Finding one’s purpose isn’t always straightforward—it can take years, even decades. For me, it took 57 years. Perhaps I wasn’t ready before then, or maybe I hadn’t been open to change. Either way, the path was far from linear, but it’s led me to a place where I now feel truly at home in myself.

Over the years, I’ve tried on many hats. I’ve been a PA to executives at multinational companies, an assistant interior designer for a major American retailer, a data administrator for an Australian IT company, and now, I’m a nutritional therapist, lifestyle and fasting coach, and a trainee Yoga Therapy Ireland instructor. I run my own detox retreats using the Buchinger fasting method, combining detoxification with rejuvenation. It’s been a winding, challenging journey through personal, emotional, and physical hardships, but I’ve finally found my calling—and it feels incredible.

What I’d like to share today, though, is how yoga played a pivotal role in guiding me through some of the darkest days of my life, particularly during my mid-to-late 40s when I struggled with depression.

The Start of My Yoga Journey

I remember exactly when my yoga journey began: it was 2007, 13 years ago.

Looking back, it’s fascinating to think about what drew me to yoga and meditation. For some, it’s about improving flexibility or relieving physical discomfort. For me, it was a chance to focus on myself, my life, and my mind. As I later discovered, it did all that and so much more.

At the time, I was battling depression. Childhood trauma from an abusive mother had left scars that I hadn’t dealt with. I felt miserable, resentful, and stuck. As a wife and mother, I struggled to find joy in daily life, and I had no desire to get out of bed most mornings. I was constantly angry, riddled with insecurities, and lacking confidence in myself. Reflecting now, I can see how hard it must have been for those around me to cope with my negativity.

A Friend’s Advice

My yoga journey began with a phone call to Kate, an old friend I’d shared a house with in Australia during the 1980s. Kate was deeply immersed in spirituality and yoga and was also training to be a family counsellor. Feeling lost, I called her for advice—or perhaps just to vent.

As I poured out my frustrations, Kate listened patiently and then began talking about yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and the idea of looking within. She spoke passionately about the discipline of yoga and its philosophy. At the time, I dismissed her enthusiasm as overly idealistic. Yoga, I thought, couldn’t possibly solve my problems. But her words planted a seed.

Taking the First Steps

A few months later, I decided to join a Pilates class to address some physical issues—primarily my weakened pelvic floor after four natural births. The instructor, as it turned out, was also a yoga teacher and blended the two practices in her classes. I loved the sessions and attended regularly until she moved away.

When I joined a new evening yoga class closer to home, I found myself surrounded by much younger, more advanced students. Although I felt out of place, I stuck with it for over a year, learning invaluable lessons about listening to my body and respecting my limits.

Healing Through Yoga

Encouraged by Kate’s advice, I also sought help from my GP for my depression. I was prescribed mild antidepressants and began counselling, which helped me immensely. By 2013, I had come off the medication and decided it was time to focus on something fulfilling for myself. I enrolled in a nutritional therapy course and joined a Yoga Therapy Ireland class recommended by a friend. That teacher has been my guide ever since, and her classes remain a cornerstone of my well-being.

Over time, my passion for health and wellness grew. I trained as a fasting coach in Paris and began running detox retreats. I soon realised the value of integrating yoga into these retreats and decided to train as a yoga instructor myself, focusing on gentle, inclusive yoga for people of all ages and abilities.

What Yoga Has Given Me

Yoga has transformed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I began.

• Physical health: Once stiff as a board, I’m now more flexible, stronger, and full of vitality. I enjoy better overall health than my siblings, with no need for regular medication.

• Mental clarity: Yoga has taught me to pause, breathe, and avoid overreacting. I’m more focused and better equipped to handle stress and conflict without becoming overwhelmed.

• Inner harmony: Perhaps most importantly, yoga has permitted me to prioritise myself without guilt. I feel more in tune with who I am and excited about life’s possibilities.

Looking Back

It’s funny how life unfolds. What began as a desperate phone call to an old friend has led me here, to a place of peace and purpose. Yoga wasn’t the only factor in my recovery—therapy and medication played a role too—but I’m convinced it was a cornerstone of my transformation.

Through yoga, I’ve learned kindness and self-compassion, and I’ve reconnected with the strong, capable, and empathetic person I always was. Today, I’m proud to share this practice with others, helping them discover the healing power of yoga and holistic wellness.

Namaste.

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