Courage is absolutely essential to living an extraordinary life. At 2BeRe-U, we define such a life as daily striving to be your personal best and loving and helping others be their best. The one thing that can interfere with this happening is fear. [Read more…] about Build Your Courage Muscle
Personal best
My mom made sure physical activity was a part of my childhood – from swimming, dance and gymnastics to camping trips that involved enjoying the outdoors through hiking, fishing or even riding motorcycles. Like most parents, she sat through many years of gymnastic meets. That alone would be enough to acknowledge her for. But that would leave out the fitness role model she became for me in my adult years. It is this example that continues to inspire me to make health and fitness a lifelong commitment. [Read more…] about My Mom Is Awesome
I am proud of myself for no longer allowing anxiety to rule me. Up until just 5 years ago, fear of the unknown or being judged kept me from doing many things that I might otherwise have really enjoyed doing. It’s been a journey to get to this place where I can now embrace the unknown. I do it because of the supportive friends in my life and the knowing that I will be better for trying.
As a child, I was the student who would never raise her hand and if I got called on, I said nothing. This was safe. I grew up as a gymnast and my world was mostly just school and the gym. This was safe. I went off to college at Oral Robert’s University on a gymnastics scholarship as my family felt like this would be a conservative place for Amy. This was safe. This pattern continued through my years of raising a family. I avoided social events whenever possible. I have worked at the same company now for 32 years. Safe!
“Safe” doesn’t necessarily help you chase your dreams or follow your passions. In January 2010, my real journey began when I signed up for my first workshop with ToBeRe… and Keith Jones. I would be turning 50 and I just wanted to lose a few pounds and feel good about myself. Little did I know that there were so many other areas in which I needed to grow.
After I graduated from my own workshop, I became a sponsor to new participants going through the 6-week program. At the “Welcome Orientation Dinner” sponsors had to get up in front of the group and tell your story. As much as I wanted to share – in writing, my stomach would tie itself in a knot and I could feel my heart start to pound. I could not eat. Keith would have me go first, knowing that the anxiety would dissipate and then I could get a plate of food.
This was the beginning of my coaching with Keith and embracing the uncomfortable. I quickly formed new girlfriend relationships through “HILOY (How Do I Land On You) exercises” which focus on people giving you support to grow in an area that’s important to you. I began listening to inspirational podcasts on my drive to work, and I would do a self-video about what I learned from the podcast once I reached the parking garage. As UNCOMFORTABLE as this was, I would then send the video to Keith, my accountability partner. The thought of having a better life experience pushed me to seek out that which made me uncomfortable my whole life.
Today, I don’t even think about it. I don’t let fear stop me. I have so much to give and share and my excitement is unstoppable. I teach 3 TRX classes every week and I am open to being in front of the video camera on a moment’s notice on any given subject. That said, I know I am still growing, but the more I do it, the better I get.
If this story sounds familiar, start today with the following 3 steps:
- List your fears. Mine was public speaking and social events.
- Do something every day to face your fears by putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. For me it was self videos and doing cooking and exercise videos.
- Partner with a coach or friend who will support you and hold you accountable.
Embrace what’s uncomfortable. Face your fears. And live your passion!
Happy to be happy,
Amy
There is physical movement involved with everything that we do from the time that we push ourselves out of bed every morning. Quality of life includes being able to do daily activities without pain or struggle. You don’t want to have to worry about throwing your back out while reaching for a dish on the top shelf. And, bringing in 3 to 4 bags of groceries from the car shouldn’t require more than two trips. What can we do in our workouts to ensure a higher quality of life? [Read more…] about Focus on Quality over Quantity in the Exercises that you do
I absolutely love personal development work because it empowers everyone who commits themselves to it. It doesn’t matter what your life circumstances are. If you use the tools that come with doing personal growth, you will improve your situation. You will see new and positive beginnings, rather than sad endings when life seems difficult. The only caveat is you have to use the tools.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that could have broken me. In truth, some did. But others didn’t because of two reasons. First, I kept doing the things that were making me strong mentally and physically. I maintained a positive attitude by practicing what I learned from listening to motivational speakers and life coaches. The concepts they introduced helped me to see possibilities and opportunities in every challenge. And I continued exercising and eating healthy during. It amazes me that this is often the first thing people stop doing when times get tough. I knew this would only make things worse down the road. I understood early how important it was that I stayed healthy and fit if I was going to come out better on the other side of the situation. The second biggest factor in thriving during struggles is my friends. They provided support that was unconditional, strong and enduring. There’s no way I could’ve made it through without them. As committed as I was to staying positive, negative thoughts occasionally seeped in. My friends were there to help me replace them with positive affirmations. I smile when I think of how loving they are to me.
We all experience ups and downs. How you fare during and after the downs depends on your mindset. You can make it through any situation and be stronger for it if follow these 3 tips:
- Work on your mindset by doing personal growth exercises. Choose a motivational speaker, author or leader who resonates you. Read or listen to them daily. This is exercise for the mind. You want being kind, seeing the good in others and sunshine in gray skies to become second nature. This comes with practice.
- Surround yourself with positive people who you can share your situation with without fear of judgment. These people can be anchor for you and a safe place to be vulnerable.
- Repeat one and two over and over again for life.
Life is good. If you don’t feel that way, it’s not life who has it wrong. It’s you. Shift your mindset. Be positive and an optimist. One of my favorite new quotes is: “It’s the end of the world”, said the caterpillar. “It’s just the beginning”, said the butterfly. Be the butterfly!
Stronger Mindset,
Keith
Words have power. They have the capacity to create or destroy. Martin Luther King Jr used his “I Have A Dream” speech to uplift a nation and paint a picture of love, connection and acceptance for humankind. [Read more…] about Become A Fanatic About Words