Pilates Through Divorce

I'm a Pilates teacher and I'm recently divorced after a long and difficult separation. During the past two years, my life has drastically changed. In addition to my marriage ending, I have moved twice, taken on multiple jobs, and become head of household for the first time. To say that my life is stressful is an understatement. Thankfully, I have Pilates.

When I get on the Reformer for footwork, I feel grounded and safe. Pull-up on the Wunda chair empowers me and reminds me that I can do hard things. The barrels comfort my tired body and calm my overwhelmed mind. The studio feels like home. Being a student of the method is a gift that I do not take for granted. I am a stronger person because of Pilates.

As a Pilates teacher, I get to escape the stressors that come with divorce because teaching forces me to be present with my students, with the method, and with myself. There have been numerous times when I have driven to work with tears on my cheeks and a lump in my throat, and I wasn't sure how I was going to get through teaching a class. But there's magic in this profession. I always feel better, usually within minutes. Being a teacher of the method is a gift that I do not take for granted. I am a healthier person because of Pilates.

I'm a Pilates teacher and new adventures await me in my new life. The uncertainty feels a bit scary and I feel vulnerable in ways I never have. But moving (pun intended) forward, I know I will always have Pilates to see me through the good and the difficult, and that's pretty amazing.