Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Prince.
Leslie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating from TCU, my first job in marketing was filled with lots of young people, trendy perks like beer & snacks in the office and a casual dress code. I had a 401K, insurance benefits & a salary that covered my needs and allowed me to save. And while I was grateful to be working at a trendy workplace full of benefits & company culture, I secretly felt miserable. I struggled with worthiness, binge drinking, panic attacks, depression and unhealthy romantic partnerships. After a particularly severe panic attack, I sought out help from a doctor and therapist.
With the help of qualified professionals, I began to think critically about my core values and what makes me happy. It wasn’t easy. I learned that the outgoing person I believed myself to be was actually introverted. I started by taking a step back from the social obligations that drained me.
I eventually found my salvation in exercise. As a child, I enjoyed staying active, but as an adult I judged myself too harshly. I felt foolish in a cycle class I tried. All I could think about what was I couldn’t do and how silly I must have looked to regular riders. After this experience, I refused multiple invites to attend a local barre studio during lunch at work. Until finally, one day I joined the other women one day. I instantly felt my body respond with the overwhelming feeling of grace and support. The feeling of contentment made me hungry for more. Six months after my first class, I applied to be an instructor. This is how I discovered my desire to help others heal through exercise.
The discovery of my ability and passion for instructing fitness lead me to leave my marketing job, downsize all my expenses, and enroll in a yoga teacher training course.
Although I downsized my expenses and luxuries, I felt more fulfilled and as if I had found my purpose. There was only one thing missing. A romantic partnership! After a life coach noticed that none of my goals involved romance, she challenged me to create a list of qualities for my ideal partnership. I made the list as far-fetched as I could convinced that what I was looking for was unrealistic. To my surprise, I met a man with all of those qualities plus a love for hiking and traveling. I was ready. I further downsized my possessions and we’ve been traveling for the last eighteen months. With no hiking experience, I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spring of 2017 and was pleasantly surprised at the strength and resiliency of my body. I loved meeting others on a similar journey. I have embraced hiking & the “granola” community. We’ve hiked and camped in over 10 states and countless national and state parks.
These days, my focus is still on personal growth and discovery. How can I positively impact communities around me? In addition to one-on-one manifestation & life coaching, I’m developing a deck of positive affirmations or messages. I believe strongly in the power of positive affirmations to improve the life and circumstances of the user.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It seems like I’ve struggled every step of the way!
While I was hiking the Camino de Santiago one day, there was an option for a scenic route that was substantially more difficult and a route along a major road. My ego told me that my body was so strong and if anyone else was doing it, then I could too. That day we walked 13 miles, climbed five thousand feet on a trail constantly exposed to the sun with only a liter of water and little food. When I made it back to my hostel, instead of drinking water and resting, I got caught up in conversation with other hikers and drank a sangria instead. When dinner arrived, due to dehydration & exhaustion, I fainted face-first into my lasagna! Those around me were helping me move to my upstairs room when I fainted again! I had never fainted before and awoke embarrassed and confused as Spaniards & hikers gathered around me wondering what happened. That day, I learned a powerful lesson in self-care. I learned that I MUST listen to my body and nourish my body. I learned to set boundaries and be honest about my physical capabilities. I learned to rest more and prioritize my health and wellness.
My advice to others is to question the inner voice of shame and self-sabotage. That voice that says you’re not good enough or you’ll look stupid taking risks. By challenging negative thought patterns, we’re able to tune into our wiser and kinder self. This is the voice that accepts you as you are and dares you to seek out your destiny. You deserve to live the life you desire.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Leslie and Cuddles Wellness – what should we know?
I am a yoga teacher & life coach! I specialize in manifestation rituals and positive affirmations. Our minds are powerful tools that can be used to create a life we deeply desire. I am most proud of my clients! When I work with a client to remove barriers to living their best life, I am rewarded by seeing their gifts put to good use. I get so much enjoyment out of seeing my clients release negative thought patterns and contribute our community in a way that is meaningful and unique to them. There are many yoga teachers & life coaches these days and what separates me from others is my positive energy & authenticity. I am a compassionate resource for anyone seeking help reframing a roadblock in life.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
There are so many women that have inspired me! My dear friend, Lauren Lewkowicz, has been an inspiration to me ever since I met her in yoga teacher training years ago. Her authenticity & knowledge as a behavior therapist has been a massive support through my journey. Her steadfastness and commitment to her values inspire me through some of my darkest times. I hope everyone has just one person they can turn to in times of turmoil & pain. She is that person for me and I’m so lucky to have her support and friendship.
Rebecca Butler, the creator of The Sanctuary Yoga Room and Dream Catcher Yoga Teacher Training, is a mentor and friend to me. She has lovingly guided me countless times and presented me with ample opportunities for personal growth at her studio in Fort Worth. She’s the one who helped me realize I desired a partner.
Much of my inspiration comes through reading! Authors like Gabby Bernstein, Brené Brown, Cheryl Strayed, Danielle LaPorte are inspirations to me through their writing, speaking & tools for personal growth.
Pricing:
- One-on-one coaching session $100
- Private yoga class $80
Contact Info:
- Website: LeslieandCuddles.com
- Email: leslieandcuddles@gmail.com
- Instagram: @luminous_leslie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslieandcuddles
Image Credit:
Macka Photography, Michael Witherspoon Photography, Andrew Jennings Photography
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