It’s been approximately one year since all this madness started. Crazy, huh?
What was going through your head a year ago? I know I was in a state of heightened anxiety, fear & confusion.
The last 12 months have pretty much been one big botched version of reality, comical in the most twisted of ways.
While I’m not one to dwell, I wanted to reflect on some specific experiences that I had during this past year, in the hopes that it will help ME move forward.
Like 40 million other adults in the US, I deal with depression & anxiety. I can usually “manage” it and live a pretty normal existence. But, this year, I discovered a deep-seated emptiness that I haven’t felt in a long time or to this extent.
I moved to LA right at the start of the pandemic, knowing less than a few people on an “acquaintance” level. There were some days I spoke to no one and saw no one. Add family drama to the mix, uncertainty concerning my family’s health, all while attempting to build out a very new business in the midst of a dark shadow of gloom that follows you everywhere.
It weighs down on you heavily. A lot of days, I felt burned out and broken down.
I know so many of us that are feeling the same way. I am curious to know what are some of the coping mechanisms you are using to feel “ok”. I don’t want to use the word, “happy” because it feels too insensitive, or even asking too much.
For me, I went back to what I know has helped me over and over again - movement. Yeah, it may sound like I’m brushing off mental health as something that can be “cured” with yoga. I get it. And no, exercise can’t cure depression, but it can help mitigate it. On the days that I managed to get out.
There is something to be said that my daily walks are what I came to look forward to. In the weeks where I felt totally empty, walking or moving is what made me feel alive & strong. It felt like I was taking one step towards conquering my debilitating anxiety.
Why am I sharing this? Because YELLA is first and foremost an extension of me and my experiences. It’s personal.
It goes back to why I started this brand. To share in the idea that movement positively changes lives. From there, the most natural step for me was to develop unique activewear made with best-in-class fabrics. Just as movement has been so instrumental in “saving” me in a way, it’s what I want to give to others--to feel freedom, belonging, and maybe even strength from movement. So it’s more than just an activewear brand for me.
I hope you’ll stick with me for another 12 months as I continue growing out this baby of a brand. It’s been a while, but I’m excited to bring present new pieces and new content.
What do you want to talk about? As we move forward, I would love to hear from you, and how movement has made an impact on your life.
Onwards & upwards.
Love,
Daniella