Life often feels like a series of hurdles, each testing our resilience and resolve. Over the past week, I found myself at one of those low points—exhausted, overwhelmed, and questioning whether my work with JourneySpace was truly making a difference. But just as life can bring challenges, it also offers moments of clarity and grace. Those moments this week not only restored my spirit but also reaffirmed my purpose. Here’s how I found my new mantra: Vivir Mi Vida—Live My Life—and why it has become a guiding light.

The Ebb and Flow of Life

Life is full of ups and downs, and while we all know this intellectually, living through a low period can make it easy to forget. This past week, I found myself struggling to stay afloat. Running JourneySpace—a space dedicated to fostering connection, movement, and wellness—can be deeply rewarding, but it is also demanding. The question crept in: Am I really making a difference?

What I rediscovered this week is a truth I’ve long known: life’s natural rhythm includes both the highs and the lows. Sometimes, we crash because we need the pause, the rest, and the opportunity to release. It’s during these times of stillness that clarity has a chance to emerge.

Moments of Grace: Signs to Keep Going

Just as I was contemplating whether to keep pushing forward, a series of beautiful events reminded me of the impact JourneySpace is having—not just on others but on me, too.

An Unexpected Angel

A few days before Halloween, I received an email from someone I can only describe as a living angel. She asked how she could help with JourneySpace, and her offer of support felt like a lifeline. The thought of sharing responsibilities—and the possibility of catching my breath—filled me with hope.

Zumba Joy

On Saturday, our Zumba class had a guest teacher, Cecy, covering for Nicky. Cecy’s energy was contagious, and the class was so uplifting that we unanimously decided to add her as a regular instructor and schedule a second Zumba class. Witnessing her excitement—and the joy she brought to our participants—was a reminder of the ripple effect of shared passion.

A Class of Two

Sunday brought another heartwarming experience. One participant showed up fifteen minutes late for our JourneyDance class. At first, I worried about the small turnout, but what unfolded was magical. The intimacy of our class allowed for a deeply personal exchange of love and support between teacher and student. It was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful connections happen in the smallest settings.

A Circle of Laughter

Later that day, I joined a drum and JourneyDance circle with a group of women, some of whom are part of the JourneySpace community. The room was filled with laughter—at one point, we were laughing so hard that I cried. It was a moment of pure joy, the kind that reminds you why life, with all its messiness, is worth living.

Breaking Down to Break Through

By Monday, the emotional and physical toll of the week caught up with me. I woke up with a migraine that left me unable to function. For three days, I alternated between weeping and reminding myself that it’s darkest before the dawn.

In those moments, it would have been easy to sink deeper into despair, but I held onto the belief that this storm would pass. And it did.

Finding My Mantra

Thursday morning, still feeling fragile, I decided to download a song Cecy had played during Zumba. As I sang along and listened closely to the lyrics, I realized the words were becoming a mantra:

“I will laugh, I will dance, I will live my life, la la la la.”

Those simple words carried a profound truth: no matter what happens, I have the power to choose joy, to dance through the pain, and to live fully. The mantra stayed with me throughout the day as I cleaned and cooked, transforming my space and my mindset.

Building Momentum

That evening, something incredible happened. A fitness trainer who was interested in teaching at JourneySpace came to meet with me. Our conversation led to a partnership with his organization, which will bring two new fitness classes to our schedule. It was yet another sign that when we embrace life’s flow, opportunities present themselves.

Lessons from the Week

Reflecting on the week, I realized how much I had gained despite the challenges. An intern offered to help lighten my load. Two new teachers joined our team. Three new classes were added to our schedule. And perhaps most importantly, I found a renewed sense of purpose.

JourneySpace isn’t just a project; it’s a space where people can connect, heal, and grow. Whether it’s through a lively Zumba class, an intimate JourneyDance session, or a shared moment of laughter, the impact we’re creating is real.

Embracing Vivir Mi Vida

The phrase Vivir Mi Vida—Live My Life—is more than a mantra; it’s a way of being. It’s a reminder to embrace life in all its complexity, to find joy in the small moments, and to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.

This week taught me that living fully isn’t about avoiding pain or setbacks. It’s about facing them head-on, finding the beauty in the struggle, and choosing to dance anyway.

Moving Forward

As I step into the weeks ahead, I do so with a renewed spirit and a clear intention: to live my life fully, joyfully, and authentically. I’m excited to share the new classes and teachers with our JourneySpace community, and I’m grateful for the experiences that brought me to this place of clarity.

To anyone reading this who might be going through their own challenging season, I encourage you to find your own mantra—a phrase or song that reminds you of your strength and resilience. And when life feels overwhelming, remember:

“I will laugh, I will dance, I will live my life.”

Here’s to living fully, loving deeply, and dancing through it all.

— Maggie Hernandez-Knight