All or Something
Note from Jamie
I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.
All or Something
Yesterday, I attended a hot yoga class that turned into a beautiful reminder about growth, courage, and what it means to begin.
I happened to be situated just behind three male college students who had just returned home for the summer. Two of the boys were familiar with yoga and moved through class with relative ease. The third friend, however, looked like he had probably never done yoga before… and definitely never in a heated studio.
For context, hot yoga takes place in a room that’s around 96–98 degrees with full humidity. It’s intense even for seasoned yogis.
This young man struggled through nearly every pose except downward dog. He continually looked around the room trying to figure out what he was supposed to be doing. He was drenched in sweat, trying to catch his breath, visibly uncomfortable, confused, and exhausted.
And yet… he stayed.
The teacher gently offered extra cues. His friends gave him reassuring nods throughout class to make sure he was okay. Honestly, I think the entire room was quietly rooting for him. Not because he was doing the poses perfectly, but because we could all feel how hard he was trying.
At one point, he finally laid flat on his mat in complete exhaustion. I think we all silently breathed a sigh of relief for him. He rejoined the class during the final stretches as things began to slow down.
After class, I overheard the boys talking in the lobby. They laughed with the teacher and admitted they “forgot” to tell their friend it was a heated yoga class because they didn’t think he’d come if he knew.
His friends praised him for sticking it out.
And then, to my surprise, the struggling friend said something I deeply respected:
“I’ll be back.”
I loved that.
This boy struggled through the entire 60-minute class. He was the only one in the room who clearly didn’t know what he was doing. He poured sweat. He looked uncomfortable nearly the whole time.
And yet, he believed in himself enough to come back.
Yes, it was hard.
Yes, he struggled.
But he trusted that class two would feel a little better. That class three might feel even better than that.
That mindset is everything.
It reminded me so much of when I first started yoga over eight years ago. I knew I’d probably be the least technically skilled person in the room. I showed up anyway.
I learned to listen to my body.
I fell out of poses.
I tried again.
I got stronger.
Eventually, there came a day when I didn’t fall quite so much. A day when I attempted the “fancy” poses. A day when I actually landed them.
To me, yoga is such a metaphor for life.
We show up.
We fall.
We get back up.
We try again.
And over time, we grow stronger.
But growth almost always requires being willing to be bad at something first.
I’ve talked before about “GE thinking” — good enough. I’ve talked about how “done is better than perfect.” I’ve encouraged moving away from all-or-nothing thinking.
Recently, though, I heard something new that really resonated with me:
“All or something” thinking.
I love that idea.
We don’t need to do everything perfectly.
We don’t need to master it immediately.
We just have to give something.
A walk instead of a workout.
Five deep breaths instead of total overwhelm.
One healthy meal instead of giving up on the whole day.
One uncomfortable beginner class.
Something counts.
And over time, that something grows.
So here’s your reminder today:
May we all have the courage to show up and be bad at something.
May we be willing to look a little silly while learning.
May we trust ourselves enough to keep trying anyway.
Because that’s how we grow.
That’s how we get stronger.
And that’s where the magic begins.
xoxo,
Jamie
Inspiration
Nourish Pick of the Week
Whether you’re heading into hot yoga, stretching at home, or simply creating a mindful moment for yourself, our Yoga Mat Spray helps refresh both your mat and your mood.
Crafted with cleansing essential oils, it naturally freshens your mat while adding an uplifting, spa-like aroma to your practice.
It’s the perfect little ritual before or after class — especially after those extra sweaty sessions.
Recipe of the Week
Protein-Packed Chicken & Egg Salad
This Protein-Packed Chicken & Egg Salad is such a satisfying lunch! Loaded with protein, fresh veggies, healthy fats, and big flavor, it’s creamy, nourishing, and seriously delicious.
I loved it so much, I had it two days in a row.
Live well. Be kind.
Jamie
