Chatty Get to Know Me
Whether you have been following my journey with LMP for a while or have recently joined our community, I wanted to introduce myself and give us a chance to catch up off the mat!
What drew you to become a pilates teacher?
I discovered Pilates while training at ballet school when I was 16. My time on my mat doing Pilates was such a peaceful and calm time compared to the rest of my training. Pilates not only kept my body injury free, supple and strong but it encouraged my mind to be more still. I trained to become a Pilates teacher when I was 20 and never looked back. When I started teaching, it became so clear how a mindful movement practice has such a positive effect on people’s lifestyles. It became my life’s work.
How do you hope people feel after taking a class with you?
Free in their mind and body. Aware of their body from a place of gratitude for what it can do. At peace in their mind from allowing themselves a few minutes/moments of self care.
What is your favourite season?
I love the in-betweens. The space between Spring and Summer and then the pocket between Summer and Autumn. I love seeing the trees bloom and the sun burst high in the sky; the first few people out and about braving shorts and sandals. Then I love the crunch of leaves under foot come October and the first time you put a cosy jumper on after months of summer heat.
Favourite food and drink?
We have to talk about the whole vibe here. So it’d be a huge sharing Paella with friends eaten alfresco after a summer's day…you’d still feel the warmth on your skin and see the freckles on friends noses. Someone would suggest a bottle of crisp dry rosé and the evening would flow into the early hours of morning. Then a homemade tiramisu would appear at some point and everyone would grab a spoon and eat it from the tray.
Do you have any daily rituals?
I write Morning Pages/journal over my first coffee of the day. It’s a ritual I’ve started this year and have really committed to. It’s like a brain dump before the day and feels like you are clearing out the junk as if clearing out your inbox of your mind. It enables me to have more perspective and focus for the day ahead. Sam, my husband, bought me a cute new notebook for my birthday so I’ve been using that and it feels really satisfying seeing it fill up. I’ve also found using a fountain pen makes it feel really special!
Is there something you are currently learning and/or unlearning?
Always reminding myself that movement, sleep, drinking water, getting outdoors, good nutrition with a touch of balance is all you need to feel good. The wellness industry, instagram, podcasts, the consumption of all this self help/improving yourself media can be overwhelming and complicated when actually it is really simple.
What brings you joy these days?
We co-sleep with my son Sebby and there’s this cute moment at around 9pm when I get into bed, he's been asleep for a few hours already and looks so peaceful. My bedside table lamp is low and I settle into bed next to him with my book and read for a while. It’s the best feeling.
Finish this sentence: ‘I am still a work in progress when it comes to __________ ‘
Overdoing it! I have to continue to lower my own expectations and continue to simplify my life. I can get carried away and over-excited about various projects, trips, celebrations, house stuff, work stuff and then realise I’m just one human being. I love how full my life can be but I also value space and time, especially now as a mum. Time is so important and I don’t want it to pass too quickly because I am too busy.
How would friends describe you?
Organised, goofy, hostess, a tad controlling at times! I would hope though they would describe me as a loyal and thoughtful friend. I value my friendships so so much and romanticise my friends a lot.
An affirmation have you been holding onto recently?
“Let go of the outcome.” We set our sights on the end goal too much. "I’ll be happy when…”, "I’ll feel better when…” - but the process or the journey should bring the joy! Having goals is great but trying not to hold on too much to the outcome enables you to feel less pressure. I hate pressure. Who likes pressure?
Finally, what is something you hope ‘future Lottie’ will achieve?
I had a moment a few days ago in our new home. I was in the landing area looking out the beautiful window at the trees, it was quiet apart from the birds and Lenny’s little feet tapping around downstairs. Sam was out on a walk with Sebby. The overwhelming feeling of gratitude and contentment for my life as it is made me stop and pause. I had to let it soak in. However…I do hope the ‘future Lottie’ will cook and bake more. I’m talking homemade cinnamon buns, homemade pasta, honeycomb on top of brie vibes! I need a good apron!