This week sharing the full #shoutoutsaturday interview featuring one of our community members, Steve Barnhart. Steve has been practicing with us here at Ignite for a while now so we were happy to have the opportunity to get to know him a little better and share his story with you. Steve is a small business owner here in Dayton so we loved being able to catch up with him.
1. Where can we find you on your mat?
In the Ignite studio. Always. I will practice at home in a pinch, but it is difficult for me to hold outside thoughts and influences at bay. The studio is like a safe harbor for me to escape all the thoughts running through head on a constant basis. My practice (and the first 30 minutes after) are the most peaceful parts of my week.
2. What is a challenge that has really helped you to grow?
It’s cliched but leaving a comfortable corporate career which I had grown tired of to build a business from the ground up was the most difficult and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I’m always searching for new experiences in my personal life, and my professional life had grown stale. I needed to take that step to be fully responsible for something that I was truly passionate about.
3. Where do you feel most at home?
Near water. Preferably an ocean. There is something soothing about the constant rhythm of the waves. The smell of the salt air. The unique life living on the edge of another world. It’s where I feel most comfortable.
4. What is one thing you’ve learned on your mat at Ignite?
That it is never too late. I started practicing later in life – just a few years ago. At the time, there was a fear that it was “too late” for me. Too many years of not respecting my body. I felt things I used to do with ease were lost forever to time. I could not have been more wrong. While I can never be 20 again, I can be a MUCH better 50 than I was. Even now, I still continue to improve.
5. What’s been your greatest adventure?
Every day is an adventure. Never stop trying new things and don’t be afraid to fail. Some things you’ll learn you love. Somethings you’ll learn you don’t love. But you’ll always have the experience.
6. Where else are you lighting it up these days?
The bike. I always loved the freedom of cycling, and sadly got away from that as well. This summer has been about rediscovering the bike. Short trips I used to take in the car, I now take on a bike. I have a few different bikes that I ride. Proudly, I still own and ride the mountain bike I bought back in 1991. It has definitely put in some work over the last 30 years, and it makes me smile every time I take it out.
7. What is something you aspire to do in life?
Semi-retire. I’ve always worked incredibly hard; may at times a little too hard. I don’t think I’m capable of simply not working, but I’d like to shift the work/life balance more towards life. Maybe take vacations that are a few days longer. May even take a whole summer off. Someday.
8. Is there anything else about yourself you would like to share?
I’m not nearly as outgoing as people believe. It’s not that I’m not closed off to people; I’m just not naturally comfortable in social settings with new people. It take a little time for me to get to know you.
9. What is one thing you know to be true?
Life is short. Don’t spend it pretending to be something you’re not.
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