Apr 5, 20192 min read

Meet Crystal @highvibewarrior sharing her #yogasavedmylife story with us. These are her words 💚

"After a car accident left me unable to walk when I was 22, my chiropractor persuaded me to give yoga a try. I listened, but used it more for its physical benefits

That 3rd photo was taken 10 years ago, January 2009 Gasparilla. I was 19 years old and was partying like I was 5 years older. In this picture I was passed out drunk & had “earned” those beads around my neck.🤦🏻‍♀️

I don’t remember much of these years because I was drunk, smoking 🚬 & 🌿, eating fast food, & in a cycle of trying to fit in & feel loved because I did not feel secure as myself

But 5 years after that first attempt at yoga, as a stressed & burnt out social worker - after practicing for yoga's physical benefits - I began to recognize the mental/emotional benefits

The second picture above was taken in Costa Rica after graduating YTT. I felt completely detoxed, empowered, strong, & full of love for myself and others. I had just recognized my own samskaras & discovered why I have a hard time missing people, truly connecting in person, & all of the other blocks that made me who I am

Adopting a sober yoga lifestyle & ditching my " party girl" saved me. It was difficult at first given the “vacay state of mind” area I live in in Florida

I knew what I wanted:To not be an asshole - To remember what happens👀To not be hungover🤢

I wanted to take control over MY life

What I got: A stronger marriage💕A new self confidence (who knew I didn’t actually have to drink to behave fun?)💃🏽Drama free (No more wondering if I pissed anyone off the night before)👌🏼

This is MY journey. This is how I feel MY best. I do not expect others to have the same thoughts/feelings but in case there are others who do, I want to inspire them to OWN it 🙏

There are things from my past that still haunt me. The way I was treated, the way I treated others. If I could take back the pain I caused others, I would. But all I can do is be the best version of myself & help others achieve that same feeling. I am proud of the work I have put into myself 💚

Pic 1 📸@adventureswitharis