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Daniel LaBarbera

@dlabb

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listen within and know
yoga + meditation teacher
@threejewelsnyc @fyrayoga @reforesters.io

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October 11th marks National Coming Out Day in the United States and every single year, I reflect on my own coming out experience and find myself overwhelmed with an insurmountable amount of gratitude.

My coming out was not of my own accord. I was only a few months into year 17 and unfortunately was outed by a community of people who prided themselves on “unconditional love” and “loving thy neighbor”, yet left me ostracized, experiencing intense valleys of emotion ranging from isolation, loneliness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, sadness. I no longer felt special, and instead felt the weight of a judgmental and unforgiving world on my shoulders, a weight so unbearable that there were days that I no longer wished to be on this earth.

But through it all, I developed a deep sense of resilience and strength, promising and reassuring myself that if I continued to stay focused and determined, ignoring the overextended stares and oppressive gossip from those I now know to have been envious of my own superpowers, I would one day live a life so authentic, so freeing, so joyful, so fulfilling, that I’d look back at 17 year old Suede and those tumultuous high school years with a smile.

Today, I wake up every morning alongside the most empathetic and gentle human, being greeted by a derpy-ass dog (complimentary), live in one of the most magical cities in the world, and have the blessing, honor, and gift of laughing uncontrollably with a community of people baby Suede could have only dreamed of having in his corner (some depicted in this summer dumpiana and some not). The hate and bigotry once cast my way transformed into beauty and treasure.

Happy National Coming Out Day to the Suede in slide 20. At the time, life felt like it was ending, but baby, that was only the very beginning.

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…hot!

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Not to be dramatic but it really can be paradise, this Queer little island. Time stops and worries flee, finally giving you the space and freedom to rest, relax, release, reflect. The subtle twinkle in every islander’s eye, the sweet exchange of a Mona Lisa smile followed by a faintly whispered “hi 😌” as you and your girlies frolick in the most LGBTQ+ way down the boardwalk, passing some of the most beautiful people you’ve ever laid eyes on, wondering if you’ll be lucky enough to come across their gaze again. Freedom and liberation flow with such ease on this island; as do the belly laughs, vulnerabilities, and dirty little secrets shared with the community you hold most near and dear. I love you, Fire Island. Thank you for the bliss, beautiful beach days and for being the temporary escape from reality we all need every once in a while.

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Brought in year 33 by re-falling in love with the city I’ve called home now for nearly nine years, all through the eyes of my favorite person. I was reminded of how marvelous and majestic life can be when you live it so freely and with such genuine curiosity as an eleven year old. Of all the jobs I’ve had, being an uncle remains my favorite.

You’ve raised a creative, loving, imaginative, intelligent, charming young man with the brightest future ahead of him, @xoxo_ciaraaaa. You should feel like a superwoman, because that’s what you are (in the style of “Alien Superstar” 🐝🤪).

This weekend was one I’ll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you to my chosen family here in New York for showering Caysen and my sister in such immense love. From seeing @jheimbrock in Wicked and getting to go backstage; to the sweet little birthday party hosted for me by my sweets @donavon.chambers, @ced.law, and @frannypack93; to finally my life partner, my prince, my wedding date, my motivator, my healer @dlabb giggling and gaggling (and goo goo and Gaga-ing 👹 🍼) through the cityscapes and streets alongside my sister and nephew as if they were his own.

I have no real wish for this next year of life, as you all are my wishes and continue to make this Arkansan boy’s dreams come true.

May we all be so lucky.

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That’s right….the models on the FS8 TV screens are not AI. We are real people.

With all honesty it is such an honour and a privilege to be asked to be part of this incredible company and to be one of the faces on the TV’s. F45 and FS8 has been such a big part of my life and to be part of the growth and bigger picture is truly a dream come true for me.

Stay tuned because these next few phases of workouts and flows are going to be spicy (in all the best ways)

#fs8 #pilates #matpilates #reformerpi̇lates #community

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Day 3: The Recovery🍹🌈🩵

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Nothing heals like a trip home, an embrace similar to that of my new perfect-for-napping couch (shameless plug, hehe).
A warm hug, a gentle coddle, nurturing me after an anxiety-inducing yet surprisingly productive day. One of those days where resorting to a vice the most seamless portal to peace, to relaxation, to separation, to calm waters.

However, a vice once a bottle now deep reflections of gratitude and appreciation, ending my days holding close to me my infinity stones, my guardian angels, my first best friends.
Surrounded by family that celebrates, loves, supports, forgives, nurtures, and laughs like no other. As time passes way too quickly, I often think how lucky I am to have been born into a bloodline of unwavering resilience. Times may have been hard, but the laughing and the loving was even harder.

There is also NOTHING more astounding than watching your siblings raise kids and begin families of their own. I remain deeply in awe of my siblings. How sacred, beautiful, and challenging it can be to watch life through a child’s eyes, all the while knowing the light and dark this world will inevitably cast their way. My unequivocal cup of adoration and pride for my siblings runneth OVER, let me tell ya. Their selflessness and strength unmatched.

I love you all so much.

Home. 🖤🫂 🏠

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gemini szn seeds

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Some of my favorite things to do are 1) make the entire summer about me, 2) roast my friends, 3) roast some pork, and 4) post pictures I did not take.

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It’s the final week of our summer BINGO challenge! How close are you to getting BINGO?

Keep challenging yourself to try new classes, teachers and habits.

Can’t wait to see your wins 🏆

#hotyogachallenege #hotyoganyc

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@wrong.alanna brought her sweet pup, and we just couldn't get enough 🐾

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