Let Me Introduce Myself…Again

 If you’ve landed here, it’s likely because we’re Facebook friends. Some of you are family, some life-long friends, some newer friends, and some acquaintances. Whichever way you know me, you probably also know I am extremely passionate about any endeavor I take on. You likely know that I’m an empath, an extroverted introvert, and someone who believes that you are capable of whatever you put your mind to. You know I run a successful business, that I’m married with kids, that I love music, and that I have a heart for my people. But here’s something you probably don’t know. I’m about to begin a new adventure. An adventure that I didn’t even realize was important to me until recently, faced seemingly over and over again with something people fear: death. But let me back up. I’ve always been a bit of a Jack of all trades. Sure, I’ve mastered sight-singing, installing car seats, and most recently, observing the human body move.

I started college straight out of high school as a music education major. As my passion became actual work, the burnout came quickly. I married, had two kids, and decided as a stay-at-home mom that I needed some purpose. Somehow I fell into the vast world of child passenger safety and quickly became a certified child passenger safety technician. I met(both online and in-person) some amazing individuals who volunteered their time, all in the name of making sure complete strangers’ babies rode around safely. I met with parents in parking lots and driveways in the melting sun and the frigid snow. I responded to endless questions on parenting message boards. After a military move to Guam, with two kids who weren’t little babies anymore, my interests shifted as I fell in love with fitness. 

The fitness community was a whole new world to me. Seeing the things my once out-of-shape body could do constantly amazed me. I enjoyed working out with and attending classes with friends, but I hungered for more. A friend, for whom I am eternally thankful as part of a group that helped me find myself, encouraged me to certify as a Zumba instructor. This was a good move because, at the same time, I knew that as soon as I got back to the continental US my marriage was over. I needed employment, and as a stay-at-home mom for the last several years, my resume didn’t go beyond some waitressing and administrate work. Leaving Guam, the place that built me, was one of the lowest points of my life. I have never again felt that same sense of community. Upon arriving back state-side, I met my current husband who encouraged me to get my personal trainer certification alongside my group fitness certification. I spent several years working in a franchise gym as I built my experience, and we built our family. Plus one child, and the sudden absence of childcare, it was time to strike out on my own. 

I started out as a mobile personal trainer during my husband’s ‘at-home’ hours. From there, I called gym to gym asking for training privileges as an independent trainer. One particular gym agreed and bonus, they offered childcare. I could utilize the facility and the childcare for a few hours a day and still build my clientele. At the same time, I was also teaching group fitness at this facility and the gym on base. My classes had started to grow and it wasn’t long before my client list exceeded the amount of time I was allowed to use childcare. Around the same time, my husband and I decided to purchase a larger house for our family, and also give me a space to set up my personal gym. This was perfect! Our kids were all in school, and our youngest was at a morning school four days a week. People could come to me on my timeline, and I could make money without too much overhead. Somehow, some way, even through the Covid pandemic I was still able to take on clients. Living in the southeast, our lockdown didn’t really last past the summer of 2020; businesses re-opened and life, well, it pretty much went on as normal. Regardless of your feelings on how the pandemic was handled, this was life in the south. I took the precautions I personally needed to take and advised my clients to do the same. The business has continued to keep me far busier than I ever thought possible, and I am ever thankful for the experience of watching women, day in and day out, realize their strength and tenacity. But we are a military family…

If you know anything at all about military life it is that we are often not allowed to stay in one place for very long. As of this fall, my children and I have been in the same area for nine years. How lucky we have been to be able to have this time, to form relationships, to explore our community, and to live a ‘normal’ life. But it is time for my husband to receive new orders, and that means following. Right now, we have no idea where we’re going. We know where we want to go, but often the Navy has a different idea of where that should be. Wherever it is, we are only there for a couple years before he retires from the military. So much thought and discussion have been made on the best course of action for myself regarding my business. When we move, I no longer have a personal space. When we move, I can’t take my clients with me. When we move, I have the opportunity to try something new and put fitness on the back burner for a bit. But I know myself. I know that when I put something down(especially something I have done well at), it typically does not get picked back up. You know that saying about leaving on a high note? So at some point in the next six months, I will open my doors for the last time. I do intend to keep my personal training certification current so that I have the option to train at other gyms if I choose, or have the time. I’ll also be able to provide structured, written workout plans as a side job. But you’re probably thinking, “then what are you going to do with your time?” 

The easy answer? I’m going back to school! The difficult answer(and its ‘why’s’ explored in the coming days) is what for because it’s going to surprise a lot of you. On Monday, I start my first term toward achieving my A.A.S. in Funeral Services.

Hence, Deadlifts to Dead Lifts