What a difference a year can make

Well the universe decided to test me this year.

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You know when you hear people say “everyone has the same 24 hours in a day!” as a way to make you feel bad for not having the same priorities as them? Yeah, nothing has made me realize that saying is bullshit more than this past year. From quitting my job, starting a business, enduring a lawsuit, one dog almost dying, the other getting cancer, and me ending an engagement and moving halfway across the country, I’ve seen a lot of change this year. And with that, priorities end up changing quite a bit.

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I’m happy to say all of these changes have been for the better. But I am definitely a different person than I was a year ago. I have been having a hard time finding my voice and communicating to all of you in a public way. I have a hard time being vulnerable and nothing has made me more vulnerable than the past year. But I feel I can’t be authentic in my work and my presentation without this vulnerability. My intention remains the same: help whoever I can however I can whenever I can. That is why I love being able to have a platform like this to communicate with many people. But as my life has changed, my presentation will also change. There will be a lot more of a “real” feel to my posts. My main goal from this communication change is that you understand that it isn’t “perfect” people that live healthy lives and work towards goals. The fitness community is teeming with perfectionists. And it is exhausting. I strive to be a different voice for you so you know there is not an unattainable level of perfection required before you can have health goals. We are learning to live with the chaos rather than pretend like it doesn’t exist.

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I don’t want to wrap up this post without giving you a few things to think about:

It’s ok to take a break

Even if it’s a really long break. Society puts this expectation on all of us that if we aren’t industrious and productive, we aren’t worthwhile. That message is false and harmful. You can’t be expected to do everything at once. Be imperfect.

It’s ok to ask for help

You can’t be expected to do everything yourself. It’s important to know your limits and know what you can take on. When you can’t carry anymore, bring someone into your life to help.

It’s ok to have a change in priorities

Whether that’s long term or short term. You are allowed to drop things from your plate when you need to. For me, there was only so much I could handle at a time. Everything seemed to happen at once. Now that life has calmed down and I’m feeling more like myself, I’m so excited to pick up these blogs again and help put out more resources for you all.

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I can’t wait to share more with you. Thank you for being part of my journey.