I’m writing to you from my parents’ house outside NYC, where I had a relaxing weekend of hiking and just hanging out. It was like a mini calm in the eye of the storm! I got back from Chicago Friday morning and had a crazy day running around New York that day, trying to finish a million errands and fit in a bunch of meetings. Now I’m leaving for LA tomorrow morning…for an indefinite amount of time.
In so many ways, I am unbelievably grateful and excited! I am living my dream and my passion as a nutritionist. I get to teach others about my nutritional philosophy and being healthy from a holistic standpoint: how to get energy from within and the difference I see in others is incredibly rewarding. I get to work with amazing and fascinating people who do interesting and creative things in the world in film, music, etc.
But in order to really soar, I have had to cut ties and leave behind some things that I really love in New York. The first and hardest was giving up my group yoga classes, which I have been teaching for 4 years exactly this month. I love my students so much, and all these new opportunities came up so quickly I didn’t really have time to say goodbye. If any of my students are reading this, please realize that I went to Chicago for only a week, and then my clients and movie work really took off, and I couldn’t come home until now, a month later. I will always love you all and will come visit when I can! And I still get to teach clients privately.
Now some amazing opportunities have come up that are dreams come true for me out in LA. :) I am still going to keeping my apt in NY, and I am staying in a hotel the first week in LA, then looking for a place in LA for after that… I also had to give up my yoga classes that I love to take myself, some of which are from my very dear friends in NY and which I love very much. I am giving up seeing my friends, teaching Sunday School at my meditation center, visiting my favorite parks that are always playing live music… really my life as I know it now in New York.
It is not that I am moving to LA permanently, it may be just a few months, but there has been a major shift in my life where I have to cut out ties so that I can really soar. I can’t be attached in any way with any ongoing weekly commitments…so I can just move and fly around with my clients as needed all around the country and world! I’ll also be moving a lot when my book comes out early next year! It is sort of like how I felt like when I was backpacking… but now I am staying in one city for at least a few months at a time. This is why I can’t have a dog! And I love and am incredibly grateful that by the grace of God I can see and do so much, and I will live it up until the day that I decide to have children…which will maybe be in a few years. :)
I think as humans, and especially us women, it is really easy to get attached to people and things, even when we are yogis and conscious of the idea of attachment. I know I do! So tonight, on the eve of leaving for my next big adventure, I am feeling a bit jittery. I am excited, sad, nervous, thrilled, joyful, overwhelmed with gratefulness and sort of feel like I’m going to puke… all at the same time! I have to let go of everything, and trust that I am on the right path. It feels right, and I know that I am following my dream, and yes, standing in my truth.
Lots of love to all, and especially my beloved yoga students that I will always love and who will always be in my heart!
Love, Kimberly
hi kimberly,
just wanted to wish you well on your journey. where in la will u be living? i used to live in california in west la. it’s a great place and sounds like you’ll having even more amazing opportunities out there! you’re right about women having a tendency to get attached to things, but being open to life is something that i think you lose a little after youth, and relearn and rediscover as an adult. good luck! cant wait to hear about it and read your book! ive followed your blog for a while now, and i love how consistent your philosophy is. =)
Sat Nam
Oh my goodness Kimberly I’m almost in tears for you.
Sadness and joy. What an amazingly inspirational blog that was.
Thank you so much for sharing, and showing us what can really happen in our lives when we stop resisting and go with the flow of what the universe has in store for us.
I am truly grateful I found you on the internet and how you constantly inspire me. So much so that I’m off to do some yoga right now!
Hi Sarah,
Wow! Om Shanti!!! Thank you for this comment. It inspires ME. :)
Lots of love
A while back you said to not use Agave. What do you replace it with? Stevia? Raw honey?
Congrats Kimberly! I am so happy for you and even happier that I was able to catch you in NYC for a consultation. I felt like I learned a “semester’s worth” of information and look forward to purchasing your book early next year. That book will be gifted to many friends.!
All the best!
