By Nelda Rodillo | Author & Creator of Vintage Vitality™
Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we plan — and that’s okay.
Before I started offering Tai Chi classes in my town, I was searching for a space to share mindful movement. I thought I had found the perfect place, and the owner seemed excited to explore the idea. When it didn’t work out, I was disappointed — but that challenge pushed me to find another way, and it led to opportunities I hadn’t imagined.
I approached another space about a 40-minute drive from my town and taught Tai Chi there for two full 5-week programs. While it was a bit of a journey, it was worth it — and eventually, I found opportunities closer to home, so I no longer had to travel so far to share classes.
I also rented a space for a day and taught both yoga and Tai Chi classes. To my delight, people came. It started small — just a handful of students — but soon, the Seniors’ Centre for Excellence recognized the opportunity to offer Tai Chi to their members, and a partnership began. My classes grew from six people to 15, then 25, and eventually 30 — so I had to split them into groups.
I began offering classes outside this collaboration, and people continued to come. Couples attended multiple classes, friendships were formed, and a supportive community started to take shape. Over time, I offered classes in nearby towns: Palmerston, Mount Forest, Arthur, and Harriston. And now, I even have offers to use spaces outside my town!
That early setback taught me an important lesson: when one door closes, another opens. Persistence, creativity, and heart can lead to far greater opportunities than we imagine.
Even during my winter pause, I’ve been thrilled to continue receiving inquiries about my classes. I’m looking forward to my vacation to my roots, and when I return, I will continue to share this beautiful practice with my students and community.
Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey — your curiosity, enthusiasm, and support make it all possible.
Small towns grow wellness in quiet, unexpected ways — one open door, one shared breath, one gathering at a time.
If you’re seeking small, steady ways to stay active and mindful, explore gentle Tai Chi practices that bring ease and connection into daily life in Small Town Movement.
Nelda Rodillo is a Certified Instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (YTT-200). She is the founder of Vintage Vitality™, a philosophy and practice dedicated to helping adults 50+ move mindfully, age gracefully, and live with strength, creativity, and purpose. Through her work in long-term care and community programs, Nelda inspires individuals to embrace movement, mindfulness, and joyful connection at every stage of life.
She believes that movement, breath, and creativity can help us age with dignity, strength, and quiet joy.
Ready to join a class? Click here to find Daily Movement with Nelda on Google Maps and explore our gentle Tai Chi sessions in the Town of Minto. Move with community, confidence, and quiet joy.
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