"Alignment Over Everything

It’s been a while—per usual.

Honestly, I’ve made peace with the fact that I’m not a scheduled blogger. I admire the people who can write weekly posts like clockwork, but I’ve found that when I wait until I want to write, I show up as my whole, honest self. Not curated. Not polished. Just me—with a few typos, a strong opinion, and probably a half-drunk cup espresso martini next to me.

So, hi. Here I am.

The last time I posted, I talked about reconnecting with my father’s sister. That little update caused quite a stir, but I’m happy to say that relationship has grown beautifully since then. Over the past year, my aunt and uncle have shown up for Malachi and me in ways I never saw coming.

Malachi started at a new school in D.C.—about 20 minutes from their home—and their door has been wide open ever since. He’s made their home his second home. He’s been there while sick, ditched campus dinners for home-cooked meals, even hosted friends for his birthday. The house I only visited once as a kid has become a safe, warm place for both of us. Life has a way of coming full circle, doesn’t it?

Restoration doesn’t always look like deep therapy sessions or dramatic breakthroughs. Sometimes it’s an open door.

A home-cooked meal.

A quiet where your presence is celebrated.

Before Malachi started school, we moved from Chesterfield to Henrico. I know it’s not quite “the city,” but for a girl who grew up in the woods of Cumberland, walking to the coffee shop feels like Brooklyn. I love being able to stroll to grab groceries, eat local, and move about without loading up the car like I’m headed cross-country. Small changes like that have brought me so much peace.

Not long after the move, I left the tax office and returned to what I know and love—teaching Pilates full time. That decision came with fear, let me tell you. But I needed that fear. It forced me to confront how far I’d drifted from the version of myself I want to be.

I only sat behind that desk for a year, but in that short time, my body started screaming. Thirty pounds crept on, my hip flexors tightened up like steel cables, and my lower back was constantly barking at me. I don’t think I’d ever given myself permission to acknowledge how damaging all that sitting was.

Here’s the thing we don’t talk about enough: sitting isn’t neutral. It pulls your pelvis out of alignment, weakens your core, shortens your hip flexors, and invites pain into the body like an unwanted house guest. What saved me? Pilates. Not because it’s trendy or cute or matches my leggings—but because it actually works.

Pilates reminded me how to feel my body again. How to strengthen what had gone weak. How to lengthen what had curled in on itself. How to breathe deeper and stand taller. Since February, I’ve been back in the studio full time, and I truly feel like myself again.

Oh—and speaking of standing taller. In November, I had a breast reduction.

Let me say this loud and clear: best. decision. ever.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but living in pain is not a personality trait. Carrying large breasts is not just an inconvenience—it can absolutely wreck your posture, limit your movement, and cause chronic back and neck pain. I’d spent years adjusting my workouts, my wardrobe, even the way I walked… just to accommodate a body that didn’t feel like mine anymore.

Since the surgery, I feel lighter. Freer. Stronger. Pilates has helped me reconnect to this new version of myself—one that moves without compensation, one that breathes without bracing.

Leaving that desk job didn’t just help my body—it rescued my mind. Working in the wrong environment will slowly drain you. You’ll start shrinking to fit in, silencing yourself, sacrificing your peace. I didn’t realize how much that office had taken from me until I left. That kind of misalignment affects everything: your mood, your sleep, your clarity, your joy.

And here’s where it gets exciting—for me and maybe for you, too!

After all the transitions, healing, and realignment, I’ve officially opened up my in-home Pilates studio and am now offering private one-on-one sessions. Yep. Just you and me, with focused attention, customized movement, and space to actually tune into your body.

This offering isn’t an afterthought. It’s a natural extension of my work—a way to go deeper. I love the energy, rhythm, and community of group classes (and I still teach them!), but I also know some bodies and seasons call for something more personal. I wanted to create a space where people could slow down, be fully seen, and move with care and precision. A space where we can tailor every breath, cue, and movement to you—your goals, your needs, your pace.

Private sessions allow us to get deep into the work—uninterrupted. We can slow down, break things down, build strength, and address what’s actually going on in your body. Whether you're recovering from injury, adjusting to life after a major change, or just need an intentional reset, private Pilates creates the space to do it your way.

Group classes are wonderful for energy, variety, and flow—but private sessions? That’s where the transformation gets personal.

So, if your body has been talking to you… if the back pain is louder, the stress is heavier, or your intuition is whispering that you need something different—I want you to know: my door is open. This space is for you.

Reach out. Ask a question. Book a session. You don’t have to commit to a full program or become a Pilates pro overnight. You just have to start.

So much has shifted over the past year. Some of it was chosen. Some of it was forced. But all of it moved me closer to myself. And I want to help you do the same.

I’m not writing this because I’ve figured it all out. I’m writing because I’m living it. And if you're in a season of shift or stuckness—body, mind, or spirit—this is your reminder: movement heals. Support matters. You’re allowed to begin again.

Until next time (whenever that may be), stay rooted, stay open, and breathe deep.

Jessica