Lyssa
Hi Lyssa!
Great!! Thank you and I hope you are doing well my love!!
Hi Kimberly,
you probably don’t know me- (I’m best known for bringing Sunflower Sprouts to yoga class :) – I was fortunate to have come across your class shortly before you left for Chicago. I think you had a great way of presenting spirituality with movement and also………..
I wish you lots of luck and happiness and I’m quite sure you are making the right choice – stay well and enjoy life!
lenny
Dear Kimberly,
So excited for you and your new adventure! Remember, life is a series of chapters and you are starting a new one! All the very best wishes for a wonderful one!
Karen
Lemon Ladies Orchard
Thanks for your support, friendship and guidance over the past couple years. You are such a gem my dear. I am so happy for you!! XO
Hi Kimberly,
That is so exciting for you, congratulations! I definitely cannot wait for the book. I was wondering what your thoughts are on birth control pills? I have been taking them half my life and now that I am trying to cleanse, it seems unnatural to be adding hormones in my body. I am planning on speaking with my doctor about alternatives, but know I will receive a “Western medicine” answer. I would appreciate any advice you have. Congrats again and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and inspiring so many people!
This is such an inspirational post. Change is the hardest part of life. I know for me I sometimes choose to stay stagnant out of fear of “what’s on the otherside”. Thank you for always sharing your great advice, and I can’t wait util your book is released, I will definetly buy it, hopefully it’s sold in Canada!
Hi Kim,
Just read your blog entry. I am,
Happy for the opportunity you have to pursue what gives meaning to your life. I know it will be very rewarding for you!
Sad that I didn’t get to say good bye to you before you left.
And Thankful, most of all, for the wonderful, rewarding time I spent in your classes over the last years. Thank you for your kindness, playfulness, willingness to listen & help others, compassion, and most of all for living a life that follows what you teach, and for being a joyful example for us!
I will miss you, and I wish you the greatest happiness.
Love,
David
Good L
I LOVE this post. I can’t tell you how much your words resonate in me. Our journey that took us from the safe suburbia of Phoenix and all of our friends to now living in Dubai felt/feels alot like what you describe. Some days I miss our home, two dogs and wonderful, comfortable, easy suburban life. But there is no growth in comfort. Taking this leap has now made our dreams of travel for our family come true and has me on the path to finally writing my own book. I feel so excited for you and for what is ahead. It’s going to be a great ride. I can tell. Enjoy every second. xxo
thanks C!!! I really appreciate your words!
Hi Kim,
I was wondering if you could do a post about snack ideas/quick desserts that will be easy to digest.
I tend to get hungry after my green smoothie in the morning before lunch, and then in between lunch and dinner and sometimes after dinner.
Thanks!
-D
Hi Kimberly!
Thanks for the great post. All exercise is very useful, also your guidance so helpful.
Thank you so much for this post Kimberly. I’ve been working on not being attached to everything so I can soar as well. I’ve been putting off taking a group yoga class but this post has inspired me to go full steam ahead with it.
I really love your blog :)
Ms. Babe
Great Ms. Babe!! You go girl!!!
How exciting! I live in Los Angeles and really really love it here. It’s a big city but then there is Griffith park right in the middle where I love to go and explore. Will you be teaching classes in Los Angeles?
Hi Kimberly, I’m a new blog reader of yours, and I just have to say how much I enjoy reading your inspiring posts. I lived in NYC/Bklyn for 12 years and was transplanted to LA just a year ago, so I can relate to the fear and excitement of leaving such a beautiful and energetic place like NY for the seemingly strange and foreign ways of LA. The lack of sidewalk culture here has been especially hard to get used to. I used to spend whole weekends just strolling the streets of NY! But there is an abundance of beauty to be found here! I think I just got tired of being on constant lookout for reasons to dislike this place, and of course, that’s when I began to find reasons to actually love it!–the sunshine, farmers’ mkts, yoga community, outdoor movies…! I’m sure the beauty of LA will blossom for you quickly and easily. Please keep us posted on any book readings, yoga classes, nutrition courses, etc. that you do in LA. I would love to come by and support. Good luck & welcome to the City of Angels!
