My name is Ashlee Skow and I have been awarded four Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation grants in my lifetime and I truly believe they have helped saved my life. Because of CFLF I am a certified yoga instructor who teaches around my town and in the summer I am able to lead Paddle Board Yoga classes on Lake Tahoe. Cystic Fibrosis will never be easy but with these grants I was able to attend classes and yoga teacher trainings even if I was unable to work due to my health. Physical fitness is honestly one of the most important aspects of my health routine. I am turning 27 in less than a month and my lung functions are in the high 90s and I am so blessed. Finding your passion is so important because finding something that you enjoy that helps keep lung functions high is critical and with CFLF this is so much more possible for people like me.
It’s important to find what your passion is that will help keep your lungs healthy. This doesn’t have to be yoga, it can be weight lifting or boxing, maybe even Zumba! All that is important is that you are active and enjoying your time. Find something that sets your soul on fire that lets you truly shine the light that only you know exists. Cystic Fibrosis will try to dull that shine, every single step of the way it will fight you but it is your job to keep positive and fight for your life. When I practice yoga for a brief moment I am able to forget about my disease, I feel strong and in control of my life and am so proud of myself every single time I step on the mat. There are some days that I physically can’t practice but I’m always looking forward to the next day to enjoy the health I have.
Try a few different activities to find the one that resonates with you the most. Don’t be afraid to be new at something! Everyone starts somewhere and it’s important to remember that. Never ever be embarrassed that you might not be able to “keep up” with others. You are simply NOT anyone else and you are perfect. Maybe your lung functions are lower than others but at least you are trying and that is all that matters. I remember the first time I walked into a yoga studio, my goal was to become one of the regulars where I knew everyone’s name. I didn’t go with a friend, I signed up and went alone and slowly my goal became reality. Its super scary to be in a new setting but try to remember you are doing this for your health and your life, so rip that band aid off and just go!
Set yourself a goal that is manageable but also slightly difficult to reach. Start slow, maybe just set a goal that you want to work out three days a week and truly work hard for that. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you are moving! If you get sick and have to miss a couple weeks that’s okay! Just remember that starting over does not mean you failed, it just makes you stronger in the end. Cystic Fibrosis is complicated and cruel at times but don’t let it beat you into thinking you are not worth trying to be healthy. You are so strong, you are so beautiful and with CFLF you can have the chance to change your life. CFLF will not give you a longer life, but YOU will give yourself that gift by showing up for yourself every single day.
If you ever need a support system please know you can reach out to me. I know this struggle and the pain, but I also see how beautiful the word is because of this disease. The people are CFLF are also an amazing support team, they truly care and want to see you thrive. There is so much good in this world and all it takes to find it is to open your eyes. Life is so wonderful and there are so many gifts hidden in the darkness. Shine your light bright.
You are so whole. You are so perfect. You are so beautiful. Never ever doubt your own strength.
Help Others to Live Stronger and Longer!
Ashlee Skow is a 26 year old yoga teacher in Reno Nevada. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at six months old. Through her life Ashlee found an intense passion for yoga with the assistance of CFLF, they helped pay for two years worth of yoga classes and one yoga teacher training. Ashlee truly believes her health is from hard work and dedication to physical exercise. Ashlee can be reached at ashleeskowyoga.com
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