Kirsten Blair-Johnson

I attribute my success to following my gut instinct and being open to new opportunities. When I was going through my health crisis, I had to trust that inner voice telling me something wasn't right, even when specialists couldn't find answers. I learned to fight for what I needed, not just what I thought was right. My husband was my support system when everyone else thought I was crazy for leaving HR. I also had to believe in myself and roll with the punches, because there were plenty of people who didn't believe in me - and that's okay, because you're not for everybody. The key was being open to advice from others, like my integrative doctor and my yoga teacher, who dropped little hints for me along the way. If I was open to that path, it would come to me. I also learned that nothing is a quick fix - you have to give yourself grace and time to explore your path. Your path isn't broken, you just have to find which path is yours. And I had to take that leap, trusting that I would figure it out, even when I was worried about losing my high income, insurance, and benefits. You will make work what you want to work with thoughtful dedication!

I would tell her, or even my younger self, to follow your gut instinct. If you are feeling like something is not right, if you're hearing information that doesn't feel accurate or like it's guiding you, make sure you follow that gut instinct and fight for what you need. Look deep within yourself - what exactly is making you feel uneasy? If it's your job, then look at that and pick it apart. Don't be afraid to pick things apart. You don't have to just fit in the mold. You need to put yourself out there, network, and talk to people. If I never listened to my yoga teacher or my doctor, I would still be sitting at a desk sick and likely bald! So be open and honest with yourself, open to advice from others, open to feedback, and open to new opportunities and experiences. Be open to PIVOT. There's never a wrong time to start - the only time that is wrong is if you never start. Just take the leap, you will figure it out. I remember leaving HR thinking about my high income, insurance, and benefits, all these things that we're told we need, but you will make work what you want to work. And nothing is a quick fix - give yourself grace and time to explore your path. Your path isn't broken, you just have to find which path is yours.

The biggest challenge is that Western medicine here in the United States is very by the book and not open to holistic approaches. They do not offer supplements or dietary guidance, they just offer prescriptions. There's a time and a place for that, but it didn't work for me, and I see this same issue on a daily basis with my own students who have autoimmune disorders and ailments. Another major challenge is that there are a lot of practitioners out there who sound too good to be true, or who are self-proclaimed without proper certification. You really have to do your research on the person - are they actually certified? Do they have insurance? Are they able to treat you? Also, people will sign up looking for a quick fix and cure, but healing comes from within, you have to be dedicated to see results in Holistic approaches. It is a true lifestyle change! I also recommend finding a yoga practitioner or studio who offers traditional yoga methods, because there is some science to back that up, rather than just fitness classes at a gym. Really doing the research on your chosen practitioner is crucial.

The most valuable thing in my work and personal life is TIME. Take care of your health, body, mind, and soul now to buy yourself more time later!