Hi Christina,
Thanks for writing me! I am writing to you from my hotel room, and I feel a bit displaced for the moment. But as I look out over the Hollywood hills and all the greenery…I think I love it here also. ;)
Lots of love!!
Book…..BOOK…..can’t wait. I heard a whisper about a video too?
Great news Kimberly! I’ve moved a lot in my life (even though this might not be forever) and I know what you mean about the emotions that come up–although I can’t imagine having it all happen so fast! I am so excited for you. You serve as a constant reminder to me that when you put good stuff and love into the world, you get repaid ten-fold.
Although I’ve made a book of sorts by printing out some of your ideas and recipes, you must know that I can not wait for your book next year!! Make it a million pages long so I’ll never get to the end!
I definitely know the feeling you are describing! I am wishing you all the best in L.A. Very exciting :)
Kimberly,
So very happy for you… what a lesson you leave your students with about being unattached to certainty and unafraid of change. Your presence in NYC will definitely be missed though I hope your journey brings you back, soon, to say “hello!”
-debra
Dear Kim,
I feel enormous gratitude that I stumbled into one of your yoga classes a few years ago at NYSC. Since then, I have learned so much, both in your classes and from your blog. You have given me such a solid foundation upon which to build. Thank you!!
Wishing you all the best in the future, and hoping our paths will one day cross again.
Stacey (and Dan)
Our paths will definitely cross Stacey!
And hopefully I’ll see you at one of my book events in New York. :)
Shanti
Hi Kimberly,
I’ve considered becoming raw for awhile, and I stumbled across your blog quite recently, and I just wanted to let you know that you’ve inspired me to actually take a step toward eating raw food (and just at the right time, since I will be moving into my college dorm this Wednesday, and away from all of my mom’s cooked food :D).
As you may know, it is currently the month of Ramadan on the Islamic calender; a time when muslims fast (from dawn to sunset) to purify themselves of the physical and spiritual poisons that have accumulated throughout the year. Unfortunately, many people undo this cleansing process when they choose to eat the wrong foods. I was wondering what foods you would suggest for the predawn meal (before 5:30 AM where I live) and what foods you’d suggest for after sunset that will help me maintain a high level of energy every day and also optimize the detoxification process during the fast. Your advice is greatly appreciated :D
P.S. good luck in LA! can’t wait to read your new book :)
I just loved this post; it really spoke to me as I’ve pretty much been in the same little town in MD since I was five, and am feeling the itch to bust out! I am definitely prone to letting myself get too attached to places and routines, because it makes me feel safe. Thanks for the inspiration :)
Hi Julia,
Thanks you. Yes explore, live and don’t be afraid love!!
YAY Kim!
I am so excited for you and your move! Ah I am feeling the urge for another one of my moves, change brings about so many awesome lessons.
You will adore Southern California, it was such a wonderful change for me as I am sure it will be for you. It is really easy to get used to the Pacific Ocean at your backdoor! I head back often and not sure how much longer I can stay away :).
Sending love & wishing you the best!
Be well, Christiane
HI Kim!
I am so glad for you since it seems that all these last month you have been getting ready for this moment…at least I was feeling in this way whenever you were away.
I am so thankful for getting to take so many classes with you, all of them were fantastic! Thank you very much! Also for sharing your blog and knowledge about food and health…now I love eating sprouts with avocado and other greens!
I know that I am going to see you again, maybe NY or LA or another place!
Please remember that you are loved, admired and respected!
XO,
Claudia
PS I just returned from Mexico and I bought for you a tiny art craft-turtle! Please send me your address and I will mail it to you =-)
Thank you Claudia!! I will be back to NY at least in the Spring…and I will see you then! Email me for my address. Thanks for the love and support!!
Love!
