10/01/2026
As I get ready to pull our September Check-In to Win winners, I keep thinking about all the check-ins.
The creativity. The stories. The sweaty lobby selfies together. And, simply the showing up.
One really hit home.
Last week I was having a really hard day. I was emotionally exhausted and almost didn’t go to 6pm class.
Maybe especially because I own the room.
As the owner, I’m always aware of the energy I bring into that space. I want to show up for the people who walk through our doors, and that day I didn’t feel like I had much to give.
But I went anyway.
I rolled out my mat, allowed myself to be fully present and met myself exactly where I was.
Original Hot Yoga has carried me through some of my hardest seasons for well over a decade.
And yet I still almost stayed home.
That same night, Nicole showed up on the anniversary of losing her brother. In years past, she would have stayed home and cried.
This year, she rolled out her mat. She gave herself permission to show up exactly as she was — even if that meant sitting on her mat and crying.
Two people carrying very different things. Both showing up exactly as we were.
Some days we’re strong. Some days we’re not. Some days we laugh and celebrate. Some days the heat challenges us. Some days it carries us.
Nicole wrote, “sometimes you just need somewhere to put it.”
I felt that one. ❤️
Because sometimes we just need a place to show up exactly as we are.
You never know what the person next to you is carrying — or celebrating — or how much your presence and energy in that room might mean to them.
That’s our sweaty sanctuary.
Thank you for showing up, just as you are. And thank you for allowing me to do the same.
I always feel better walking out of this room than I did when I walked in.
That is the gift I hope this room gives back to you.
