I remember sitting in an office- sterile, sullen looming with a feeling of hopelessness that was rapidly breeding itself. It reminded me of the DMV but much worse, it was a county office where I had yet another meeting to discuss financial matters as it related to my ex and my two young girls. Not a day of fun, not a time to rejoice, it was gross and it tasted of defeat, anger and fear.
All I wanted was to enjoy my new sweet babies and have the constant cuddle time new mamas dream about, not this gloom, gray nonsense of fighting about whether or not the other parent is going to help support his children.
“You should just move home,” the woman finally said to me from behind her desk. I looked up at her first in despair, then disbelief then it quickly changed to anger.
“How dare you,” I thought. How dare you tell me to succumb to defeat, to throw in the towel and just give up as if I can’t do this alone. As if a single woman with children isn’t capable of making it. As if my life and future goals, dreams should end right there. That’s it.
Yes, it would have been the easier thing to do. Yes, my parents would have welcomed me. But then what?
I knew, that wasn’t the option for me. I made a decision, I could, as I saw it, give up, or I could put on my big girl pants and strive to be an example of strength and determination for my girls.
Ten years later, it’s been quite the wild ride with extreme ups and downs, but I believe that each curvaceous turn has molded me and prepared me for what I’m doing today.
What I’ve done for the last ten years is teach Pilates and raise my three smart, compassionate and loving daughters with the help of “aunties” and fabulous grandparents.
I’m a mother and a Pilates Educator turned entrepreneur and budding Philanthropist. I’ve recently created a Virtual Pilates studio with humanitarian flair in which I offer live Pilates sessions via webcam, as well as a Pilates video workout library. Ultimately, all of my work is about teaching women how building their physical and inner strength is about more than just their body. It’s about their wellbeing and self-care in order to be the best they can for those around them.
My passion is to help women everywhere build strength in their mind, body and soul. So, along with teaching Pilates online, I’m partnering with YWCA in Haiti to build a Pilates Mat certification course to teach their students a trade to give them the opportunity to generate income to sustain their families.
I hope you’ll join me on this soul mission or be inspired to embark on your own. Be encouraged, be audacious and trust.
Find me at: http://www.nataliegaray.com
