I am really getting comfortable and expanding my philosophy of combining the meditation and physical training part of what I do.

I am hoping that the way I explain things to people really gets through to them and helps them gain the clarity they need to figure out how they need to move forward.

Whether it's to mentally get past a physical challenge or an emotional/spiritual one.

Be Brave! Go beyond what you ever imagined yourself doing. Don't let yourself be stagnant in your way of thinking about life. You can go beyond your expectations of yourself!

The other day I was with a friend who is many years older than I am. I noticed, as I often do with this particular friend, that she is scared to do certain things.

She hesitates and takes the long way around in order to avoid certain steps or declines to do certain activities that she deems "dangerous". She has it in her head that she is "old" and is in danger of falling and breaking a bone.

​I try to talk her through movements. I try to encourage her to pick up her feet so that she can clear that obstacle in the parking lot but often she prefers to walk around an uneven area. We all know you can't make someone do something that they don't want to do. 

As a personal trainer, I can help people get physically stronger. But a client will not step up to a challenge unless they have the inner strength to move forward. No matter how great a personal trainer is, the only way training can be successful is if the client is "all in".

If you are at a spot in your life where you'd like to change your outlook, I really encourage you to get outside of your comfort zone. Perhaps meditation could benefit you but only try it if you are really open to it. I'm happy to stick with the physical stuff only if that's what my client is interested in. 

I don't imagine that the caterpillar spends a lot or time worrying what it is to become. The more you focus on what you want to be the more you can lose sight of who you really are.

One of my favorite necklaces has a plaque on it that reads "be strong". 💪
It does not say "get" strong. That would imply that I am not enough where I am right now.

I must grasp and reach for something that is in the future, that I do not "possess". Yes, we must earn our way - work hard to improve in whatever we are seeking BUT we shouldn't overlook the beauty in the state we are in within this very moment.

My necklace does not read "stay" strong. That would imply we must still the passing of time. Freeze like a dog when it's owner yells for it not to exit the front door or follow their human across the street. How boring would life be if we stayed in one spot?

We do NOT want to "stay" stagnant in our physical bodies or in our energetic bodies. Our hair is growing, our cells are changing. So true - we can not "stay" happy all of the time or "stay" depressed continually.

We NEED to constantly shift and flow through our lives. No matter how high the highs or low the lows we all know they will serve their purpose - bringing us to a greater understanding of ourselves.
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The only thing we can rely on in life is CHANGE. We are constantly evolving - embrace that truth and cooperate with the flow of life - joy is yours!

I can't stress to you enough my firm belief that it is not my job to tell anyone else what to do. It's just so true!

Awhile ago I wrote a post called "Only You Can Turn the Switch On" - the same idea.

As a personal trainer I am qualified, in fact obligated and happy to tell you what to do to be safe and effective with your physical workouts.

Don't get me wrong - I love telling people what to do, just ask my family. But from an emotional standpoint I can NOT tell you what to do. It is completely up to you to get off that sofa or throw out those chips.

Sure I can come to your house and get in your face about it or go through your pantry or take you to the market to buy healthy food but once I leave - chances are you will revert to old habits.

It is my job to help you figure out how to dig deep and be your own coach, your own boss, your own motivator.

I love spending time with you and encouraging you but I can't possibly be with you every minute of the day. You need to fill that role for yourself and YOU CAN. You have the strength within you - you just need to take the time to get in touch with it,, admit it is there. Be AWARE of your own power and trust it.

​I can help you figure out how to do that but then it's up to you. I'm so excited to watch you grow! So excited to be part of the process of encouraging you to stretch to your fullest.

Ok, so I was thinking about marketing strategies and realized that even that term makes me uncomfortable. There it is, that beast called "vocabulary". It seems so pushy to say "marketing".

I must admit - I am the first to hang up (politely of course, well, unless I can't hear them clearly or they hesitate before speaking) on obvious cold call salespeople. So annoying!

My Dad was a professional salesman for most of his life so I don't know where this attitude came from.

Hmmm, maybe subconsciously I didn't like the way he asked for business or just the whole idea of asking for business bugged me in some way?

Regardless, I know I'm not the only person to shy away from marketers BUT I am also the same person who will in fact buy things from people in person that I perceive as great products (ie. DoTerra Essential Oils, Pampered Chef, etc.) I absolutely see the value in direct sales of quality merchandise.

I must recognize that some products just truly are not available off the shelf (ie. Girl Scout cookies) or I need a little guidance in the face of product overload (vitamins) or advice on where to get the best services (physical therapy, best schools, hair cuts).

I must admit that I need and rely on people giving me information about their products. Is this marketing? Hmmm, well yes I guess it is.

Historically I don't have a problem either letting people know about products that are my favorites (Girl Scout cookies-come on - they sell themselves) or about services I recommend (like my friend Audrey Newmont and her empowerment workshops or Pam Dilbeck with her amazing personal training).

But am I marketing? Hmmm, no, I choose to think of it as "offering" information. I do not have a problem being told "no". It's ok with me if you don't want to buy my daughter's cookies; it doesn't affect my opinion of them. I am in no way offended.

It won't stop me from making the offer to more people. I have no problem spreading the word about certain great products or services. Why shouldn't I do this for myself?

I need to get my head wrapped around this idea. I am not "marketing" my personal training/meditation services - I am offering them to those that may benefit.

Those that want my services will let me know and those that don't will go elsewhere.

​There are so many great trainers and different types of meditation out there. Everyone will find their unique fit. All I can do is send out the invitation and let people know I am here. I am not marketing, I am offering services.

Next time a telemarketer calls I will keep this perspective in mind (although they better speak up quick before I hang up the phone, politely of course).