Daughter, sister, auntie, friend, girlfriend, yoga and mindfulness teacher, psychotherapist, and writer. I value living authentically and fully in my one, precious life. I value the importance of my relationships and education. As a child I didn't look like the other girls. I wore hand-me-downs and my hair was curly and cut short. I was painfully shy and was teased. That adversity helped shape me into a deeply compassionate, helpful, empathetic person. I fear I won't continue the path of consciousness work I started - that I will "fall back asleep" in the world, and that my inner light will dim without having made an impactful difference for myself and those around me. My inner critic has exercised her voice-box a lot over the years. I am a recovering perfectionist, and have felt "not smart enough," "not pretty enough," and "not worthy enough," in many situations. It has pushed me to try harder, go further and exert myself to the point of near burnout. I now recognize that I was born worthy and "good enough," and I inherently always will be "enough." I'd share with the 12 year old version of me "this too shall pass". I truly wish there was less hatred and despair in the world. I wish there was more love, peace, respect and understanding. I'm excited about living my life as I choose to live it. I feel most alive when I am moving my body - either in a deep yoga practice or dancing freely. I see beauty in women who live fully as their most authentic selves. In 10 years I intend to be living close to my family with my romantic love, working in a private yoga therapy practice, living life fully, and pursuing my passions. I'm proud that I've persisted to overcome struggle, adversity, and pain. My life isn't perfect but I choose to embrace life with every part of who I am. I am a healer, seeker, and change maker. I am Joanna. I am love in human form.