Debbie Wog is a wife, mother, fitness enthusiast, and entrepreneur. How does she manage the inevitable stresses that come with a life so filled with blessings? We caught up with Debbie to see how she does it.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been vegan for almost 6 years.
What are you passionate about?
Health, wellness and nutrition. And family!
How has motherhood changed you?
It taught me that life isn’t all about me and my needs. It taught me to be unselfish and truly put the needs of someone else before my own. Being a mom showed me how incredibly precious life is and how fast time goes by—make the most of every moment, every memory!
How do you banish stress?
Exercise!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who don’t allow unfortunate circumstances or health issues get in their way of achieving something and/ or reaching goals. People who serve and work for causes are incredibly inspiring— how they put the needs of others before their own.
Where do you work?
I opened my own yoga studio, Namaste Yoga, in January, where I teach group yoga and pilates.
What do you like most about your job?
Everything! I love getting to know and interact with people—having the privilege to teach them skills that will improve their life is very powerful.
What is on your wish list?
A VACATION. It’s been almost two years since my last one!
What are you most proud of?
My kids and family rank #1, but I went back to school to finish my Bachelors of Science in Business Economics (minor political science) after I had my kids. It was definitely a challenge, but I am proud that I went back and graduated—with great grades, I might add! I am also extremely proud of opening my own business.
What motivates you?
My husband motivates me to be the best I can be and to strive for greatness. My children believe “mom can do anything”—a tough thing to live up to sometimes. As far as exercise goals and wellness—I am motivated by the fact that my family has such a “challenging” medical history— including heart disease and cancer. I want to do everything I can do to beat those odds. I can’t control some things, but there are many things I can control through diet, exercise and diligence.
How do you find balance in your life?
I schedule “fun time.” Sad, but true. If I don’t, things get way too busy! I don’t work on Sundays (unless a dire emergency). The Sabbath is my day to recharge, reconnect.
Advice for other moms?
Being a mom is a sacrifice, no question; however, you don’t have to give up everything that is important to you in order to be a great mom. Having things that you are passionate about helps you to be a great mom. As a mom with a daughter, I want to show her that the sky’s the limit for her— that she can be a mom, wife, work and have passions.
Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?
I was born in New York and lived there until I was 12. My father worked for the FAA and we moved to Oklahoma City. After my senior year at Putnam City North, they moved to Alaska where I met my husband, Scott. After several other moves due to Scott’s military career, we moved back to Oklahoma in 2005.
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?
Finding time for everything. I homeschool my children, teach at the Earlywine YMCA, now run my own business, plus I train for marathons and triathlons. There sometimes doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.
How do you help others?
I try to be a sounding board. Sometimes people need to vent their circumstances or problems without wanting a “fix” for them. I also try to teach my clients how to use yoga techniques to cope and deal with stress. I try to participate in service-related activities whether through church or other organizations as often as I can—giving back to others. Serving others not only helps those that you serve but it helps you take the focus off of your own life and stresses.
What is your parenting style?
Now that my kids are teenagers, I try to be democratic. We sit down and discuss the issues that are important and work together. I encourage open dialogue about EVERYTHING. We have tried to develop a mutual respect with our kids—we are not too strict, but there are definitely welldefined boundaries.
Quick Facts about Debbie:
- What 5 words describe you? Driven, spiritual, shy, determined, compassionate, adventurous
- What is your favorite indulgence? Reese’s Peanut Butter cups
- What can’t you live without? My husband, my family and my Day-Timer!
- What’s your favorite family outing? Hiking at Medicine Park
- What’s always in your handbag? Hand Sanitizer because I’m a germophobe!
Mari Farthing is the editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
