How Labarre Saved Me During Trying Times - by Trinidad Pena

Trinidad Pena, a staple at labarre with instructors. photo credit - Adam Hays

It’s hard to believe that it has been over a year since I became a certified barre instructor at labarre studios in San Jose, CA. I was invited by Lisa Alberino (Founder and Owner of the Studio) shortly after my instructor certification to write a blog post about my journey from a labarre guest to becoming a certified Instructor. 
 
Today I am sharing my story about how labarre saved me during one of the most difficult times in my life. 
 
Like so many others, COVID-19 made me pivot in 2020. I was getting ready to open a new apartment complex of nearly 600 units. I was focusing on my overall wellness, and just trying to survive and stay healthy during those truly uncertain times. 
 
Fast forward to the beginning of 2021, when someone very close to me started struggling with their mental health and addiction. Simply put, this was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to face. On the outside, I was keeping myself together, however, as I reflect on this, I now realize I had a great deal of fear, anxiety, and sadness. I remember coming to the studio in order to prepare to teach class or even times when I was a participant in class and just feeling like I wouldn’t be able to pull through the work. When the session wrapped up, I felt this sense of ease and peace and I took this as a reminder that I was stronger than I thought and I was going to be okay regardless of what the end result was. We have a popular saying in the studio,’You are stronger than you know’ and this was a truth that took me many years to accept.

Let me share how my life has changed since 2021. When I decided to become a barre instructor, I knew that I wanted to be of service and inspire others along their wellness journey. In the last year, with the unwavering support of my labarre team, countless hours of therapy, and a heck of a lot of reading, I am slowly finding “Trinidad’ again. I never stopped loving myself and who I was, but I was so consumed with my loved ones’ addiction and making sure they were ok that, while trying to control their life, I forgot to put the love and effort into my own. 

In the last year of teaching, I have developed more confidence and challenged myself to be more creative. The last few months have also taught me to be gentler and kinder, specifically to myself, and remember that I am doing my best and that's all I can ask of me. If I am lucky enough to have had you in one of my classes, you might have heard me say “set your intention.” I believe that when we live with intention and purpose in our life (or even for 45-minutes!), it allows us to be present and focused on what we are doing now versus 4 hours from now, 24 hours, or even a year later. I still get anxiety, fear, and stress but not at the levels that I used to experience in the past. When those moments bubble up, I ask myself “How do you want feel? What do you want to give? And what do you want to receive?”
 
My loved one is doing better and getting the help they need in their recovery. Personally, I am happy to report that I am doing great as 2022 comes to a close. I recently received a promotion at work, and I have a career that I truly enjoy. I have a beautiful nephew/godson who is turning one and that adds extra joy in my days. I am in the best health and shape of my life, honoring my body’s imperfections, and most importantly I am learning to love myself one day at a time. 
 
Thank you labarre studios for creating a space that invites community and support! 

See you at The Barre!