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“I Never Planned This… But It Changed Everything” – Chanelle’s YTT Journey

By September 23, 2025September 24th, 2025200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

I Never Planned This… But Yoga Teacher Training Changed Everything for Chanelle

Some of the most life-changing decisions are the ones we never planned for. Chanelle’s story is proof of that. When she first heard about the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Power Yoga Collective, she didn’t picture herself enrolling. She didn’t think it was part of her path. Yet something in her said yes — and that yes has completely transformed her life.

“I didn’t think teacher training was in my plans… but now I’m obsessed with what’s to come.”

Surprising Herself

For Chanelle, simply signing up was the first surprise. She had always loved practicing yoga, but becoming a teacher wasn’t on her radar. She figured yoga teacher training was for people who already knew they wanted to teach or who had a clear plan for their next steps. That wasn’t her. But curiosity tugged at her, and before she knew it, she was registered for the program.

Walking into the first session, she felt a mix of nerves and uncertainty. Would she belong? Would she be good enough? Would this really be worth it? These questions quickly faded as she met her peers and felt the support of the community around her. What started as hesitation began to shift into excitement.

More Than Yoga

Chanelle thought she might gain technical knowledge about yoga — anatomy, alignment, teaching techniques, maybe some philosophy. And while all of that was part of the training, what she received went far beyond anything she expected. The real gifts were personal: growth, reflection, and the deep connections she formed with others.

“The program brought me more than knowledge of yoga — it gave me growth, reflection, and deep community connection. These were the surprises I never saw coming, and the ones I now treasure most.”

As the days unfolded, Chanelle found herself diving into self-inquiry in ways she never had before. Questions that she had avoided or never thought to ask became guiding lights in her process. What do I really want? Who am I beneath the roles I play? How can I live more authentically? Each reflection peeled back a layer, and with every layer came more clarity.

The Power of Community

Perhaps the most profound part of the training was the community that formed. Chanelle describes being blown away by the connections she made — connections that came faster and deeper than she ever could have imagined. By the end of the first day, she already felt a sense of belonging.

She had walked in unsure and hesitant, but she walked out with lifelong friendships. The group supported each other through highs and lows, breakthroughs and breakdowns, laughter and tears. It was more than camaraderie; it was a community of people committed to growing together.

🎥 Watch Chanelle’s full story on YouTube

A Door Closing, Another Opening

As the training came to an end, Chanelle found herself reflecting on what she had gained. She described feeling relieved. Not in the sense of wanting it to be over, but in the sense of completion — of finishing one chapter and opening another. The experience gave her a clear sense that life was moving forward, and that she had everything she needed to step into her next chapter with confidence and excitement.

“It feels like one door is closing, but another door is opening — and it’s an opportunity to start something new.”

This metaphor perfectly captures the essence of transformation. One part of her life had run its course, and rather than clinging to what was, she was ready to embrace what’s next.

Lessons That Last

Chanelle’s experience highlights some of the most important truths about yoga teacher training:

  • You don’t have to plan for years or know exactly why you’re signing up.
  • It’s not just about learning yoga — it’s about learning yourself.
  • The community you find along the way is one of the greatest gifts.
  • Transformation often comes in unexpected forms — growth, healing, confidence, clarity.
  • The end of the program is really just the beginning of a new chapter.

Looking Ahead

Now, Chanelle feels energized and curious about what lies ahead. She says she’s “obsessed with what’s to come” — a testament to the new sense of excitement and possibility that the training unlocked for her. She knows she’ll carry the lessons of growth, reflection, and connection with her into everything she does, whether she chooses to teach yoga formally or simply embody the practices in her everyday life.

Why Chanelle Recommends It

When asked if she would recommend yoga teacher training to others, Chanelle doesn’t hesitate. For her, the program was not only transformative but essential — a catalyst for change and a safe container for growth. She believes that anyone who feels the pull, even faintly, owes it to themselves to say yes.

“It’s such an amazing experience. I’m so glad I surprised myself by doing it. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels curious, even if it wasn’t in their plans.”

Your Turn

Chanelle’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best journeys are the ones we never expect. You don’t have to have it all figured out to say yes. You don’t need a perfect plan. All you need is the courage to take the first step — and the openness to let yourself be surprised by what you find.

🌿 Ready to surprise yourself with what’s possible?
👉 Learn more about our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training here