The Game Changer!

In 2016 I realized that my life was not going int he direction that God had intended for me, or that I desired for myself. At that time my kids where 9 and 13, and my biggest goal at the time was making sure that I could have a full and adventurous life while they where growing up - something had to change and I had to lead by example.

I applied to be part of a program at work through our fitness center and wellness program called "Remodel Your Lifestyle". My first intention going into this was to lose weight...that was it, no other intentions. The program was 6 months of having a mentor, a fitness counselor, a therapist, and a dietitian to meet all aspects of my well-being.

3 months into the program I was making small strides with weight loss but I was losing inches and I was gaining self confidence (huge for me). In July I began to realize that getting outside my comfort zone was the key to making lifestyle changes that are lasting and sustaining. Small changes to nutrition, big changes to fitness, and huge changes with my mind. I was limiting myself by the fear of "looking stupid" or worrying about what others would think of me and my limited abilities to do some of the physical things that come so easily to others. But that all changed after completing a 5K with my family on a sweltering hot July Saturday. I was determined that I was going to walk the whole way but my oldest wanted to do some running so that is exactly what we did - walked and ran to the finish line. And that finish line was the end of a race, but the beginning of something so much bigger.

Since that day I made the choice to start taking on bigger commitment to help me stick to the lifestyle that is important me now.

I signed up for a Tough Mudder shortly after and That.Was.Amazing.

I have done many 5Ks, many 5 milers, one 10K and 3 half marathons since this day. I am inspired to help others through my journey by becoming the co-leader of a spin off group called "RYL Part 2" with other members of the originals RYL program (ya, we are OG's).

My fitness counselor and lifelong mentor friend/health coach inspired me, through the way she taught me, to enter into a lifestyle of becoming a Health Coach myself. God's placed the desire on my heart and from that day I have not turned back. "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it!" I have recently completed my 2 year associates degree in Health and Wellness to make this passion and calling a reality. I have my personal trainer certification and I am working towards getting my Health Coaching Certification as well (new challenges with COVID 19).

As I said, my first intention was to lose weight - and I did, but not so much in body weight. I lost the weight of fears, I lost the weight of what others thought about me, I lost the weight of past failures and emotional pains, I lost the weight of low self esteem. And I gained confidence in God's plan for my life, I gained the trust of what was on the other side of my comfort zone, I gained a knowledge to pass onto my girls about what a healthy lifestyle looks like. I gained a love for myself that I never had before and I gained a passion to help others find all of this in themselves.

If you are looking for something more or if you are looking for help to get started with something new, let me know. Maybe together we an find the same desires to reach past that comfort zone.