Smarty Mom: Kacy Pleasants

A year ago I walked into Y2 Yoga studio to take my first “hot” class. A bubbly, sparkly, funky soul walked into the room and started prepping to teach. She was so confident, so charming, so funny. She made a point of welcoming me to my first class at the studio and then proceeded to hand me my tail on a sweaty, pain filled platter.

Kacy Pleasants hasn’t changed a bit in the year that I’ve followed her yoga teaching. I’ve learned so much about her character and upbeat life. She has helped me grow in my practice and I consider her a blessing as my teacher and my friend. Kacy shines in a room and her children look up to her with fun loving joy. Kacy puts life into perspective and always makes a room seem brighter. She is so much of what I want to be.

Kacy always ends her class with this simple and lovely saying, “the light in me sees the light in each and everyone of you”. I can’t help but smile each time she speaks those words. What if we all saw the light in those around us?

Charlotte, meet our Smarty Mom of the Week, Kacy Pleasants.

Kacy Pleasants’ Smarty Mom Stats:

Mom to: Kadyn (10) & Brody (7)
Married to: Daniel for twelve years
Years lived in Charlotte: All my life! (35 years, except 4 in college at UNCW).

When did you decide you wanted to become a yoga instructor?

Yoga helped shaped me into the person I am today. After realizing the huge effect yoga had on my life, I wanted to share it with others. I wanted everyone to see how yoga can transform the way you view your body, your relationships, your spiritual growth, and your life!

Speaking of transformations, what has yoga brought to your life?

I used to be rigid and anxious all the time. Now, I feel so free, open and forgiving. I don’t sweat the small stuff (for example, when my husband gives my son a Mohawk before picture day).

A few years ago you were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. What is that and how does it interfere with your life?

UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. It was devastating when I was first diagnosed. I googled it, and immediately assumed I would be dead or without a colon within a year. I even told my husband to go ahead and leave me, so he wouldn’t have to worry with me anymore. Piece of advice, don’t GOOGLE stuff! After I got on medication, and changed my diet I went into remission. I have occasional flare ups now and then, but if I take my medication, eat well, and keep the stress away, I am good to go.

How is life different after your diagnosis?

Life is so short. So short. I want to live this time on earth being filled with joy. Not just happy. Joyful! I want to do things that fill my cup and make me feel alive and whole.

How did yoga help heal you?

I believe yoga put me into remission. Not just the physical practice, but connecting with my breath, and meditating. One meditation I did regularly was to imagine a huge yellow, healing ribbon circling around my low belly. I visualized this for years, and still do when I am experiencing a flare up.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as a yoga instructor?

I feel like I really reach people. This isn’t an accomplishment you can measure, like, having the most yogis in class, doing the most workshops, or winning an award. But, I am real, and I think people get that. I am not a yoga superstar. I don’t know everything about yoga and I don’t pretend to. I am in the middle of learning so much. I think my students enjoy learning from me because we learn together.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as a mom?

That they are still alive? Ha ha! Seriously, my kids are good kids. They are sweet, smart, and caring. They are both really starting to understand empathy and that is a huge thing for me.

How has your husband supported you through your ultimate decision to make yoga your job?

My husband has seen first hand how yoga has made me a better person… A more gentle, kinder mom, and a more understanding, thoughtful, forgiving wife. I was (and still am sometimes) really scared about the financial side of quitting my job. He is so reassuring that if I am following my heart, that we will be okay. He is my rock, and I feel so lucky to still be in love with my man!

What can yoga bring to busy moms who are super stressed?

Everyone needs yoga, especially busy moms. Taking that hour out of the day to yourself, just to be on the mat can be a game changer. You leave after a yoga practice feeling refreshed, energized, and open hearted. It is a Running joke in our house– if I am fussing at the kids about something— they all say, “mommy needs her yoga!”. So cute when they say it. Not so cute when my husband asks if I have been to yoga!

Do you provide private lessons so groups can learn together in a “no judgement” zone? Girls Night Out Yoga?

Yes! I do private lessons or group parties! I love teaching arm balances! They are so liberating!

When have you been most satisfied in your life? How did you achieve that feeling?

Right Now! I am so excited to finally take this big leap of faith! I am quitting my job as a PE teacher in CMS after 13 years. I am ready to be a full-time yoga teacher, blogger, hot wife, and awesome mom! Little things keep happening to make me realize this was not a mistake. God is winking at me!

What is the most important lesson you have learned since becoming a mommy?

Pick your battles! Wanna wear a tiara, bathing suit and rain boots to Target? Fine. Just brush your teeth before we go.

You recently made a huge career change. What made you take this “leap of faith”?

I took a baby step this year, by only working as a PE teacher part-time. It’s so hard to explain because I love the school, the students, and staff members. I felt very torn, but I knew in my heart, it just wasn’t where I needed to be. Over holiday break, I just decided I needed to follow my heart and be true to myself. A very scary step, but I am really excited!

SUV or mini-van?

SUV. Always and forever. I told my husband I will never drive a minivan and I am sticking to it. I know they are really awesome and stylish now, but I am sticking to my guns.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself teaching yoga and writing a successful blog with lots of readers! I like to think I will have a few new stamps on my passport by then, and no gray hair or wrinkles. I guess I will also be getting ready to send my daughter off to college! Yikes!

Favorite thing about living in Charlotte?

Close to my family and friends! And the restaurants!

Could not live without my…

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

To learn more about Kacy, please visit her new and fabulous blog, www.itsapleasantlife.com.