As I was teaching my PiYo class this am I scanned the participants in the room & noted how the levels weren't the way I initially wanted to teach. So what does a seasoned instructor/Presenter like myself do. Well, I stood up scratched my head and said class canceled. Nooooo, I started teaching more basic and added more breaks and stretches in between the harder exercises. Ya see one of the biggest reasons I LOVE Chalene Johnson's Powder Blue Productions formats (Turbo, PiYo, Hustle) is because they're forgiving, personal, and modifiable. Each of the formats by PBP need to stay true to their style, but each can be modified for all fitness levels and adding your own personal touch is encouraged. I love that I can stop in the middle of any one of the formats and help those who are needing some TLC.
I'll be honest before I came across PBP formats I wasn't impressed with pre-designed choreography for the above reasons and the music usually wasn't my style..BLAH BLAH BLAH. Until one day about 4 years ago someone in my kickboxing class came up to me and said when I can't make your class I do this workout at home. Now with my ears perked up like a dog I was like so, what praytell is this that you do? She popped out TURBO JAM... Hmmm...never heard of it, but I wasn't stupid I said can you live without this incredibly wonderfully fun and challenging workout for one night as I need to check this out for research purpose ONLY? She agreed. I mean I had to see who my competition was....Right! So, I borrowed it, popped into my DVD player and was instantly entranced by the moves, the music, and that lil' ball of motivation called CHALENE. So immediately I had to get trained. Home study, but only because there was no one in my area presenting at the time and I was so wanting to be trained like right away. On a side note, I would always recommend doing a live training over a Home Study any day, but thankful I was able to get the ball rolling. Once I was able to then attend a LIVE training, with no other than Mrs Thang herself, TURBO JAM star Mindy Lawhorne I was able to then apply to be a Presenter. All of this happened within the 1st year of teaching. I just knew in my heart that this was my fitness family for realz. And it is and has been for the past 4 years. What a journey it has been.
I have reached the top and the bottom and come out victorious. When your surrounded by so many incredible leaders and motivators the pressure is ON. When I first started with PBP, I was a take on anything at all costs kinda person. I thought to myself more is better, and I LOVED THIS, so gimme gimme, gimme more. Sorry, couldn't help that, I mean Brittany Spears is from Kentwood, Louisiana. My 2nd year as presenter I was named runner up for APD of the YEAR, which totally caught me off guard. I was like whhhhhhaaaaat I get awarded for this my 3rd year was honored with being APD of the Year 2009. You would have thought I was the happiest I could have ever been in my life, but the truth of the matter was I was crumbling inside. The more I did the less focus I had and I had no idea how to fix it. I thought I can do anything, but I couldn't not with the unhealthy mindset I HAD at that time. You see as a child I learned that the more I did the more approval I received. The problem was I didn't give myself the stamp, I counted on others to give it to me. Think about that. Many people's likes and dislikes depends on what they are encountering in their own lives. So, in essence, I was allowing my attitude to be a reflection of the others lives not mine. I neglected my family and myself for the almighty prize. I gained over 20pounds which only added to the stress.
You may or may not know this, but I am a child Anorexic who as an adult turned to binge eating. So, I have an eating disorder. You might be scratching your head right now, like why she emptying out her garbage can??? Because I am not like that NOW. A lot has changed in a year and I owe a lot of my progress to Chalene, my PBP family and friends that I have made in this industry. I am in therapy and for the first time I am in LOVE with me, I know who I am, and where I want to go. I gotta tell ya it's the biggest high ever. I love being a Presenter, I love being a Beachbody coach and I love that what I do, who I am, who I was can help others be their the best version of themselves. Don't be afraid to deal with your past, your past is what keeps you from what others see in you now, but for some reason you can't. All this because I decided to cast fear to the side and take the steps to become an instructor for Powder Blue. Don't think, DO! It could save your life. Thank You Chalene and Bret! Xoxoxo
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
What I Learned from Watching Oprah....
