Find your passion...

Our bodies are meant to move and be used. If we stop moving, then our bodies naturally slow down, get weaker, and are prone to more injury.​ The thought of 'working out' is typically not appealing for a good amount of people - it feels like a chore, something you feel obligated to do. And this kind of mind set can cut you off before you even begin.

What I suggest, is to investigate. If you don't already have a physical activity that you enjoy doing (walking, golfing, tennis, throwing a frisbee), then start looking for one. You don't have to be in shape to start doing this, as a human being I encourage you to explore. Keep an open mind, you don't know if you'll enjoy something until you try it. And you don't have to master this activity, just do it and see what happens.​ You may actually find that you enjoy doing something active.

Four years ago I was introduced to contact boxing and kickboxing. I always believed that these were physical activities ​that I would never partake in - I felt uncoordinated, weak, and embarrassed to put myself out there. I remember my first class, the coach asked me to kick the bag. I did, and did it completely wrong, causing him to chuckle at me (in an endearing way). I felt silly and very humbled, but I also kept trying. And I didn't do it just because I felt like I should, I did it because it was a great challenge, it was fun, and ultimately I felt a huge accomplishment when I got through the class.

​Four years ago I found a passion, and I continue to do it on a weekly basis. I feel very grateful to my trainers, and to my sparring partners, and to myself, for continuing to stick with something that makes me feel stronger and more empowered each day.

​Cici, Kelly, Sophie, and me. Post-sparring - sweaty, tired, sore and all very happy