“Living from the Heart”

By Libby Creagh

 I have never lived a conventional life, and turning 30 was no different. Some women really begin to feel the pressure to conform to societal expectations as they reach this fulcrum. For me, I saw turning 30 as a time to decide what I wanted out of life and then act on that decision. No more waiting for my life to find me. As I neared my third decade walking this earth, I realized that it was time to walk the walk and use my actions, not my words.

I spent my twenties working with nonprofits to effect social change. I had strong ideas about the way the world ought to be, and I thought I could make change through protesting, canvassing, and lobbying elected officials. I was sure that by compiling enough facts and communicating with the public, people would see reason and act in their own best interests. Some good and positive change happened during those years, both on a national level and in smaller statewide and neighborhood campaigns. Just as many decisions went in the opposite direction, though, and I began to see that it was all part of a cycle.

I came to a point in my late twenties when I wanted to shift careers. I still believe there is a place in this world for activism, but my personal focus began to move from changing the outer world to helping people access a much more profound change within. I took my practice of yoga and turned it into a career, getting certified to teach and then diving a lifelong of trainings to learn more and more about sharing the “yoke” of yoga, on and off the mat.

The year I turned thirty was one of profound change. I found myself unemployed – not only in between jobs, but in between careers. After spending months searching for traditional work, I found that I had cobbled together opportunities here and there that added up to exactly what I needed to make ends meet. That was the first time in my adult life that I realized that income didn’t need to be tied to a traditional 40 hour a week job. It was also the beginning of living from a place of trust that the universe would provide what I needed.

Thirty found me immersed in a world of Spirit, practicing and teaching yoga, loving my work, and expanding my worldview. Shortly after taking the leap and becoming a yoga teacher, I was given an opportunity to take my practice and teaching on the road, to Central America. That’s been my life path ever since – traveling, learning about yoga and culture and the human spirit, and living fully and authentically from the heart. I never had this much trust in my twenties – I’m grateful for the lessons I learned then that allow me to live my dream of a gypsy lifestyle now. Attached is a photo from when I turned 30.  It’s with my dad in Mexico. 🙂

I’m 34 now.  The advice I would give my 30-year-old self is to worry less and trust more.

If you want to know more about Libby Creagh, check out her blog: laadventurawithlybsta.wordpress.com