For about four years now, I’ve been an avid follower of Rachel Brathen, known as @yoga_girl on Instagram. I’ve followed along on her trips around the world, teaching yoga in some of the most beautiful places (more importantly, in Aruba, where she lives). I felt like a little fairy, watching when she got married to (probably) the cutest man in Aruba. Her Snapchat is a little peak into her daily life –– full of puppies, goats and some delicious-looking smoothies. Not only does she share what may seem like a perfect and beach-happy life, but also her real feelings about the world, the pain that hurts deep in in the corners of our hearts, and –– (of course) tequila.

Two years ago, Rachel released a self-authored book (praying she comes out with another one) detailing her life growing up in Sweden, her move to Aruba and everything in between. Throughout the book are yoga sequences, recipes and (of course) beautiful shots of the Aruban beaches. She reveals so much heart in this book and I’ve constantly gone back to it when I’m in need of a little inspiration.

What I absolutely love about Rachel (okay, I’m going to act like we’re best friends) is that she doesn’t hold back. Just the other day she made a post on Instagram explaining all the angry feelings she'd been having that day. For someone that does so much for the world (including her 2 million Instagram followers), it must be frustrating when you can’t fix all the awful things happening in the world. She said, “The reason I’ve been quiet lately is because I genuinely don’t know what to write.” I don’t think any of us know what to say during the times where there’s a dictator nominated as the Republican nominee, there are innocent lives being killed each and every day, and no one cares for refugees that had no choice but to flee their country from brutal violence.

She urges all of her followers to use their voices, use their power, use everything to make a change in this crazy world we inhabit. If you feel you have something to say and want to speak up or make a change, tag her on Instagram. I’m sure she’d love to hear your words.

Not only does Rachel use Instagram and Snapchat to post pretty sunsets and cool yoga poses, but she’s also started three (three) different companies (another business hopefully opening in December –– her very own yoga studio). One of them, Sgt. Pepper’s Friends, named after one of her dogs, rescues animals and dogs that you, yes you, can adopt. You can donate money to the cause and help them get friends from Aruba to everywhere in the world! Another foundation she has is called 109 World, that allows every person to make a difference in the world we live in. They hold social mission trips that help to raise awareness for social and environmental challenges we may not expect are happening. In 19 days, there will be a trip to Ecuador, where the group will help to rebuild a community after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The trip is intended to help the children in need –the most vulnerable group in society. If there is ever a trip that you might be interested in, but can’t go or can’t pay, there is always donations that are greatly accepted. Her other company is called oneOeight TV, a website that encourages everyone to move, explore, be calm, and nourish yourself. There’s a free 10 day trial in which you can view and do as many classes as your heart desires. This is a great place to start if you wish to begin a new path of life.

I hope one day that I can meet Rachel and show her the constant love and appreciation I feel for her and what I feel from her. We all need more light and love in this world and people like Rachel show us that we can and we do have the power to change what’s around us.

"In the end, the only thing that matters is how much you love. That's it. No more, no less. So whatever you are moving through today, ask yourself: how can I bring love into this situation? And then go do just that. Bring more love into your life. Into the lives of others. Do more of love. Do love... And everything will fall into place." - @yoga_girl