Her come the Judds, here come the Judds. You know the country hit mother/daughter duo Naomi & Wynonna. Nothing like a single mother and her rebellious adult daughter that screams Jerry, Jerry, Jerry. This wasn't the Judd's first Rodeo on Oprah as they aired their dirty laundry many times before the good, the bad, and the ugly. The story line goes a lil' sumpin like this: Here you have a single mother and 2 daughters that are both equally talented, but whose self worth seemed to be caught up in how can I get mommy to see me, be proud of me, love me. Does that bring to mind any feelings from your past? I know I sure could identify with the young girl, now adult trying to find where she forgot to include herself, her needs, and her identity along this journey called life. But this time, this interview was so much different....it was magical from the moment Wynonna stepped out onto that stage.
She looked on fire and it wasn't because of her Red hair, which by the way was realllllllllly red. She looked happy and at peace with herself, her body, and the person she had become. She was not only lighter in appearance but lighter in the way she glided across the floor with her shoulders pulled back and a smile on her face as to say, "I have arrived and I ain't going back". As soon as she sat down I couldn't take my eyes off the tv. I hurried up, grabbed these blank index cards and an eyeliner pencil as I couldn't find my pen (thanks to Sophia who had been digging in my purse earlier...UGH). I didn't want to miss one word that was so eloquently flowing from Wynonna's mouth. When asked by Oprah what was the one thing that has helped her to get where she was today she responded, " I put myself back on the list." At that moment a light bulb went off and I had a V-8 moment & yes the hand hit the forehead when the lightbulb/v-8 moment occurred.
Which started me thinking had I, too, left myself off the list? When did taking care of everyone else except me become acceptable? Does this sound like you? Do you have great things happening to you, but not enjoying any one of them? Do you get complimented and think to yourself "wow" is that what they really see in me? As to question the validity of their statement. So sad, but that was my reality, before..... I got help. And that is just what the Judd's had done. Their therapist was even sitting in the audience. TOO CUTE it was. As soon as Momma Judd came onto stage she pointed him out, the camera zoomed in and he was a smiling and a observing as if to say...so far so good ladies. Therapy and their fervent faith in God had gotten them to the place they were at that very moment. I have to say it was beautiful, so very beautiful. And yes those who know me well know I was practically crying throughout the whole interview.....not sad tears, but tears of me too, me too, yes, yes...me too! I wasn't surprised when Naomi Judd stated that only 1% of America go to therapy. Why is therapy looked upon as being a weakness, unacceptable, secretive, WHY?
Have you forgotten to put yourself on the list? You know "THE LIST! The one that contains the names of those you love/care for with all your heart. THAT LIST! This according to Wynonna Judd is the reason for her struggles and unhappiness for a majority of her life. She forgot to put herself on the LIST. She has spent years being a success in public, but her private life has been in shambles. When I heard her say that I was like WHOA, that was so raw, so real, and so deep. I so admire people when people GET REAL and share intimate things about themselves in hopes that others will learn from their journey. In fact, she commented that she once was asked, "why do you air all your dirty laundry?" Her response was, "I want to be a teacher." Again, I was like ...OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, ...me too. I think one of the greatest highs in life is when your experiences both good and bad positively effect others. But they can't until you first understand who you are and LOVE everything about you, (pimples and all). For some that comes without thinking, but for many who have suffered some childhood trauma that can almost seem like an unrealistic expectation. Until one digs into their past, faces their demons head on, and tells them whose boss he or she will never be able to truly love the imperfections that exist in each one of us.
