Early on, I realized that being “chubby” wasn’t perceived to be such a good thing. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I cried to my Mom while holding my belly fat, saying something to the affect of “I don’t want this. How do I get rid of it?” In her loving voice, she assured me of my beauty and told me I was just fine the way I was (Aren’t I fortunate to have such a wonderful Mom?). She went on to explain how eating well and exercising is good for our health and keeps us strong. I started making changes and the belly rolls came off. From early on, I learned invaluable skills to take care of myself. I also realized that I was never going to be like my sister, who was naturally thin…I was the strong, brut one! I quickly realized I had to work for it.
Fast forward many years later…At age 22 I was working in Boston, but not “working out” a whole bunch. I missed the feeling of being in amazing shape, like I did when I was swimming competitively in high school. Plus my boyfriend at the time did an Ironman triathlon and watching that really inspired me to get back into shape. So, I started working out regularly. I felt better and I was stronger. It was clear to me that exercising was simply helping me…in more ways than I understood back then. It kept me sane while going through day-to-day stress and navigating life-changing decisions. Working out simply became part of my routine.
Fast forward to my thirties and I got hurt! What?! Yes…I got hurt from pushing too hard and comparing myself to the girl next to me at Crossfit. With that unhealthy line of thinking, I wound up with 3 bulging discs in my neck and one in my lower back. Of course, sitting all day as a graphic designer wasn’t helping matters either. Thus, my troubles of chronic back and neck pain began. Wow…I thought…I’m too young for these problems (My neurologist thought otherwise)! So with the input of many professionals I kept working out (with caution) and started doing much more yoga. I was testing the waters!
Meanwhile, with my ongoing back pain and my quest for more fulfillment, I quit my job and took off to Panama for a few months to do something new (and boy did I find it). I found Evan, my partner, who I wound up traveling with for 7 months through Central and South America. It was a wild journey and beyond fun. It was just what the doctor ordered as it helped me create a new vision for my life. I wanted to feel more joy and create a lifestyle that would be healthy for both my mind and my body.
Today, I’m a personal trainer, yoga instructor and freelance graphic designer living in San Diego, California with my boyfriend (that great guy I met in Panama). I stepped away from Corporate America and since then, my chronic back and neck pain has practically dissipated. With a combination of strength training, cardiovascular endurance training, yoga practice, proper nutrition and no more than a few hours of sitting each day, my body and my mind are free.
Sharing my passion and guiding others in their personal journeys towards wellness is life-giving for me. The inspiration I receive from my clients keeps me motivated and eager to continue my quest for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. So, if you too struggle with the challenges life presents and are ready to take hold of them, then let’s talk. Please remember that your goals are always within reach and when the body and the mind work together, you can accomplish anything.
Call or text me. I’m here with open ears.
858 412 0579