, The Bosu Ball, etc.) I had settled for the fact that finding the right connection was just not in the cards for me. After much persuasion, I finally agreed to meet you. I thought, if things didn’t go well, I wouldn’t ever have to see you again.

So, I met you at the local studio in my neighborhood at 4 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. I wanted to keep it close to home. I wanted it early in the day. What I really wanted was to get it over with so I could get back home to my couch.

After we parted ways, my sister followed-up and asked, “Well, how’d it go?”

I paused and answered, “It wasn’t horrible. In fact, I think we’re going to meet up again and see what happens.”

At first it was not obvious. At first we had very uncomfortable moments. But something inside me just said to keep giving it another try. I cannot explain the feeling as it was not incredibly strong or knowing, but it was this subtle nudge. There was more I needed to learn. After all these years of not having that special something, maybe it was time for me to open up to new possibilities again. Maybe I needed to relearn “that” feeling and let down my guard.  So, I pushed myself to keep an open mind.

Slowly, over time, my initial doubts started to fade and I slowly started to let go, accepting hot yoga for what it was and my feelings that were becoming deeper. I actually started to feel a giddy anticipation for our time spent together. The discomfort dissipated.

I felt a sense of freedom with you.

You challenged me in a way where I suddenly found myself wanting to become the best version of myself.  My focus sharpened while time stood still. Every sense heightened. It was like the world was in technicolor.

As the relationship progressed, I felt myself standing taller. I was more aware of my presence and had fun buying new, cute workout clothes for when I saw you. I felt sexy, confident and happy. I was always glowing. I did not want the way you made me feel to ever come to an end.

I still don’t know how this happened. All I know is how I feel.

I went with it.

Never in a million years would I have believed we would have made such a strong connection.

It turns out that you were “The One.” I’m so lucky to have found you. I’m so thankful I kept an open mind.