Trainer, Herbalist, Sound Healer & More: How Learning New Things 10x’d My Gap Year (and My Life)
Learning new things is one of the fastest ways to 10x your impact on the world. It’s fun, makes you smarter, introduces you to fresh ways of thinking, and hopefully some seriously rad new people.
After I sailed off into the sunset on my gap year, I suddenly had this beautiful stretch of free time. No more packed schedule—just space to explore everything I’d always wanted to dive into. So I made a list. And boy, was it a wild one.
Some items were pure joy, like a beginner harmonica course I’d daydreamed about for years. Others were practical, like real estate and small business investing courses to help me navigate this new chapter of financial freedom. But deep down, I knew coaching would still be part of my future. I’d spent most of my career doing it, and now I wanted to evolve those skills in completely new, holistic directions.
A Wild Sabbatical Learning List
When the gapping kicked off, my days opened up in the best way. I was working out a ton at our local CrossFit gym with all this new free time, and I wanted to get really good at it. I wanted to learn more about the methodology that is behind the sport and how to perform and coach the main lifts and movements. That’s when the Level 1 course in Nashville was scheduled.
Earning My CrossFit Level 1 in Nashville
What an awesome experience! Not only did I pass the exam and earn my CF-L1 along with my husband and BFF, but I met some of the coolest people (including folks who work for CrossFit and pop up on TV during the Games). I soaked up so much about nutrition, fitness, wellness, and the joy of moving large loads quickly over long distances. It felt empowering—like leveling up my body and my confidence at the same time.
This wasn’t just about getting fitter. It was about proving to myself that I could step into new spaces, learn challenging material, and come out stronger on the other side. That energy carried into everything else I pursued.
Becoming a Certified Herbalist & Falling in Love with Botany
Botany quickly became a new obsession. I got certified as an herbalist and started making my own salves, balms, and even natural mosquito repellents. Staying toxin-free while creating things that actually work feels incredibly rewarding. Gardening came right along with it, and now I’m eyeing full botany programs. Why not? Plants are our partners in this life on Earth—they heal us, feed us, and teach us so much if we slow down and pay attention. Did you know that a houseplant can see the color of your shirt?
Emotion Codes: Finally Listening to My Body
One of the most transformative experiences was taking an Emotion Codes course with my healer friend Jenna from Surya Yoga. Through the course and some powerful 1:1 coaching, I finally learned how to actually feel emotions in my body and listen to the messages they were sending.
For the first time, I let emotions arise, sit with them, watch them move through me, and then release. It was enchanting, powerful, and confidence-building. I started thinking of my body as my truest partner and only real home in this world. Why hadn’t I been treating her with the same love, respect, and generosity I give my kids, husband, or best friends?
This is a topic I’ll definitely explore more in future posts. We need to teach our children (and remind ourselves) how to feel emotions fully and understand what they’re trying to tell us.
Sound Healing: When Music Becomes Medicine
Did you know sound can literally help heal the body? I dove deep here—reading books, attending sound healing experiences, and completing a certification course. I explored music, crystal singing bowls, and neural beats created for focus, work, and creative pursuits. There’s something magical about lying on your mat as vibrations wash over you. It’s like the sound tunes your whole system back into harmony.
Learning Languages: On My Way to Polyglot Status
I’m actively learning German and Spanish, with big dreams of becoming a polyglot (3-5+ languages). Learning a new language is one of the best ways to expand your brain and your ability to engage with the world.
It literally builds new neural pathways. You gain fresh ways to connect with millions of people—new words, idioms, jokes, and understandings. You experience that beautiful frustration of knowing exactly what you want to say but not quite having the words yet. That builds empathy and patience. You meet fellow learners of all ages and backgrounds. It’s humbling and connecting.
One of my favorite stories is visiting a CrossFit gym in Austria while we were on vacation. The coach was from Spain and a native Spanish speaker, he was coaching the class in German (since we were in Austria), and would check in on us in English to make sure I was keeping up with his German instructions and translating correctly for Mason. He was impressive!
Another good one was when I told a waiter at our hotel I was ‘full’ in German. He quickly corrected my use of the word and said I was saying that I was pregnant! Well I guess it translates directly, but definitely not what I meant.
When you’re in the thick of language learning, little cultural and linguistic lightbulbs go off constantly. It’s such a gift.
Following the Breadcrumbs: How to Chase What Lights You Up
Here’s the big takeaway: Pay attention to your desires. Follow the breadcrumbs. Every new activity or step you take toward what genuinely interests you opens up more of the world. Your only job is to stay curious and notice what excites you next.
It’s all an energetic pull. When you follow what brings you joy, you attract more joy, incredible people, opportunities, and abundance in so many forms. This is the heart of the gap year movement—creating space to listen to yourself and bravely step toward what calls you.
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn? Start there. Take the course, buy the book, sign up for the workshop. Trust that one “yes” will lead to the next.
xoxo, Amy Martinez
Lifelong Learner, Certified Explorer of Soul-Aligned Growth, and Forever Chasing What Lights Me Up