Sarah Harry is clever, kind, generous and courageous. Which are just a few of the reasons I so thoroughly enjoy her company. As well as being a delight to be around, she’s one of those people who manages to keep lots of balls in the air. She’s the mum to two boys, a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, uni lecturer, author and retreat facilitator (amongst other things).
She recently wrote her first book, Fat Yoga, which has been hugely popular around Australia and it’s about to hit the stores in the US. She very kindly agreed to squeeze an interview with me into her busy schedule.
Update: Sadly, Sarah Harry passed away in March 2021 after a long illness. She was a devoted mother to Charlie and Max and a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She is greatly missed.
Can you tell us a little bit about your business?
I am the co-director of Body Positive Australia and the Director of Fat Yoga. I consider myself an incredibly fortunate person as there are so many facets to my work! I am a psychotherapist, I teach yoga, I lecture at university and I am an author and a Fat Activist. It’s a lot, but it’s a wonderful privilege.
What do you love about your working for yourself?
I love the freedom to manage my time myself. This morning I had a meeting online with a US colleague and I plan to go out to brunch at some point too. It means I get to drop off and pick up my kids and be there for them. It works for my family!
What’s one thing you would do differently if you had your time over?
I would actually go back to 18 year old me and tell her to take psychology subjects in her Arts Degree and not take the subjects about ‘Soap Opera Production’ (not even kidding! That was pretty indicative of my first degree!) That would have saved me time and money 10 years later when I found my calling as a therapist.
Who are your role models?
My role models are mostly yoga teachers like Judith Lasater and researchers like Brene Brown. I have also been inspired by Anna Guest-Jelley and I am pretty keen on neuroscience and the body through people like Bo Forbes (sorry about the geek factor!)
What’s been the best thing you’ve done to grow your business?
It’s always been identifying and overcoming risk and fear. Breathing through those obstacles are key for me. It doesn’t even have to be financial risk, it can simply be I am risking what I currently have to evolve into something different. I have really grown my business by putting myself and my body into the public eye in the last year. That was a risk and it was very scary, but it has been incredibly rewarding and grown my business enormously.
How did coaching help you?
I have prioritised coaching for a long time. I see it as part of my professional took kit and a fantastic investment. I have only had two coaches and both have been incredibly intuitive, smart and visionary women. Kate has helped me fine tune my vision and move into the next stage of my business and I truly value her considered opinion.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Ahh..the yoga mat! Restorative Yoga every time. And in terms of “places” the ocean, the Byron Hinterland and sorry to be a cliché but Bali (off the beaten track) I find inspires and renews me.
What are you reading?
“Shrill” by Lindy West. A cracking fat positive, feminist read!
What are you looking forward to?
Some down time with my family in June where we are coming from all over the world for a family wedding and 70th birthday to a luxe location in Noosa. Currently with the release of my first book, Fat Yoga I have only had a tentative grasp on my work life balance!
