Become the Person You Want to Be: \”I YAM Determined\”
In honor of Father’s Day and observing our June Mantra, “I YAM Determined,” we asked Tim Hopkin, one of our Yoga clients, to reflect on how determination has played a big part in his life. Born in England, Tim has made Henderson County his home for the past 23 years. Married with two sons, Nicolas and Russell, Tim says he is living the “American Dream.” He has created a life that brings him and others much happiness, and that’s because Tim is determined to work hard at everything he does.
Until asked to write for this blog, I had never thought much about determination. Well, not as it directly applies to my life, family, work and success. You read the quotes that highlight determination, see them in magazines, on billboards and in advertising. And WOW, they are great. If you have not seen them, Google “Quotes on determination,” and you’ll be inspired!
So anyway … am I determined? That would be a very big “YES.” I believe being determined has played a big role in my life. And I am sure it does in yours. Reflect back at what you have achieved and if there was a challenge or a struggle, your determination surely helped you get through it.
I believe that determination is the catalyst, an enhancement to those qualities that lead to success. Your determination is a quality you should be proud of. If you are determined to make a difference in your overall health, you have probably chosen Yoga and, if you are reading this, you are part of the crew that makes up the YAM family. You see, determination and being determined complements so many of the other qualities that lead us through our lives. Being determined in itself isn’t very useful. Determination, however, when coupled with drive, ambition and goal-setting is a very powerful combination.
Having practiced Yoga at home using videos, I decided to give YAM a try. Averee (I must admit) spurred me along too with a free pass. After one hot Yoga session, I decided I would dedicate myself to improving my body and mind through my Yoga practice. An annual pass was purchased and now I create lagoons of sweat on my mat at least three times a week.
Cycling is my passion and my Yoga practice has helped improve my hip flexibility. My pedaling stroke is smoother and more powerful now. It will be even more exciting to see how much of a difference it will make to my cyclo-cross racing come this fall.
Cyclo-cross is a winter time cycling discipline, one that I have been racing and involved with for 20 years. I guess my determination to make the North Carolina Cyclo-Cross Series fun and exciting has led to the series being recognized nationally. Success that has included promoting the UCI North Carolina Grand Prix (an international level race for 12 years) and most recently the USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships at the Biltmore Estate this past January. The success of these races has definitely been due to me being determined to make these events the very best.
My dedication to things I enjoy has been shared with my children. I YAM determined to continue to remain as healthy as possible through my Yoga practice. That, I believe, will lead to my continued ability to be a role model to my children, a supportive husband and a successful member of the community.
I am adventurous. I am competitive. I am disciplined. I am happy. I am determined to be all of these … I hope you can embrace the idea that “I YAM Determined” and make it the catalyst to make you the person you want to be.