I’m Just a Girl ..

Well, it’s been two months since I last blogged. It feels like so much has happened yet, the days are quiet and slow. I’m still focusing on my mental health away from work. This pace of life is very foreign to me, I had myself convinced that I thrived on the fast pace, the daily chaos and expectations, constantly pushing for better, for more. My psychologist has been extraordinary in helping me unpack my trauma and abuse. It’s liberating to walk through past experiences and understand how they shaped you. Some of you reading this who’ve known me a long time might be taken back by the term abuse, that’s ok - this is my life and my experience, it’s not yours to understand. There’s lots my Mom and I haven’t really talked about from those years ago, it’s been hard to open up but I’ve been able to the last week. I’m so grateful for you Bevvie, you’re my ride or die Mom.

I’ve never really been able to identify what it is that fills my cup, when the world keeps taking and taking, what gives me a sense of purpose? It’s a hard question, especially for women. Most of my circle knows that since surgery, I have placed my physical health at the top of my priority list. I worked out mostly on my own until August when I started training with Ana Biavatti (@anaandthemachines). Ana focused on form, strength, built me up when I needed it, always greeted me with a hug, only refers to me as “Power” and convinced me that I would love team training sessions. Although skeptical, I agreed and the rest is history. My 10:00AM crew is the most wonderful group of women with all different backgrounds and life experiences. We all have one thing in common though, we support each other, cheer each other on, and genuinely enjoy our 60 minutes suffering through workouts together. It was this experience that really made me have the “ah-ha” moment. This, this fills my cup. These women, this experience, this is where I want to spend my time.

I am very passionate about physical health, empowering women and gender equality. It’s like the universe kept giving me signs, I needed this reset to help me see clearly.

I’m now studying with ISSA to become a certified personal trainer, with additional courses on nutrition and corrective exercise. I want to have a specific focus on women who, like myself have struggled with weight and genetics. I will advocate for the benefits of bariatric surgery as a tool and help other women fill up their cup. The idea of being able to have a positive impact on even one person in this capacity is exhilarating. Still lots of learning and training, so stay tuned on what comes next.

175 BABY!!!!!!