Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Magnoli.
Lydia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I can always remember wanting to dance.
My soul craved movement and music at a very early age.
I was born into a large family (I am 1 of 7 children) and being number 5 left me in a position to be overlooked.
I found refuge and great pleasure in dance. I was not formally trained because my large family had other financial needs and so I learned an important lesson in my youth.
If your soul is calling you to do something- follow that calling.
Even if there is no teacher available. Or a class to attend. Move with your flow.
And so I did- I would come home from school and immediately go in the basement or outside (New York weather permitting) insert my favorite Paula Abdul or New Kids on the Block cassette and press PLAY.
I felt pure joy when I danced and I didn’t know it at the time- but it was my release from the stresses of growing up in a chaotic and unstable environment.
As I grew older, I wrestled with demons of darkness, depression, and despair.
I began experimenting with alternative methods of relieving that stress and emotional pain.
Unfortunately, they were all maladaptive and led to deeper suffering.
By the time I was 16 years old, I was a full-blown alcoholic with a serious eating disorder and Major Depression Episode that required inpatient hospitalization in order to stabilize my condition.
This was the first of a few hospitalizations and suicide attempts.
My mental health was a mess for most of my late adolescence and early 20’s.
It was not until 2004, at the age of 24, that I began my journey into sobriety. I had finally reached that point of surrender and began asking for help AND accepting the help offered to me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Sobriety is a life long journey that has plot twists and turns.
I have had stretches of suffering (sometimes self-created and other times just by living life on life’s terms)
and moments of sheer gratitude that bring tears to my eyes.
I have learned many incredible life lessons that allow me to view challenges through the lense of optimism and see most “inconveniences” as an opportunity to grow spiritually.
This is a complete transformation from the “victim” mindset I identified with for the first part of my life.
Approaching struggles in this fashion allows me to continue to grow through the circumstances that challenge me instead of being crushed by them.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with T-BARRE – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I was a School Psychologist for almost a decade. I have always been passionate about teaching others how to live a life of wellness in all realms- physical, emotional and psychological. I specialized in providing mental health support for children within the school setting.
My training has given me tools that I can utilize in my current career which is still rooted in overall wellness.
Movement to me is medicine and nurturing our physical state can ultimately lead to an improved sense of well being.
My brand of fitness (Barre in particular) utilizes the concept of mental toughness. Uplifting, motivational and inspiring phrases are woven into my classes and/or videos. I believe deeply that we need to train both our bodies and our minds in order to achieve wellness.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I absolutely love living in Atlanta!
I grew up in NY so it is definitely a different vibe than the Northeast but has its own wonderful flavor of kindness, warmth and positive energy.
Hmmm. What do I like least? I would say “traffic” but as an optimist who likes to capitalize on any perceived “inconvenience” – I take the time that I am stuck in a traffic jam to listen to new music for playlists and/or catch up with friends.
Life is ALL about perception. You can view something as an “inconvenience” or an “opportunity”.
Your choice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydia.magnoli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaMagnoli724
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Oqg5y5LBLLjpLZpmUt2qA
Image Credit:
Ellen Nicoll
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