It's funny how life can throw curveballs at you when you least expect it. A few years ago, I found myself drowning in stress and anxiety, courtesy of my demanding job. Every day felt like an uphill battle, and I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. It was during this tumultuous time that I stumbled upon an unexpected savior - kickboxing.

As I sit down to reflect on my journey, I realize that yoga entered my life during one of the most turbulent times. College was supposed to be a time of self-discovery and growth, but for me, it became a whirlwind of stress and indecision. I found myself grappling with the overwhelming pressure of choosing a major and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life.

Saturday mornings are sacred to me. While some people might relish the opportunity to sleep in or enjoy a leisurely breakfast, my excitement lies somewhere else – on the open road, beneath the bright morning sun, with my trusty bike and the promise of adventure ahead.

As I entered my thirties, life seemed to accelerate at an unfathomable pace. Between the demands of work, family responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do lists, it felt like there was hardly any time left for myself.

I’m not sure what came over me. I am a pretty no-nonsense serious person. But one day I got the random urge to try improv. Yes- like where you stand on stage and make up a comedy act as you go. There was a local theater near me where I had seen a sign for classes, and for some reason, I gave it a go.

As I stepped into the brightly lit studio that first day, my heart was pounding. At forty-something, here I was, about to make a fool of myself. It wasn't something I'd ever imagined myself doing, but there I was, nervously fidgeting and trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

A few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves stuck in a weekly routine of work, kids, and not a lot of fun. We both loved board games when we were dating, but after having kids, who were too young for that kind of thing, our games were in a cabinet gathering dust. Our older son had had a few playdates with a buddy from daycare, and the parents seemed really nice but we didn’t know them that well. There was another family in our son’s class we wanted to get to know too.

A few years ago, I found myself in a rut both physically and emotionally. I was feeling stagnant in my workouts and yearning for something more in life. My friend suggested I join her local running group, and little did I know, it would change my life in ways I never imagined.

I never imagined that hopping on a mountain bike would lead to some of the most valuable life lessons I'd ever learn. But over the years, pedaling through the trails, facing challenging terrains, and pushing my limits have molded me into a stronger, more resilient person.