Coffee & Yoga w/Liz: Yoga - Day 1

My name is Liz Sprankle. I am the Office Manager for Derty Yoga here in the Oakhurst Plaza. I've been in this job for several months and while I advertise, promote and believe in what yoga does for others I wasn't as sold on it for myself. I have complex PTSD, Clinical Depression, OCD and Anxiety. I take meds every day in order to not "stay in my head" which can be a dark, frightening place at times. Even on meds a person who has suffered from trauma can still be triggered and at times go into themselves/their heads. It's better for me and those I love and care about to be diligent with my medication. I also suffer from several physical and internal issues which cause discomfort, bloating, aches, nausea, etc. pretty much on a daily basis.

My husband and I retired and moved here from Maryland in July 2023. It's been our dream for YEARS. God provided when we weren't looking, or prepared, but it was to be and here we are! 😊 Not long into living here I felt the strong want to start walking. I love where I live, I am at peace here and even more so when at the beach. It's done wonders for my mental health and overall happiness. Since October I've been walking between 2-5 miles 3x's a week and the distance depends on the route I take or what time I have to be at work. Speaking of work...I said I was retired, right?? Well once here for a couple months, big home projects completed, I started to feel restless and get inside my head. My husband lovingly urged me to find something that would get me out of the house a few days a week. I'm a mental health coach and there was nothing out there for me which was a huge downer and a stab in my heart of hearts when all I want to do is help others. When Derty Yoga advertised for a front desk person on our community site my husband sent to me with a "this is perfect for you". Working with people, scheduling, listening, helping....it's me! I reached out to the owner(s) and set up a time to interview. And one week later I was training. It's been amazing. In a short two months I was promoted to Office Manager because they believed in me and appreciated me. I'm eternally grateful to them for their support and belief. ❤️

I'm 57 years old so while the walking, working, and eating clean is good for me and my health, there are the occasional muscle pulls, some cramps that arise, and of course my nonstop GI issues. This past weekend, while walking for an event our studio sponsored, my boss highly recommended I take a yoga class. They were supportive of me taking a class while "on the clock" as long as I set myself up to still be near the desk for phone/door.

TODAY WAS THE DAY!!

I clocked in, opened the studio. Drinking my normal tall cup of coffee from home, I talked with our yoga instructor about taking the class. She set me up near the studio doors. The music started. It sounded and felt relaxing. I was a bit nervous as I don't see myself as a "Yogi" and not sure this is going to be a right step for me. But as I went through the movements I was praised on how good I was doing. How strong I am and the flexibility I have. ME...flexible? strong? When you live day to day with aches and discomfort the last thing you feel is flexible, or strong. As the class continued I started to feel more confident and determined that I could do it. I'm not 100% sold yet but I am 100% proud of myself and want to see where this goes. So I've told myself I will do a yoga class at least 3 of the 4 days I work the morning shift. You never know where you will be in life that learning a new way becomes the only way. Lesson for day one - NEVER say NEVER. 😉