I taught over 300 classes this year... and this is what I learned.

What I learned is that movement is a deep and integral anchor in my life.

It was my anchor this year and has been for many years.

Movement has been the one steady companion I can always rely on to get me through whatever I am moving through in my life.

It continually shows me what I’m capable of.

It has carried me through years where I didn’t think I was going to make it.

It was the one non-negotiable I was never willing to give up, because I know what it does for me.

It’s almost as if it has its own soul, mirroring the person I know I can be.

Some days that means pulling back into gentle movement.

Some days it means pushing hard and meeting my own edge.

But whatever it is, it always shows me who I can become, and it always gifts me something on the other side of the practice.

A clearer view.

A stronger mindset.

A more powerful body built from the inside out.

Resilience to deal with life’s challenges.

The will to never give up.

Because it’s never about what movement looks like - it’s about who we become along the way.

And it continues to remind me how resilient I am.

How strong I am.

And on the days I don’t want to show up, I do it anyway, out of love and dedication to myself.

And not once have I ever regretted a practice.

And lastly, you will never hear me say new year, new body.

It’s toxic, it’s going to be loud right now, and it’s not something I stand for.

Your body is already perfect exactly as it is, always has been.

What I do stand for is building stronger minds through our bodies, which naturally results in a stronger body and a deeper sense of feeling good in your body, whatever that looks like for you.

You are unique.

And your practice should be too.

Movement should never be about punishment, guilt, or comparison.

It’s about connection, strength, and self-respect.

And I hope you’ll choose to move with me this year.

And lastly, thank you to each and every one of you for choosing to move with me month after month and for some of you, year after year.

It truly means the world to me.

Your commitment to showing up for yourselves not only inspires me but it also allows me to continue doing the work I love -

guiding you on your beautiful, unique journey.

I love you all and hope to see you soon.

xo

Renee Dawn

• images from Pinterest