Take 100% Responsibility

If you want to be successful in any area of life, you must take full responsibility for all of your experiences. This includes results, failures, relationships, health, income and more. It's easy to look outside ourselves, but blaming external factors and complaining about it won't lead to lasting change.⁣

⁣I used to procrastinate and make excuses for not taking action, but a shift occurred when I started embracing responsibility. I've learned that while some things are out of our control, we can choose how we respond and cope with it. ⁣

⁣In 2011, I faced a challenge when diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, losing my full-time job at the YMCA due to budget cuts in 2019, and most recently, learning to navigate a new normal after some life changing news that impacted my immediate family. With these circumstances, I made a conscious effort to take responsibility for how they impacted my life.⁣

⁣After my diagnosis, I focused on enjoying life's simple pleasures and pursuing my dreams. We are here to serve a calling, a purpose and something I am intentional about fulfilling. Following the job loss, I secured a new job and dedicated myself to growing my business. With the changes and challenges within my family, I made sure to offer my support and prioritize self-care. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝟷𝟶𝟶% 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺.⁣

⁣To truly transform your life, give up excuses, victim mentality, and playing the blame game. Acknowledge that you have the power to make a difference and achieve your desired results.

You’ve got this

Break the Rules and Never Settle

We are all born with free will, yet society and our environment often conditions us to conform to its norms and expectations. However, taking the unconventional path in life leads to personal growth and fulfilling experiences.

I have always embraced the road less traveled since I was a kid. Despite facing criticism and judgment along the way, the journey has presented its challenges and wins. It’s immensely rewarding as I've discovered my true self along the way.

As I navigated the pressures of societal expectations, I reached a turning point in my early 20's when diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. This wake-up call reminded me of how valuable life is and the importance of pursuing my dreams and fulfilling my calling without settling for less.

⁣⁣So as I quoted, “𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦”, that’s breaking the rules of society and being true to yourself, your dreams, core values, and to never settle for less than you are worthy and deserving of!

Embrace your unique qualities, talents, and skills without succumbing to external pressures. You are capable of achieving more than you imagine.

Keep shining brightly and never settle for less than you deserve!

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬!

As a fitness and wellness pro, I often encounter the misconception that I eat super healthy all the time. While I do prioritize nutritionally dense foods, let me be honest: I'm a woman with an appetite! I love food! It's cultural, a great conversation starter, and one of the many simple pleasures of life that brings joy.

I always encourage my clients—and anyone who will listen—to indulge in the foods they love without the constant stress surrounding health and weight management goals. So often, I’ve faced well-meaning comments suggesting that my views are easy to express because of my physical appearance or youth.

But it’s not easy. I manage an autoimmune disease alongside another medical condition that impacts my metabolism. The way I cope with these challenges is through mindful eating choices, staying hydrated, daily movement and adhering to a guiding principle that I truly believe in: "moderation not deprivation" when it comes to food and activity. It’s vital for me to find this balance, so I can enjoy life fully while taking care of my health.

I’ve also been critiqued for promoting a healthy lifestyle while encouraging indulgence in favorite treats. What I don't get is how many people associate healthy living with deprivation—let’s be clear: deprivation does not lead to good health!

When we restrict our favorite foods, cravings can intensify, often resulting in overindulgence followed by feelings of sluggishness and guilt. The concept of "cheat" meals or "cheat" days perpetuates this negative mindset—as if we've cheated on a test or even in a relationship. This is simply not how we should approach our relationship with food.

There’s absolutely no need to feel guilty or give up your beloved foods while pursuing your healthy lifestyle goals! Instead, focus on shifting your mindset towards balance, enjoyment…and the extra fries

Do you struggle with enjoying your favorite foods in moderation? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer!

In the hustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up and overlook the little joys that surround us. I want to encourage you to take a moment in your busy day to pause and cherish the simple pleasures that life has to offer—the things that bring you pure joy, no matter how ordinary they may seem.

Think about it: whether it’s the beauty of a long walk where you can soak in the sights and sounds of nature, enjoying delicious food, or sharing laughs with friends who uplift your spirit—these little moments are true treasures that enrich our day-to-day experiences.

What’s truly wonderful is that these simple pleasures are everywhere around us, often just waiting for us to notice and appreciate them. They serve as gentle reminders that happiness can be found in our everyday lives if we choose to look for it.

So, I encourage you to embrace these moments wholeheartedly! Take time to discover joy in the everyday; it can transform your perspective and enhance your well-being.

What simple pleasures bring you joy?

𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞⁣

Mastering a morning routine creates structure, discipline and is an essential component for lifelong success.

I start my day by sipping some fresh water, spend a good 10-15 minutes of stretching and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while reading, journaling, listening to a motivational podcast or just being in the moment.

⁣The secret to my morning routine is that it actually begins the night before. This is where I clear my mind through a brain dump of tasks and identify the top 5-6 things to do in the day that align with reaching closer to my goals. ⁣

⁣This programs into my mind prior to bed and when I wake up, I'm motivated to accomplish those tasks. There's satisfaction in checking off the to-do list, bringing pride and confidence!⁣

⁣Life is unpredictable; adapt and find solutions. Take moments each morning to ground yourself and visualize your goals. Avoid emails or social media first thing to reduce stress. Instead, create a structured routine that encourages self-discipline and daily victories!⁣

⁣Do you have a morning routine that sets you up for success? ⁣