My name is Sunina Young. I am a Health Lifestyle Blogger + YouTuber, Yoga + SLT Pilates Megaformer Instructor, and Model in New York City. I believe in the luxury of higher thoughts, movement, and self-care for the mind, body, beauty.

Dear Sleeping Beauty,

You are beautiful. You always have been.

Get ready for the change you’ve been searching for. You are about to embark on a huge shift in your internal world.

9 to 6 agency girl, you've got your Bachelors in Fashion Marketing and your Masters in Communications. You did everything by the book like mama said you should, and you look amazing on paper. Woo! Girl, that resume is on fire. No, but literally, put it in the fire - burn it. You don't need it for the journey you're about to start. You are about to switch it up and find a fresh new career path that is aligned with your higher ideals.

The truth within you will not allow you to settle for less.

Since you were little there was always something inside of you that said there is more. Even as a 9-year-old dancer you wondered how you, shy little girl, ended up on stage in dance recitals for years to come. You loved dancing! The fire within you is real. This was only a peek into your blossoming.

You've got that high fashion agency job. Every morning you balance your way through the cobblestones of the Meatpacking district in your high heel Giuseppe's and your grande green tea latte, straight to your destination for the day - ahhh, the glass desk. All day, everyday, with the anxiety and impatience for 3 years because you know this isn’t it. The modeling that you do on the side, the beauty events you host on the weekends, the blogging that you do (on your iPhone during lunch breaks), the sporadic entrepreneurial experiments are a positive expression of all the negative anxiety you are feeling. I know you feel like you're running around mindlessly - well, you kind of are. But it will all connect and make sense soon, keep going. You need all of this experience to bring you to the next steps. Remember it is about the connection you create with yourself throughout your journey, not so much about the destination. You will realize that the destination is actually not at all what it’s hyped up to be. Yes, you will appreciate it and be grateful for reaching goals. But they are not as meaningful as all of the moments that you worked and wished to get closer to the goal.

In person, you look so put together all of the time.. You're always ready for a photo. Always with a full facade of hair and makeup, like it’s your armor for approval. Isn’t this incredibly tiring? Your effort shows, and yes - you look great. But baby girl, how do you feel inside? Do you even feel good? Or have you covered up your insecurities with concealer & lash extensions, gotten into the highest heels possible so no one can see you at your most vulnerable state?

You will go through a few ‘rock bottom’ obstacles, no details because you have to go through it to learn it. Trust that you will get through it with grace. Trust that all of the cloudiness that you feel will one day be clear. All the dots will connect. You are on your way.

Protect your dreams, but share them when moments are right with the right people that have open ears:) Don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do something because they are only expressing their own limitations, not yours. But then again, listen. Listen to those people because that will actually be your fuel for that fire in you:)

True beauty isn’t about what you are wearing, or how big your hair is. It is about loving yourself full-heartedly. You will figure this out soon enough but first, by breaking into a little bit of sweat ;). Keep going. Keep your heart humble.

I’m not going to say that I’ve arrived, because the journey continues. But, I will say that I am now awake.

Love Light Gratitude,

Sunina Young

Sunina and I met 5 years ago when I first moved to NYC. She's as sweet as sugar and her dedication to yoga / fitness is humbling and inspiring. She truly embodies her mantra of 'love and light' but don't be fooled - she will whip your butt into gear! Highly recommend taking her SLT class - just looking at her physique will motivate you.