At 13, a spinal surgeon told me scoliosis wouldn't ruin my life "unless you want to do bikini modelling."
His words stung, framing my condition as a disfigurement to hide. For years, I regretted refusing surgery.
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My scoliosis was discovered by a dance teacher who noticed uneven hips. Hospital visits confirmed thoracolumbar curvature, tilting my pelvis and making my right hip higher.
The cause remains unknown.
Under loose clothes, it's not obvious. But bikinis highlight the asymmetry: string bottoms slide off the straight side of my waist.
Each time I tied that bow, the surgeon's words echoed.
Finding Yoga as a Coping Strategy
A therapist suggested yoga for stress. I fell in love at first sun salutation.
The rhythmic movement soothed my nerves and proved more enjoyable than physiotherapy exercises.
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Yoga became my salvation through university, the pandemic, and a journalism career. I practiced anywhere—on a mat or hotel carpet—using YouTube.
It was a welcome remedy after long days.
In 2025, I took a break from journalism and qualified as a yoga instructor. Training emphasized consistent practice, revealing yoga as a lifelong ritual.
For the first time, I felt gratitude for my wonky spine.
My scoliosis became my motivator, my reason to get on the mat.
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Now a hot yoga instructor, I've even shared photos of my Lycra-clad body online—not quite bikini modelling, but close enough for me.
