BLOG
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.
Take it off.
I used to have anxiety about wearing a bathing suit. I would be the one glued to the chair and careful to slither into my clothes to walk a few steps. I was self-conscious, insecure and gave far too many F’s what others thought of me. I cared so much, I lost sight of the one voice that mattered. Mine. Even as a “skinny girl,” I wished for more. I had what others wanted and so I never felt like I had permission to feel the way I felt; instead, I felt shame and a growing discomfort in my own skin. I had placed my value in the hands of beauty standards. It was never enough. My own standards had become buried and the lens in which I saw myself chipped away at my self-confidence.
Love is in the (salty) air
This time, I come to you from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The past few weeks have been a marathon of travel. The disorganization of work and absence from being inside the gyms has felt overwhelming at times, but I'm proud that I've been able to stay flexible and present wherever my two feet have been planted. Currently, they are planted on the deck of cabin room 622. I am met with salty air and the sound of the ocean splashing against the ship. A cruise ship. Ted and I are joined by 12 other couples from the St. Louis chapter of EO (Entrepreneur's Organization). I feel so grateful for this opportunity. The chemistry and bond of this organization is special. There's an inherent understanding and loyalty that runs deep. As a first-time entrepreneur, I learn so much and am often reminded to slow down. So, I guess I am.
Six Habits I’m Currently Mastering
As we near the end of January, whatever action or goal you set out to accomplish is either starting to stick or is slowly unraveling. If you’re not paying attention, it’s likely unraveling. To make progress in any area of your life, you MUST dedicate your energy there. “Wanting” without effort yields zero results. Dreaming without discomfort is just a dream. Real change requires commitment and focus.
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: 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.
Event Recap: GIVE MORE BE MORE
If we’re pursuing a dream, is it really sacrifice? He argues that if he were committed to school dances and late-night parties, that would be the ultimate sacrifice. He would have sacrificed a career in professional hockey instead.
With everything you do, you sacrifice. Whether or not it’s worth it is solely up to you.
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.
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 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.
