For a few years I worked furiously at getting known as an expert in my field of fitness and wellness, because I had the erroneous belief that when I achieved recognition I would feel good inside. I spent countless hours writing articles for popular websites and magazines, and I did features on news and TV but was left with a feeling of emptiness. After every achievement I thought I would feel different inside but all I felt was a desire to achieve more.
I felt my best was when I was teaching yoga. When I taught yoga, a vessel of insight flowed through me which helped others and I benefited from too. In yoga I was present with what others needed and I was able to let go of thought and be present in the moment. The more I taught and helped others, the better I felt inside.
Recently when my husband retired from air traffic, I was blessed with an abundance of one on one therapy and yoga clients. Through helping others connect to their authentic self, it has helped me realize that what I was searching for was always within me. By helping others feel fulfilled, I find fulfillment as well. I’ve learned the feeling I was looking for has nothing to do with recognition from others, the feeling I was looking for is within me, it comes from my heart and fills me up when I’m helping others.
–Sara Holliday MFT, CPT, HHP