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I share it all because the highlights divide us and the struggles unite us.
Through these candid confessions and reflections, you will understand that we are all connected. We are united by similar fears, self-doubt, and pressures.
We each hold a key to unlocking our fullest potential through inspired action.
Naked & Completely Free in 2023
I first started swimming as an avenue to share a common hobby with Ted. I dreaded the idea. I grew up afraid of water on Lake Ontario and the older I got, the more I fed this fear. Sharks are in swimming pools; didn’t you know that? I was afraid to even sit in a hot tub alone. But my desire for a deeper connection with my husband became stronger than the fear of imaginary fish swallowing me whole. So, I jumped in. Swimming together validated this effort and therefore I needed Ted to swim with me. I swam for him. I swam for us. We swam consistently every Tuesday and Thursday for almost two years. During this time, I created a healthier relationship with water. I panicked less. I stepped into the ocean chest-high twice and even tasted salt water for the first time in my entire life. When I swam laps, I started to pretend I was a sea turtle (feels normal, right?) and felt a semblance of peace under the cold (pool) water.
Event Recap: Love The Skin You’re In
I had the opportunity to highlight four Burn Boot Camp members from each of my gyms to learn about their fitness transformation. During our time together at lululemon, not only did I become even more inspired by each of them, but I was able to draw common themes that surfaced in their stories and journey to self-love; a practice that requires consistency, positive-self-talk, and a shift in mindset. To love the skin we’re in is much less about our physical appearance as it is our entire being. It’s knowing that we are far more than a number on a scale or the length of our jeans. Each of these members has progressed in unique ways and reflects various stages of a fitness journey, yet they are united by healthy embodiment and pride in who they are.
Event Recap: Hustle Smarter, Not Harder with Maria Granados
She is kind, genuine, and full of life. Maria also knows how to hustle. We sat down together at lululemon to talk about how to hustle smarter, not harder.
Event Recap: You are NOT fine with Heath Norton
What is the one thing Heath wants you to know?
“It’s OK to not be OK. There is power in community to help others feel seen and heard. That, our shared experiences are available as testimonials to others experiencing similar things.”
Event Recap: Your Relationship with F-O-O-D
Meet Jillian. If you were at my live event last week, you did. You already know that she is fun, energetic, witty, humble, smart and passionate. Best of all, she’s been cooking for me since 2017 through her local empire, fit-flavors, and for thousands of others since 2009. Thirteen years ago, she started meal prepping for others out of her kitchen.
8 Ways to Simplify Healthy Eating
There will always be a million reasons why RIGHT NOW is not the best time to eat healthy. Don’t create false barriers. Life is one giant distraction. Learning how to eat well through distractions is what makes you successful.
Stop drifting, start paddling.
Our lives are being shaped every day through action – and inaction. I recently read a quote that I loved: “What you don’t change, you are choosing.” Action requires discomfort and discipline which often leads to inaction. We become paralyzed by the journey in front of us when in reality, all we need is to take one step. When we opt for inaction, we surrender. When we opt for action, we take the wheel.
Event Recap: Live on Purpose
Through our conversation, one message became clear. There is no one way to live on purpose.
Our motivators, values, and appetite for risk are unique to each of us. The journey to purpose cannot be forced, but rather nurtured. As we go through life, our experiences shape our perspectives which shape our values. Our values lead us closer to our purpose. Learning who we are through intentional self-discovery opens the door for new experiences. These experiences teach us what brings us joy, and what does not.
It’s never too late to know your worth
Loving yourself is a practice. It’s an act of kindness and respect. To love yourself is to be proud of yourself. So, give yourself reasons to be proud. You may never be armed with a panic-proof vest, but you learn how to navigate these thoughts in a healthy and productive way.
Don’t ignore your stepping stones.
I started working wedding banquets when I was 13 years old. I saved every paycheck and bought my first car in cash. I learned the only way to have money is to save money...and that driving in the summer with no AC sucks.
The most toxic relationship is often the one with yourself
The most toxic relationship isn’t always the LOUDEST. It doesn’t have to leave you with open wounds to be destructive. Sometimes, the most toxic relationship is the one that is the quietest.
The decisions you make are shaping the quality of your life
We make 35,000 decisions every day. We make more decisions than we take breaths in a 24-hour period. The decisions we make give our breath purpose. We move from a life of merely existing to a life of intentionality; a life that serves us.
Welcome to my blog, friend.
The irony of this is humbling. Today marks the first day of having the space and freedom to write in a capacity greater than an Instagram caption. I’ve yearned for this for a long time now. Writing has always been my anchor. Since I was a little girl, I have been journaling and documenting the world through my lens. There is comfort and calm here.