Who cares what others think about you seeing a therapist. They don't live with your struggles, your sadness, your despair, your inability to focus or complete some of the simplest tasks. They are talking about you because it is easier to talk about others woes than deal with their very own, sad but true. So WHO CARES what others think. Do what will make you happy and healthy. Therapy gives you the tools to do just that. Just ask the Judd's. Their family is FINALLY able to communicate openly and lovingly. I found myself writing and nodding throughout the whole Oprah show. I could identify with so much of what they discussed and want to share with you some words of wisdom from the Judd's as they have been to hell and back. Here is what they had to say:
1. Be invitational instead of confrontational.
2. Lean into the pain.
3. The best revenge is living well.
One thing that really made me tear up was when Oprah would ask her a very personal question like how she felt about her ex-husband she would glance up to the sky as to ask guidance from her heavenly Father from above before answering. She even went on to say when she was in her darkest hour she would wake up in the morning and say, "Oh God it's morning." Now she says."Hi God, good morning!" What a difference self-reflecting, therapy, faith, and practice makes in a person's ability to be happy. Don't let your demons from the past sabotage your ability to share your love with those who depend on you and the example you lead. Their life depends on yours and if yours is unhealthy then more than likely theirs will too. You can make sure that NEVER happens. Put yourself back on the list, get help, get healthy, and be happy. I know therapy works because for the first time in my 41 years I am learning who I am, what I stand for, and what it's like to truly love the person inside. GET REAL! Xoxoxo
She looked on fire and it wasn't because of her Red hair, which by the way was realllllllllly red. She looked happy and at peace with herself, her body, and the person she had become. She was not only lighter in appearance but lighter in the way she glided across the floor with her shoulders pulled back and a smile on her face as to say, "I have arrived and I ain't going back". As soon as she sat down I couldn't take my eyes off the tv. I hurried up, grabbed these blank index cards and an eyeliner pencil as I couldn't find my pen (thanks to Sophia who had been digging in my purse earlier...UGH). I didn't want to miss one word that was so eloquently flowing from Wynonna's mouth. When asked by Oprah what was the one thing that has helped her to get where she was today she responded, " I put myself back on the list." At that moment a light bulb went off and I had a V-8 moment & yes the hand hit the forehead when the lightbulb/v-8 moment occurred.
Which started me thinking had I, too, left myself off the list? When did taking care of everyone else except me become acceptable? Does this sound like you? Do you have great things happening to you, but not enjoying any one of them? Do you get complimented and think to yourself "wow" is that what they really see in me? As to question the validity of their statement. So sad, but that was my reality, before..... I got help. And that is just what the Judd's had done. Their therapist was even sitting in the audience. TOO CUTE it was. As soon as Momma Judd came onto stage she pointed him out, the camera zoomed in and he was a smiling and a observing as if to say...so far so good ladies. Therapy and their fervent faith in God had gotten them to the place they were at that very moment. I have to say it was beautiful, so very beautiful. And yes those who know me well know I was practically crying throughout the whole interview.....not sad tears, but tears of me too, me too, yes, yes...me too! I wasn't surprised when Naomi Judd stated that only 1% of America go to therapy. Why is therapy looked upon as being a weakness, unacceptable, secretive, WHY?
Have you forgotten to put yourself on the list? You know "THE LIST! The one that contains the names of those you love/care for with all your heart. THAT LIST! This according to Wynonna Judd is the reason for her struggles and unhappiness for a majority of her life. She forgot to put herself on the LIST. She has spent years being a success in public, but her private life has been in shambles. When I heard her say that I was like WHOA, that was so raw, so real, and so deep. I so admire people when people GET REAL and share intimate things about themselves in hopes that others will learn from their journey. In fact, she commented that she once was asked, "why do you air all your dirty laundry?" Her response was, "I want to be a teacher." Again, I was like ...OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, ...me too. I think one of the greatest highs in life is when your experiences both good and bad positively effect others. But they can't until you first understand who you are and LOVE everything about you, (pimples and all). For some that comes without thinking, but for many who have suffered some childhood trauma that can almost seem like an unrealistic expectation. Until one digs into their past, faces their demons head on, and tells them whose boss he or she will never be able to truly love the imperfections that exist in each one of us.
