Meet Carmalita AF | Writer, Swim Instructor/Cycling Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmalita AF and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmalita, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have incorporated intentional periods of rest so there feels to be more balance in all aspects of my life. There are certain seasons where I have more flexibility and I use the time to lean into re-charging myself as way to prepare for busier or more social seasons. The intentional rest helps me focus on how best to take care of my mental and physical health. When I have taken care of myself, I know I can show up as the best version of me for however I interact with my community, wether socially, professionally or personally.

Prioritizing rest was a challenge in the beginning, as I was taught that stillness is a sign of laziness. Overtime, I’ve learned it’s quite a different thing. I find balance in focusing on my overall health and wellness. I have seasons where I am either leaning into work, or I am leaning into other aspects of my life. They often intersect, but I always make time for active rest, naps, or complete isolation in my home. This balance helps me live my favorite life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is an extension of myself. No matter what I’m doing, I like to make sure my heart is in it. Whether I’m teaching a swimming lesson, writing an essay or creating a playlist for a cycling class, it’s done with my heart-joy in mind. I lean into where I feel most fulfilled and how I can add to my community. I am most excited about my present “bohemian years” and the way I get to explore lifelong passions daily. I am in a really cool place where I get to make a living doing what I’m passionate about while working on my personal projects. I am really proud to have created a life where I can lean into things that feed me while feeding me.

I got to where I am today by asking for help from my elders and heeding advice that applied, leaning into my community, and continuing to try even when things feel downright helpless. I knew that I wanted to add a little more structure to my creative endeavors, so I invested in a life coach to help me develop a personal strategy to actively pursue my dreams. In addition to having weekly accountability and goal markers, the element of somatic coaching in my sessions helped me move toward my goals exponentially in a way that felt good to my body.

My path wasn’t exactly challenging but it wasn’t easy either. Throughout, I’ve leaned into mentors, therapists, self-regulation practices and sheer faith to overcome any obstacle or challenge. The biggest lesson I learned along the way, was to get really clear about what I wanted and the impact I’d like to have on my community. I know that if I keep that at my center, I will always succeed.

I’d like the world to know that I’m just a lil’ small-town girl from middle-of-no-where Ohio, and I’m living MY dream in Los Angeles, California. I have curated a life that I feel really proud of without any specific blueprint or example. I know that anything is possible for anyone, with the right kind of support and a lot of determination.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think some of the most fun, interesting and exciting people are found at intentional community gathering events. I
encourage folk to check out any event from LA Cuddle Club, Cuties LA and LA Black Queer Femmes. I’d encourage folks to look into anything they’re particularly interested in and see where there is community to be found there. There is ALWAYS an event happening in the city. They’d for sure have to visit Runyon Canyon, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Malibu beach and KBBQ in KTOWN. I live for Santee Alley in DTLA, it’s an experience. Also, The Last Bookstore is my absolute favorite place to meander about with an armful of few-dollar used books.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My entire community deserves a shoutout. Over the years, all my mentors and aunties and uncles and mothers and fathers and sisterfriends and homeboys are responsible for keeping me afloat when things have gotten rough. Anytime I’ve needed a pick-me-up or encouragement along the way, my people have been there for me with their love and support and babies and fur animals.

Specifically, I’d like to shout out my friend and Life Coach, Marisa Latham French with Latham French Consulting. As a life coach, Marisa has supported me and provided me with resources that have contributed to a beautiful customization of my life. I always wanted to live in a way that I could take care of myself AND relentlessly pursue my craft. With her support, guidance, soft heart and beautiful mind, Marisa has helped me exceedingly reach professional, personal and romantic goals over the last four years. Tools I have used from her coaching are braided into my daily life in a way that my mind and body feel calm and at ease as I navigate whatever life throws at me. I am so thankful for her hand in my story and I look forward to the amazing things we co-create together.

Website: https://Carmalitaaf.com

Instagram: @carmalitaaf

Youtube: Carmalitaaf

Image Credits
Feeld teeth photo by Alex Free