This little girl is me. She grew up in a happy family, Swiss Dad, Geordie Mum with an older Sister and younger Brother in Surrey. My Dad an engineer, my Mum a teacher - secure, safe, with the knowledge that both parents loved me.
The first thing she learnt about fear and unfounded hatred was in the classroom when, as a teenager, she was bullied at school. Sadly not unusual, but none the less, still now - in this moment - has her heart racing just remembering that feeling.
She was brought up to be independent by parents who didn't believe in 'bringing up useless objects'! She had chores to do, learnt the value of money and all she wanted to do was
(a) leave school
(b) learn to drive and buy a motorbike
(c) start work and earn her own money, all of which she achieved by age 18
She had no clear career path - started as a secretary and never looked back! She loved working! Loved becoming and discovering who 'she' was as an adult - feeling useful, appreciated and supported. And was lucky enough to have had a number of fabulous female (and male) bosses who helped her progress, providing opportunities to expand knowledge and confidence.
She faced multiple redundancies in the 80's and 90's, loss of income for many months. The death of her beloved big-Sister aged just 48 was heartbreaking, how to learn to navigate life without her? Now about to turn 60 this little girl is thankful for life, the chance to watch her body change as it matures - something that not everyone has the opportunity to do.
From little Vicki, a handful of pretty mediocre CSE's, the ability to type and shorthand - she went on to be founding partners in two businesses - the first a PR/marketing/exhibitions company (borne out of two redundancies in a matter of months) and then a print business.
Following a serious road traffic accident in 2012 - brought her to a new direction - resulting in now running her own yoga business.
🙏🏼 Today, she loves working with women. Helping, supporting and providing a safe space for them to have their own time on their yoga mat. Helping them appreciate their bodies, understanding and appreciating what we can do 'today' (and adding 'yet' to that we can't do yet) - not competing, not comparing, just acceptance of ourselves and how amazing we are.
🔸 This little girl is me
🔸 Thankful for the female incredible role models I have had along the way
🔸 Standing up to adversity
🔸 Keeping going in the darkest of times
🔸 Thankful for life
🔸 Still learning every day
I share this because research shows that 70% of girls feel more confident about their futures after hearing from female role models. This Little Girl Is Me campaign was started by Miriam Gonzalez Durantez and celebrated today, October 11 2021 on #InternationalDayOfTheGirl. I hope more women will join in and share their stories too, knowing your past doesn't have to limit your future.
Would you like to start your yoga journey?
I love working with new female clients who are at that stage of their life where they want to take control of their health and wellbeing and ensure that, whilst their body may be changing, that they remain strong and flexible into their next stage of life.
All my regular yoga classes are live online - something that my students find incredibly helpful as it is convenient and you can make your practice area as comfortable as you require.
If you would like to have a chat about how you can join my next beginners course; join one of my live online yoga classes; or would like to discuss working with me 1-2-1 – then get in touch, message or call me and I’ll be happy to talk.
🔸 I also teach ladies in-person in my Broadstone, Dorset-based home yoga studio for private 1-2-1 classes. Do get in touch with me if you would like to explore working with me on this basis, where I can devise a class that is specific to your requirements hello@yogawithvickib.com
Want to find out more about my online and in-person ladies Yoga Retreats in Kalkan and the UK? Take a look under 'Yoga With Me' on my website or get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
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