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“The doctor diagnosed her with an anxiety disorder. She’s been taking medication, but it doesn’t always seem to help.”

“Perhaps there are other avenues to explore. Have you ever considered something like yoga or meditation?”

“Yoga?”

“Yes,” Ms. Cole confirmed, reaching into her pocket. “I know a wonderful yoga instructor who specializes in helping people, especially young ones, manage stress. Here’s her card.”

She handed the card to Mrs. Nguyen. “It might be worth a try.”

“Thank you.” Mrs. Nguyen glanced at Jamie. A seed of hope had been planted. Maybe, this yoga thing could be the key to unlocking a future where Jamie wouldn’t be a prisoner of her own anxieties. She thought.

Present Day…

“That day was a turning point, thanks to Ms. Cole’s suggestion. And ever since, yoga has been a constant companion on my journey. I became a certified yoga instructor, driven by the desire to share this gift with others who were once like me.”

Her gaze swept over the room, connecting with each participant. “Many of you here tonight might be struggling with similar challenges—feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply out of touch with yourselves. But I want you to know this: you are not alone. And through the practice of mindfulness and yoga, you can learn to manage stress and cultivate inner peace.”

The room erupted in warm applause, and she smiled, genuinely touched by the response.

“So, let’s begin. We’ll start with some simple breathing exercises, focusing on grounding ourselves in the present moment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose, filling your belly with air. Hold it for a count of three, and then slowly exhale, releasing any tension you might be carrying.”

The session ended and the workshop participants began to filter out. Jamie, stationed near the makeshift stage, greeted each person with a warm smile and a sincere, “Thank you for coming.”

A couple caught her eye. Two men, probably in their late thirties, walked towards her, their hands clasped together. The taller man, with a neatly trimmed beard and warm brown eyes, spoke first.

“Hi, I’m Danny and this is my husband, Charles. I must say, that was incredible. We haven’t felt this relaxed in ages.”

Jamie smiled. This were exactly the kind of feedback she lived for. “I’m so glad to hear it, gentlemen.”

Danny chuckled good-naturedly. “We might just have to become regulars at your workshops.”

“That would be lovely. Do you mind sharing what’s been stressing you?”

“Actually, it’s wedding season. We officiate a lot of ceremonies this time of year, and the joy can be a bit… overwhelming sometimes,” Charles, the shorter man with a kind smile and a touch of gray at his temples, said.

Jamie nodded in understanding. “Weddings are supposed to be happy occasions but planning them can definitely take a toll.”

Danny agreed, pulling a business card from his pocket. “By the way, we own a small coffee shop downtown—The Daily Grind. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, come on by for a free coffee. Consider it a thank you for the amazing workshop.”

She accepted the card. “Thank you, that’s very kind of you.”

“You mentioned you’re a certified yoga instructor, right?” Charles asked.

“Yes, I am. I offer private classes and group sessions at a few studios in the city.”

“Maybe that’s something we should look into, honey. A little couples’ yoga retreat?” He nudged Danny.

“Well,” she offered, handing them a business card with a warm smile. “If you’re ever interested, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you again, Jamie. You’ve truly inspired us,” Danny said, accepting the card.

“We’ll definitely be in touch,” Charles added.

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JESS

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead!” Mango, Jess Thompson’s resident scarlet macaw, flew out of his stand in the living room into the bedroom, squawking and ruffling his crimson feathers.