Theodora : Inspiring Wellness Through Instagram Insights

This week, I want to introduce you to someone whose creative work on Instagram has truly caught my attention: Theodora. Based in Maryland, USA, she's a yoga and Pilates teacher whom I've known since our early childhood days in South Africa. From our earliest interactions, I've always admired Theodora's determination and her willingness to put herself out there. Today, that same spirit manifests as she consistently shares her ideas, habits, and lifestyle on Instagram. What's truly inspiring is her approach, rooted in an abundance mindset.

Let me share Theodora's own words about her journey:

I live in Bethesda, Maryland and I grew up in South Africa snd I have also lived in Athens for a few years as a child and as an adult. Most people that meet me think Im only Greek but my mom is Portuguese South African. I love that I come from two beautiful countries and cultures with rich histories and amazing food.    

I wouldn’t call myself a creative but rather that I have a little bit of creativity in me. I’ve always loved drawing, painting and art. By no means am I great at it but I don’t think that was ever a requirement to loving art and doing creative work. You don’t have to be the greatest you just have to love what you do and enjoy the process.  

My creative outlet is designing my yoga classes to flow in unison with my clients needs. Often times, I have a class prepared but I will ditch the plan and flow on the go with the clients energy in the moment. You can literally feel the synergy, its art and its energy tranfered. I even feel the transference of energy online in my online classes not just my in person to person sessions. Yoga speaks to me in such a creative way, it’s art in movement. There are many classes that I walk out of feeling like my students teach me.  I’m here to just hold that creative space for them and I love that.   Social media is like a micro blog for me, an outlet to motivate myself and others to live a healthier more present life. I don’t take it very seriously anymore. I have a lot of more fun with it. Initially I was shy and really apprehensive but honestly now I just feel like I am sharing tips with a few friends. Showing people ways to have a better quality of life is something I’m super passionate about. I just love sharing and inspiring people.  

Theodora getting herself out there

On drawing a line between my real life and my life on Instagram, I don’t actually draw any real lines in my life, as a rule. Life isn’t linear at all in my opnion. I do create boundaries though. My boundary on social media is my personal life. I rarely share my kids - if I do I always ask them. Everything else that I share is just basicaly an extension of what I do every day to stay happy and healthy. I think that’s the main line I draw.   My Instagram micro community is the best! I love them. The people in it are interactive they engage and they send me messages on lifestyle changes they make all the time. It makes me so happy. My page functions as a storefront for me as a yoga and Pilates teacher. I’ve had leads come through for classes here and teaching opportunities. Not really through marketing or selling but rather people watch, they follow, they ask questions and then they become clients. I think Instagram is what you make it, if you’re authentic, engaging and you have fun doing it, it shows. Who cares about the metrics just have fun sharing what you love.  

I’m big on mindset. Here’s the thing, if Instagram is messing with your mindset get off it. Find another platform.   If you really want to be on it, choose to go beyond your discomfort and shyness and share what you are called to share. Don’t compare yourself, just shift your mindset from I’m talking to thousands to I’m talking to my friend and showing them what I do. Your mindset is everything, protect it just like your energy.   My content  is functional for my follower’s life. Things they can do today to feel better.  

Things I share on my instagram are :  

1. Products I use that I trust.  

2. I share Snacks and new health foods I like.

3. I show up in my stories and share wellness tips.  

4. I often talk about being present and mindful  

5. I like to post inspiring quotes and daily reminders  

6. Wellness and health coaching tips.  

Theodora’s tips on using instagram :

• Be authentic

• Have fun sharing what you love

• Don’t worry about the metrics

• Talk as though you’re talking to a friend and show them what you do.

You can connect with me on instagram @wellnesswiththeodora