With all the struggles I have faced in the past few weeks, I was recently listening to a friend talk about the ability to pay it forward. This got me to thinking.... I don't have a lot to give or to share with anyone. What I do have is this:
I have a story to tell about my health and fitness journey that may inspire others. I'm not sure there is a greater gift than helping somebody learn how to take care of themselves in a way they never have or that they have neglected.
I started my journey in August. I had a friend who was posting pictures and sharing her story about how she was changing her habits and it intrigued me. I reached out to ask questions about what she was doing and how I could do it too. I ended up getting a challenge pack with my first bag of Shakeology and my very first workout. I joined an challenge group in August for accountability. I spent the first 1-2 weeks being very active in the challenge group and starting my workouts. I was struggling with the Shakeology. I couldn't figure out how to fit the shakeology into my meals. I was TERRIBLE about nutrition. I had maybe 1 real meal a day (usually dinner) and snacked on junk at Speedway all day. I barely had time to go to the bathroom because I couldn't get away from the register.
I had ordered a flavor of Shakeology I wasn't convinced I would like, I was more concerned about my husband liking it in case he tried it. It just wasn't working out. Then my hip problems started acting up (I've had them my whole life,) and it made working out just not possible. I was a mess. I was the heaviest I had ever been and I was a pleasant person but I just had a pretty negative outlook.
In October, my coach reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try again. I had by this time found a flavor of Shakeology I enjoyed and it became a priority so I was making sure to include it in what I ate every day. She suggested a new workout program and I got on board. This time I tried the 21 day fix. This program was my game changer. Not only did it provide workouts that I found enjoyable so I had no problem pushing play every day, but it taught me so much about nutrition. I learned how to properly space out my meals/snacks and major portion control. I stayed active with my challenge group because it was fun now that I was doing what I needed to be doing at home.
Since then, I have added more workout programs to my collection and I make changes to my habits all of the time. I participate in challenge groups still and I host my own. I share pictures of my workouts, post tips that i've learned, share ideas and hold myself accountable to the world. It's totally outside of my comfort zone to talk to anybody about health and fitness because I know I'm no expert, I just know what I've learned and what has happened with me.
While I may not be an expert, I am still able to pay it forward by doing this sharing I'm talking about. If just 1 person out there sees what I am doing and says to themself that they can do it to and then does it, there is no better way I could pay it forward. Then of course there is the opportunity for helping someone else to become an active coach. Coach does not equal know it all or even expert. Coach equals cheerleader, confidant, support system and guide.
Since becoming a coach and chasing new dreams (and old ones,) I feel more alive than ever. I stopped wishing for what I wanted and made the decision to start doing something but not stop this time. I am not the most fit or healthiest person, but I move forward every day to my goals and one day I'll look in the mirror and I'll cry tears of joy over the reflection after having worked to get where I want to be.
When I start talking about health and fitness, people will ask me questions and they get scared and use the excuse about how expensive it is to be healthy. It's about perspective I think. You're going to be paying for your health one way or another, it's just overwhelming to see costs in front of you now. Pay for nutritious meals and maybe even a workout now or pay hosptials/doctors/insurance/caretakers for it later. That's the truth. Another way I can pay it forward is by sharing the coaching opportunity. I've spent the last decade working 45-60 hours a week, missing out on family functions/gatherings, time out with friends, precious time with my husband and daughter. Now, I can go where I want to by working how and when I choose. Coaching gives me the chance to earn an income I decide, a chance to inspire others, fitness and nutrition programs that work for me, more support than I could EVER have imagined and lifelong friends from challengers and other coaches.
I'm taking the time to tell you now, and I'll tell you again real soon that if you are looking for something different in your life, maybe you have your fitness and nutrition under control so what about helping others learn to do the same?!?! Share your story, inspire others... pay it forward in life changes.
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