When the Wobbles Come

A Heartfelt Note to Kids Yoga Teachers

Hi lovely yoga teacher, this post is a little different.

Today, I’m not sharing a teaching tip or a workshop idea. I’m sharing something more personal. Something a bit vulnerable. A recent wobble in my business.
You might be wondering, “Why is Julia – someone who supports other people’s businesses – talking about her own business wobble?”

Well, one of my core values is honesty. I never want to present a version of myself that isn’t true. And in this world of shiny social media squares, it’s so easy to look like we’ve got it all together – like we’re the expert, the one who always knows what they’re doing.

But the truth is, we all have wobbles. And I think it’s important to normalise them.

The Wobble
So, what happened?
Most of my work is in schools, usually during curriculum time – PE lessons, Sports Week, Mental Health Week, all those special bits of the timetable. It’s what I love, and it’s where I feel most aligned thanks to my background as a teacher and school leader.

A lot of the schools I work with use the Primary PE and Sport Premium funding to pay for my sessions. But this year, that funding wasn’t announced until mid-June. Normally it’s released much earlier – a few years ago it was announced in March, along with confirmation it would continue for three years. So this delay brought a lot of uncertainty.

As the weeks ticked by and the announcement still didn’t come, the anxiety started to creep in.

Thoughts like:

• What if the funding is cut altogether?
• What if schools can’t afford to bring me in?
• What if I’ve made a huge mistake leaving teaching to start my own business?
  
  

I started doubting myself. I started questioning everything. I even found myself searching for part-time (and full-time!) jobs, wondering whether I’d need to pack it all in and go back to something more stable.

The Spiral
It was a bit of a spiral, if I’m honest. I felt afraid and uncertain. I looked at my finances and panicked. I felt like I’d let myself – and my family – down. I even caught myself thinking things like:

“Why don’t I just get a normal job?”
“If I had a normal job, I wouldn’t be so reliant on funding.”
“Why did I think this would work?”

I was having a proper wobble.

The Realisation
And yet… as I looked through the job listings, I realised something important.
I could do many of these jobs on paper – I’ve got over 20 years’ experience in education, I hold a Master’s in Mental Health and Well-Being in Education, and I’m knowledgeable and capable.

But my heart wasn’t in any of them.

Why? Because I only want to teach what I truly believe in. And that’s well-being. That’s yoga. That’s breathing, movement, emotional literacy, regulation. The things that actually make a difference to children’s lives.

And I created my business to work around my family’s needs. We’re a neurodivergent household – though I didn’t know that when I first started out! Now I do, and it makes complete sense. After-school clubs, late finishes… they don’t work for us.

My business has allowed me to be present – to be there when my children get home from school. To have the flexibility that supports both them and me.

I realised that going back to a traditional job – at least for now – isn’t right for our family. And honestly? It’s not right for me either.

So What Now?
Well… good news! The Sports Premium funding was announced – just after my wobble reached its peak.

So, I’ve got another year to continue this work that I love. And this experience has taught me something valuable: I need to make my business more sustainable. Less dependent on one pot of funding. More diversified. More stable – not just financially, but emotionally too.

I’m now exploring ways to strengthen my offerings, bring back some of the classes and workshops I paused, and create more long-term plans.

Why Am I Sharing This?
Not so you’ll think I’m unorganised or unprofessional. Quite the opposite.
I’m sharing it because this is real. These feelings – fear, uncertainty, doubt – they’re part of running a business. Especially one that’s purpose-led, heart-led, and often held up by just one or two people doing all the things.

If you’ve ever had a wobble – about funding, about bookings, about your confidence, your teaching, or just your ability to keep going – you’re not alone.
It’s all very human.

You’re Not Alone
If you’ve had a wobble recently – or you’re in one right now – I see you. I am you. Please don’t sit with it on your own.

Come and join my free group for yoga teachers working in schools – it's called School Yoga Teachers. It’s a friendly, supportive space where we share ideas, encouragement, and the occasional wobble too.

Or if you'd rather speak privately, you’re very welcome to email me. I might be able to suggest some free resources, make you a little video, or offer more direct support if that’s something you’d find helpful.

I don’t have all the answers. I wish I did. But I do have experience. And I know how important it is to have people around you who get it.

This was a big, honest share. If it helped you in any way, I’d love to know. And if it made you feel seen or less alone – then it was worth every word.

With warmth and solidarity,
Julia x

No idea who I am?
I’m Julia Hankins, Children’s Well-Being Consultant and founder of Well-Being Adventurers. I spend most of my time in schools, delivering workshops and training sessions, and also mentoring other children’s yoga teachers to support them in doing the same. Reach out and get in touch- I love hearing from other kids yoga teachers [email protected]