Your hard work and obedience has carried you into a place of God’s prosperity which has shown in your beauty and wisdom, but now is being reflected in your career. Be thankful and have faith that your path is being lit by our provider, who would never nudge you in the wrong direction. I hardly post, but do read your blog often. Keep the posts coming and best of luck in LA!
Thanks Patrick! I thank God every day!!
KIM! So excited for everything happening for you! I too am moving to LA, so if you end up teaching EVER out there, POST IT! :) :)
I’m so happy for you. Life is all about finding what you want in different stages of your life.
Good luck and I wish you all of the happiness in the world.
Hi Kimberly! I’ve been a loyal fan of your work since Day 1. I want to welcome you to Los Angeles – I’ve lived here all my life. We have a fab Hollywood Farmer’s Market, which I go to every Sunday to pick up fresh young coconuts – the ultimate thirst-quencher! There’s also some wonderful raw restaurants like Mooi in Echo Park, Cru in Silverlake, and Sunpower Natural Cafe in Studio City – for those rare times you don’t have time to cook. :) I’m also a writer for a notable magazine and would love to interview you. Feel free to email me if you have the time! Best, Natalie
Hi Natalie,
Thank you!! I actually ate at Cru last night and I liked it! Thank you for the warm welcome. :)
For an interview, which sounds great, you can email me at info@kimberlysnyder.net.
Hope to be in touch soon! xo Kimberly
Hi Kim,
I live in Chicago and meant to get in touch while you were here…time goes fast! We haven’t met, but I snag inspiration from your blog to stay fresh and eat raw. I’m a yoga instructor myself, but also an editor.
I see you have a book in the works. Congrats! I’d love to collaborate with you as an editor on your new project. If you’re open to it, let’s chat!
Sarah
Hey Sarah- thanks for your email!
My book is being published by a major publisher and I’ve been working with them since last year… and I actually got my copy edits back this week. I didn’t have a ghost writer or anything, but was just working with the editor at the publishing house, whom I loved.
Take care and come visit me again soon!
xo Kimberly
Wow! Congrats on your indefinite move to LA! I moved here about a year ago. It definitely takes some getting used to, but there are so many things to love about it when you can see through the craziness!
Ive been emailing to set up a consult with you. Would love to get something scheduled, even more so now that you’re in LA! Fun! xoxo
hey Kendra,
Thanks! I am totally booked at the moment, sorry! I am working morning until night, and weekends also.
Take care though and hope to see you on the blog again soon. xo
I actually started to tear up when I read this.
Im not even the emotional type so my channels and chakras must be wide open this morning. i just wanna hug you – You are such an inspiration lady. Best best best of luck and love to you on the move to LA. Sad I never got to practice with you at Dharma or get around to hiring you for a nutrition consultation.
I have been on the road and traveling with my clients a ton this summer as well and I have to give you props on staying consistent with your practice.
I have been letting asana and meditation and nutrition all fall to the wayside when Im at the summer houses and hotels. I don’t know how you do it but checking into the blog every now and again reminds me to stay clear.
Also – I really want to send one of my students to you. He lives in LA and just practices / trains with me when he is here in NY. I haven’t known anyone in LA that I felt comfortable reccomending to him until now. Message me and let me know if you might be able to fit it in.
Love and light.
Sarah P
Thanks Sarah!! For sharing and being so open. I am having a good adventure here so here. It is true that I can’t practice in the same way because of my crazy schedule, but I think that is part of life…and the yoga practice. If you come to LA I would take your class!!
Lots of love, Kimberly
Do you have a meditation center(s) that you recommend in NYC? Thank you for all that you do! Your blog and book have changed my life :)
Congrats on your journey! I enjoy your blog and book so i know there are better things to come as you carry on with your career!! Your philosophy is great and I’m always inspired and learning new things from it. Women are natural nurturers and we are always attaching ourselves to people, pets, things and places that sometimes leave us with a diff decision to further ourselves. Safe and happy journeys!!