Every month, I will introduce you to someone I’ve met along my spiritual path who has inspired me. Meet Nancy Candea. Nancy is a life coach and yoga therapist who helps women make peace with their past, find self-acceptance, and step wholeheartedly into their purpose. Nancy, who specializes in yoga therapy for trauma, addiction, and chronic pain, has led trainings and retreats in Greece, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, upcountry Hawaii, Detroit, and Newark.  She created 2017's social justice summit on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. She has brought her personal trainings to the Boulder Women's Shelter and to seven-figure households. Nancy’s articles have been featured in Elephant Journal and Purpose Fairy.

Tell us about your life's journey and what brought you to this place?

During the pandemic, I started focusing my work on the challenges of women in the second half of life. My work as a yoga therapist specializing in trauma, addiction, and chronic pain was a good foundation. I have worked with women my whole life as a dancer, choreographer, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and yoga therapist. I noticed that after midlife women were losing confidence. I saw that example in my own life.

I remember being so frightened of getting older. When I was forty-five, I was at a difficult crossroads. I was moving three thousand miles with my teenage girls after the end of my second marriage. I carried with me a host of unresolved hurts from an abusive childhood. And I had chronic inflammation in my back, signaling the end of a long and meaningful career as a dancer. Moving too quickly would set off painful muscle spasms. I thought that loss, regret, chronic pain, and arthritis would be my life. 

What lessons have you learned along the way?

That self-acceptance, reconciling with the past, and living boldly are how I plan to live the second half of life.

Where does your happiness come from?

There are people and places that make me happy for sure, but living in the present moment, at peace in my own head, is my key to happiness. 

What inspires you?

The suffering and the potential of humanity. 

Who inspires you?

The people that I get to meet when I work outside of my own demographic!

What gets you excited about life?

I suffered from depression for a lot of my life, even when I looked crazy productive to my friends and colleagues. I rarely feel depressed anymore. Just not waking up depressed is exciting!

Can you share a breakthrough with us?

I think that my breakthrough can be summed up in the cumulative effect of years of healthy living and mindfulness practices. My breakthrough was turning 60 and feeling fantastic, strong, and confident. 

What is your superpower?

Loving-kindness. It opens so many doors and heals by helping me to feel connected to others. 

How do you stay connected to your higher self and the universe?

Although I try to consistently pray and meditate, karma yoga or selfless service is my key. 

Is there anything you'd like to share with us?

I would love to share my freebie—-10 Infographics on Emotional Wellness!