Who cares what others think about you seeing a therapist. They don't live with your struggles, your sadness, your despair, your inability to focus or complete some of the simplest tasks. They are talking about you because it is easier to talk about others woes than deal with their very own, sad but true. So WHO CARES what others think. Do what will make you happy and healthy. Therapy gives you the tools to do just that. Just ask the Judd's. Their family is FINALLY able to communicate openly and lovingly. I found myself writing and nodding throughout the whole Oprah show. I could identify with so much of what they discussed and want to share with you some words of wisdom from the Judd's as they have been to hell and back. Here is what they had to say:
1. Be invitational instead of confrontational.
2. Lean into the pain.
3. The best revenge is living well.
One thing that really made me tear up was when Oprah would ask her a very personal question like how she felt about her ex-husband she would glance up to the sky as to ask guidance from her heavenly Father from above before answering. She even went on to say when she was in her darkest hour she would wake up in the morning and say, "Oh God it's morning." Now she says."Hi God, good morning!" What a difference self-reflecting, therapy, faith, and practice makes in a person's ability to be happy. Don't let your demons from the past sabotage your ability to share your love with those who depend on you and the example you lead. Their life depends on yours and if yours is unhealthy then more than likely theirs will too. You can make sure that NEVER happens. Put yourself back on the list, get help, get healthy, and be happy. I know therapy works because for the first time in my 41 years I am learning who I am, what I stand for, and what it's like to truly love the person inside. GET REAL! Xoxoxo
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday Madness!!! Plan for unexpected but appreciate the periods of peace.
Here we are another day in the life of..... Where ever you are at this moment, happy, sad, indifferent, know that you can create the mood that is best suited for you to be the most productive. For example, I know that in order for my mornings to be up & running smoothly I need the kids booksacks lined up, uniforms out, & coffee ready to go. Even my clothes are laid out...I know me and I can be so indecisive so I gotta be ready for anything in the am as I am not a jump out of bed let's get this day a rolling kinda girl, unless.... it's Christmas, my birthday, going to Disney World, or have a hot date with hubby. Also I have learned for me that I need at least 30 to 45 minutes to myself to wipe the crusties from my eyes, let alone see what's in front of my face before I can deal with...where's my breakfast, I can't find my undies, Noah won't stop staring at me. Also it's a great time to reflect and make my TO DO list (CHANLENEJOHNSON) before my lovely fruits of my labors decide to crawl out of bed otherwise this mama bear is nuttin but a grumpy pants. When all those things are in place, it makes for a very great morning, regardless of what mother nature and the forces from the universe decides to throw my way....I CAN DEAL!
What do you need to have done each am so that your morning moves along a little more smoothly? Go ahead ask yourself. It's simple: what are the things that happen each morning that just make you wanna runaround the neighborhood and scream "What the Heeeeeell"? And then devise the steps you can take to make those grizzy moments into cute lil cubby ones. Bottom line...GET REAL with you needs, their needs and meet in the middle. Have an awesome day!
What do you need to have done each am so that your morning moves along a little more smoothly? Go ahead ask yourself. It's simple: what are the things that happen each morning that just make you wanna runaround the neighborhood and scream "What the Heeeeeell"? And then devise the steps you can take to make those grizzy moments into cute lil cubby ones. Bottom line...GET REAL with you needs, their needs and meet in the middle. Have an awesome day!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Get Out of Your Way! GET FIT & GET HAPPY!!!
The hardest part of any life change is to get out of your head, make progress, and see results. And...Noooo, I'm not talking just about the results from thinner thighs, and a flatter belly. I'm talking changes from the inside, that no matter how the outside looks the inside SCREAMssssssss........I FRIGGIN LOVE ME!!!! That.... to me is the ultimate high in life. To be so self -assured and certain of who you are that no matter what life throws your way YOU can HANDLE IT!. Well this blog is my way of paying it forward. It's my story......of how I fell in love with me. Can't wait to hear about yours. Till next time!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)