For nearly two decades, JaTorra Commodore dedicated herself to teaching elementary students. Like so many educators, she found joy in her work, but over time, the pressures mounted. Anxiety crept in, and by her 18th year, she could feel the weight of stress affecting not just her mind but her physical health.
Then came a moment of truth—the undeniable feeling in the pit of her stomach that something had to change. But how do you walk away from a career that defines so much of your identity?
How do you step into the unknown when security feels like the only safe choice?
The Nudge Toward Change
JaTorra felt the whispers of possibility but wasn’t sure where they would lead. She tried shifting roles, hoping a different grade level might reignite her passion. But the stress didn’t lift. When the pandemic hit and teaching moved online, the pressure became unbearable. The feeling of uncertainty, combined with exhaustion, led her to take a leave of absence.
At first, she grappled with guilt. “Am I quitting? Am I letting my students down? Shouldn’t I be strong enough to handle this?” These thoughts weighed heavily on her. But alongside the fear, something new emerged—a sense of excitement. The realization that there could be something more.
The Power of Infinite Possibilities
During that year away, JaTorra explored different career options. Going back to studying felt overwhelming—both financially and in terms of time—so she asked herself: What skills do I already have? How can I use them in a way that fulfills me?
That’s when she found personal development teacher Mike Dooley’s Infinite Possibilities (IP) community. For the first time, she saw examples of people breaking free from limiting beliefs and chasing their dreams. She joined a course on rewriting her story and realized, I don’t have to follow the traditional path. I can create my own.
Surrounded by like-minded people, she felt empowered. This wasn’t just about career change; it was about changing the way she thought about herself and her future.
Redefining Teaching and Purpose
In May 2021, JaTorra became an Infinite Possibilities Certified Trainer. She also pursued certifications in meditation and yoga—not by returning to a formal classroom, but by seeking out knowledge that aligned with her new path. She realized that the very tools she was using to heal—mindfulness, meditation, and stress management—were the things she was meant to teach others.
She now works in schools in a completely new way. Instead of a traditional classroom, she leads before- and after-school wellness programs, helping children become “Wellness Warriors.” Through breathing exercises, stretching, and mindset work, she gives students the tools to manage stress and build resilience. She even started a Kindness Club with fifth graders, weaving Infinite Possibilities principles into their activities.
When people ask if she’s really left teaching, she smiles. “No,” she says, “I just found my own way of doing it.”
Lessons from JaTorra’s Journey
JaTorra’s transformation holds powerful lessons for anyone feeling stuck:
💡 Listen to the nudges. That discomfort you feel? It’s trying to tell you something. Pay attention to it.
💡 Fear and excitement often go hand in hand. The unknown is scary, but it also holds the greatest potential.
💡 Surround yourself with expanders. Find people who inspire you—who are already living the kind of life you dream of.
💡 Your skills are transferable. You don’t have to start from scratch. The things you’ve learned in one field can often be adapted into something new.
💡 Ease and flexibility matter. Life doesn’t have to be hard. The way you approach it makes all the difference.
What About You?
JaTorra’s journey is a reminder that our paths don’t have to be linear. There isn’t one way to fulfill our purpose. The key is trusting that something better is possible and taking small, courageous steps toward it.
So, what lights you up? What whispers of possibility are calling to you? Maybe it’s time to listen.
For more information:
Contact JaTorra directly here.
Watch the full interview with JaTorra here.
Contact us at Casabo Community here.
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