Motivation Monday: Anna VanAgtmael
Oh, hello Anna! Meet the gorgeous boss babe who has literally done it all.
Scientist turned yoga instructor? That's just the beginning; Anna has always been a practical gal, and from a young age she had aspirations to go into medicine. Motivated and hardworking, she held a full-time job while also studying full-time at Michigan State University. After graduating, she earned a spot as a lab manager at a small biotech company in Grand Rapids and stayed there for the past six years. But then...
"I woke up and had the realization that I had everything that I thought I wanted but none of it was actually making me happy."
Three years ago, bored with the repetitive routine of her lab work, Anna made a commitment to practice yoga every day for a year. With a renewed focus on self-care, she felt everything shift. The truly life-changing moment came when Anna signed up for yoga instruction classes and realized she could help people through yoga and travel. She made a plan to quit her job and launch Wandering Roots, a place for self-care through yoga, travel, and retreats—a place to check out of work and in with yourself.
"I'm really passionate about yoga and travel; I feel the most connected to myself when I'm traveling and on my mat."
Anna's mission is to help remove the obstacles that prevent you from living your best life. Having spent so much of her adult life going through the motions of work without passion or drive, she wants to help others turn away from that monotony. Through Wandering Roots, she can provide the time and resources for people who are intimidated by travel to get away with ease.
What services does Wandering Roots offer?
Pop-Up Yoga: Hosted at Fight 2 Get Fit (Check here for current pop-up schedule and locations)
Private Yoga Classes for those who may be just beginning their yoga journey, who may not feel comfortable practicing yoga around others, or who just want one-on-one training.
Special Event Yoga: A tailored yoga event to highlight birthdays, fundraisers, corporate wellness, bachelorette parties, or any other occasion.
Are you motivated to travel but don't have the time to plan a getaway?
Are you dying to take a dream vacay but don't know where to start?
Are you looking to travel with a large group but struggling to find accommodations and activities to satisfy everyone?
Retreat activities are curated to provide a fun, engaging, and relaxing environment
All activities are suggested and absolutely nothing is required of you.
Choose your own adventure—whether you participate in everything or nothing.
"Most people take care of themselves last. The majority of us think it's selfish to spend time or money on ourselves. It's not."
Anna + Mod B
Anna talked herself out of scheduling a shoot with Elise for two years before pushing outside her comfort zone and going for it. During her first two years practicing yoga, Anna decided she would say "yes" to everything she wanted to do despite the fear.
"I felt so empowered by the shoot and when I got to see my images. It was one of the best gifts I've ever given myself!"
Upcoming Events:
Banff Retreat
Oct 7-11
This trip includes accommodations, yoga, meditation, hiking, hot springs, park admission, transportation to and from planned activities and Calgary International (YYC) airport, and most meals.
Body & Mind Workshop
Sep 23
Thirty minutes of WERQ followed by forty-five minutes of yoga and meditation. Stay for a goal setting workshop discussing how to successfully set attainable goals to finish 2018 strong.
Yoga @ Fight 2 Get Fit
Various Dates
Keep Up With Anna:
email: anna@yourwanderingroots.com
Wandering Roots / Facebook / Instagram
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