Taking the Leap: How a Corporate Communications Leader Turned Into a Yoga Success Story

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People talk about having it all. In fact, they talk about it a lot.

So much so that they don’t actually shut up long enough to take the kind of life-changing leap necessary to start living with it all.

Well, we went out and found a few people who took that leap and lived to tell the tale.

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So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live on the other side of your dreams, read what successful entrepreneur Jennifer Kruidbos has to say about creating your vision – and then turning it into a reality.

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After receiving her Masters in International and Intercultural Communications and working in the corporate world, Jennifer left the security of her job to become a yoga instructor who specializes as a wellness facilitator.

Because she was willing to take a leap, Kruidbos is not only living her dream life – she’s helping others live better lives too.

Here’s what she had to say…

Have you always known what your true passion was?
Not at all. I knew I wanted to help people, I wanted to be creative, and I wanted to disrupt existing systems I didn’t believe in. I’ve loved writing, feminist authors, music, and moving my body. I had no idea these things could culminate one day into the career I’ve created for myself.

What was the scariest part about making the leap to follow your passion?
Almost everything in the first year was scary. Back in 2011, my friends and family didn’t understand the yoga industry and opportunities available. Some family friends told me it was a phase I would grow out of. I received pressure from my family to go out and find a job that would offer me benefits.

Sticking to what felt right to me was scary for that first year, especially as my line of credit debt began to creep up. I moved in with my mom. I was 28 and thinking to myself, “What the hell am I doing with my life?”

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What advice do you have for anyone looking to do something similar with their own lives?
Make time to reflect and get clear about your ‘why’ and about what truly moves you to inspire change in the world. This mission and vision will keep you steady during the tough times.

Make sure you examine the origin and impact of your beliefs and messages. This will also help you decide which projects and partnerships keep you energized and excited.

Make self-care a priority. You’re not helping anyone by burning yourself out. You have to be in good mental, physical, and emotional health in order to take care of your clients.

Also, meet with a financial coach and learn about finances. Keeping a positive and organized relationship with money makes turning a profit much easier.

What were the easiest and hardest parts around making your transition?
The easiest part was being able to live almost rent-free for a couple years when I moved back in with my mom. She is an angel and I have so much gratitude for her, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to shape my projects around my passions, politics and values.

The hardest part was finding my tribe. That took me at least three years. In those years I experienced a lot of disappointing work relationships, which increased my feelings of isolation and insecurity. Luckily, I almost never experience that now. In the last year I’ve met and worked with the most incredible fellow movement teachers and social entrepreneurs. They light me up, keep me sharp, engaged and grateful for what we’re doing.

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What has surprised you most about your new life?
I’m in awe of my life. Before being an entrepreneur and yoga teacher I felt like I was running some rat race and my dreams around travel, living abroad, really knowing myself, pro-activism, earning, creativity and an inspiring community were stunted.

I’m surprised how limitless life is today. I find myself filming trainings, creating workshops, collaborating with doctors, taking my clients to jump off cliffs in Costa Rica, and more. It’s wild.

I never would have imagined all this. I’m also surprised by how much I love my peers today. I have some wild friends with huge hearts. It’s a lot of fun. And I get to take a daily nap around 3pm. That’s my dream life.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned along the way?
The importance of a detailed vision. Revising and revisiting that vision often. Things are lining up in my life now that I first envisioned years ago.

My biggest learning is to keep dreaming bigger. I am updating my vision board constantly because I’ve learned that focused thought and daily action materializes in a very concrete way.

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Who inspires you most in your life?
I’m surrounded by people who inspire me daily. My mum inspires me with how steady, practical, and supportive she is of my crazy ideas and life.

My teacher, Elena Brower, inspires me with her creativity, leadership, clarity, consistency and studentship.

I believe deeply in personal growth and development, which is something my whole doTERRA team inspires me to pursue since they reflect the same values. And of course, my fellow yoga teachers inspire me, as well as the students who show up always eager to try new things. I could go on.

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