Flashback to 3 years ago- I was anxious, sad, lonely and struggling to adjust to my move to Northern California. I left everything I was familiar with, my job, my friends and my family. I struggled to find my feet and where I belonged in this new place. I had trouble sleeping, focusing and my anxiety was a constant companion.

A year later, I began teaching some classes on Zoom. I immediately felt a sense of relief, happiness and companionship. Even when I was just starting out and learning how to navigate this platform, I knew I stumbled onto something special.

Then COVID hit and gyms and yoga studios temporarily closed. So many people were lost without their gyms/studios and many found their way to my Zoom classes. I was able to continue teaching for a local gym here on Zoom and developed a new home for them. I began “seeing” more friends and former students from all over. Some in California and some that had even moved out of the state. We bridged the social distancing gap by spending a lot of time after class talking, laughing and sometimes crying. This connection to one another helped all of us cope with stress of what was happening in the world. It gave all of a place to call home.

As COVID persisted, and the way we lived our lives seemed to change for good, my new Zoom community held strong and grew into something beautiful. The comfort and safety of being able to workout at home and still be able to connect to each other was simply magical. No matter where you lived, you could stay connected to this community.

Zoom class saved me.

I wasn’t lonely anymore. I felt like I belonged to something again. I finally found my feet and the struggle was gone.

My Zoom community saved me from the deep loneliness and sadness I felt when I left my So Cal community. I am so grateful that this group continues to grow and expand. We are always welcoming new students and showing them that these classes are more than a workout. It’s a lifestyle, a support system and a home.

So I thank you all for trusting this process and helping me to create this magical place.

Come on over to Toni’s Pad and be welcomed home.