Kimberly Snell | Yoga Teacher & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Snell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Initially, it felt like I was working every moment. I woke up and went to my 9 to 5 job. When I came home, I was either making videos, writing sequences, writing my book, or working with a graphic designer on different ideas. I never felt rested or like I had time with my son. I was wearing myself out and making excuses for it. I told myself I had to grind like this in order to be successful. In reality, I was becoming less productive and more irritable. Something had to change. I began making a schedule for myself. In my schedule, I included rest and self=care. I made sure I shut down by a certain time during the week so that I could get plenty of rest and recharge for the next day. I scheduled movie night with my son and created theme nights for dinner. This allowed us to have quality time and some fun as we figured out what to eat. We even had mini workout sessions together to make fitness more special and quality time spent together. During work sessions (as my son calls them), we each have a task to do. He may be working on math, reading, or taking a virtual field trip. I choose one thing to get done. One day is for creating a video. Another day is for taking a workshop or completing a module within a workshop. Now, my energy each day is focused and directed toward accomplishing one or two things. When I am done, I celebrate. When my son finishes, we celebrate. On Saturday, we both disconnected from work. We treat ourselves to dinner. We enjoy going out or, most of the time simply, relax on the sofa and watch movies, t.v. and videos. There is no pressure to get anything done because nothing is on the schedule. A schedule may not be for everyone, but for me, it has allowed me to make sure my priorities; me, family, and business, are addressed and taken care of. I am more productive and not as irritable. Others have noticed that I smile more and seem more relaxed. More importantly, my son feels included and is learning by example to make time for work and play. While there is an initial time period, where it seems like you are working 24/7, I have learned that working like that is not sustainable and will cause you to become less productive in the long run. Balance work, family, and rest. It may take a little longer to reach some goals, but in the long run you will be more productive and find that it’s something you can maintain over time. My tasks have changed during work sessions, but the overall schedule is fairly consistent. Balance minimizes burnout.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Christian yoga teacher, author, and entrepreneur. Some times I am told not to include the Christian in the title but I am proud to be a Christian and I want to encourage other Christians to not be ashamed of their faith. My classes, books, and products are rooted in my faith. My goal is to share God’s love and teachings with others so that they may develop and grow in their personal journey with Christ. During yoga classes, we focus on specific verses to lead and guide the practice. We pray and become still listening for God’s voice and revelation. We use the postures or poses to assist in releasing tension and stress so we can relax our muscles thereby creating an environment conducive to meditating on God’s word. My books provide readers with the opportunity to nuture their individual devotion time of meditation and self-reflection. My online store inspiring messages on fashion and accessories. I want people to realize that as we get closer to God on a very personal and intimate level, He will make us healthier emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. As we become healthier from the inside, we can more easily show love and compassion to others. I am proud and love that what I have is a ministry based on human connection rather than poses. When people are with me, they feel Amazen! Getting into this line of work was a departure to what I have been doing. I was trained and went to school to teach high school mathematics. I love logic, steps, and answers. Yoga is a journey and a process with no set destination. Your relationship with Christ is a process with no set destination. You are ever evolving in both cases. My challenge has been to let go of control and trust God and the unknown. I have to be aware and present of my current state and then be accepting and thankful for it while still motivated to move forward. Some days are easy in that you will be excited with your dreams and you see doors opening and things moving. Other days, it feels like everything is frozen. The challenge is holding onto the vision and believing although what you see does not match the vision. This is when your faith and your inner circle must kick in. If you are beginning or in the early stages of your business/ministry, make sure you are clear on your vision and check who is around you and what they are saying. You can’t take everyone with you is a very real statement!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone were to visit, For breakfast, we would hit up Dolly’s Farmhouse. Homecooking that makes you think your grandmother is back there. I would then take them to Piedmont or Centennial Park because there is always a festival or something happening, even if it is not specifically advertised. I would then take them to Kat’s Cafe or Blind Willies for some great live music and dinner. Sunday morning we would worship at Word of Faith love Center in East Point. Then Rays on the River for late lunch. As you can tell I love to eat and listen to music. Most of these places also allow me to sit and watch people as they enjoy life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This journey has not been easy and is far from over. I have a lot of people to thank. These individuals have provided advice, support, encouragement, inspiration, and love. I truly thank God for my mom, my dad, his wife Sheila, and my sister. Thank you to my best friend Nathaniel Brown. Thank you Pastor Reginald Garmon, my minister of music Edward Wright, my sisters and brothers in Christ, Melinda and Jade Moore, Maria Parrish, Robin Jackson, Stephanie and Jacqui Valentine, Sheila Gilbert, Tabitha Manning, Robert Seaborn, Herschel Virgin, Tyray McCray and Erik Walton. Every day, these individuals motivate me, listen to me, and speak life into me, my son, my business, and my ministry. When I am tired, frustrated, or ready to throw in the towel, God uses these people to uplift and strengthen me. Words will never fully express my gratitude and love for them.