I like to imagine this blog as garden for you to wander among, taking bits and pieces from the concepts that resonate with you and your journey while sharing new ideas so that we can all grow together.
This is a community for people who have ever been intimidated by fitness influencers, felt they could not exercise because of pain, or have been made to believe they were less than because of unrealistic beauty standards. I’ve been there – and together I think it’s time we change the dialogue surrounding fitness and wellness culture so that it is more inclusive and holistic. As a physical therapist, I’m a movement and exercise specialist. As an empath, I want to help others feel empowered; I understand mind and body go hand in hand.
Maybe you have lived with pain for a while now or there are certain trendy Instagram exercises you just cannot do because it hurts. Perhaps you have been labeled a certain way that stung at the time and continues to stick with you. I want you to know you are not alone and it is not your fault we live in a world that idolizes perfection. Be Free to Bloom is your handbook to learn about all the ways your thoughts, body image, pain, and wellness are all connected.
We would love to have you join us on this adventure of self-love that starts with us and has the power to change the world. Let’s educate ourselves, friends, families, strangers so that generations to come do not feel burdened by the same stereotypes and labels we have faced.
My name is Alaina and it’s so nice to meet you!
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Yoga Teacher with a passion for holistic healing. I believe how we move and fuel our bodies physically and mentally matters more than we often consider. Helping others find ways to implement small changes that bring great happiness is something near and dear to my heart.
This passion for empowering others to love themselves stems from spending years of my life thinking, “I’ll be happy when I reach my goal weight,” or “I can’t lift weights because my neck hurts and it will never get better.” It was a constant cycle of self-doubt, jealousy, and living life through the lens of my insecurities.
Years of trial and error have taught me to be patient with myself and embrace who I am. There is so much freedom in being honest with yourself and brave enough to explore something outside of your routine to foster growth. Your feelings are valid, and they impact your wellness.
Aside from soul searching, you’ll likely find me writing poetry, hiking, picking dandelions, and traveling as much as I can for work and for fun. I am very much so still learning and bettering myself so that I can give back to this world, but I hear life is a journey not a destination – and I think that’s beautiful.