My Journey To Well-being - Part I
As I look back on earlier struggles, I now realize what is possible - for each of us. In 2010, it was the summer before the start of high school. I still remember being anxious, afraid, and self-conscious; I had been eating chaotically, disregarding my body, and was out of touch with myself, concentrating all of my attention on what was outside rather than inside. I remember the words from my mother "Be yourself," she would reassure me, and I would respond, "I know," since I was so intent on fitting in rather than accepting my true self, my special beauty, and my sincerity. These were the early days of perspective for me…
Flashing back to the start of it all, though, if you had met me then– I’m not sure you’d recognize me!
2017, I was free, fully embracing myself, I felt ready, and so took my first confident leap. Inspired and determined to better my health, I met the gym. Sick, skinny, and frail I arrived. Knowing how hard things would be I still came because I had a goal in mind. These would be the first steps for my health and fitness journey, little did I know it would soon also lead to my life passion - a full immersion into helping others through the fitness industry.
For the past 3 years now I’ve been serving gluten-free, dairy-free, healthy, high protein eats, treats, fit tips, and workouts; Sharing my process, progress, routines, hopes, dreams – all that I learn and love, and spinning the basics and ordinary extraordinary. You’re probably wondering how I got here, I’m going to tell you all about how that happened.
Now, I have shifted into the physical realm of this industry which is in-person training—excited about my blossoming professional career. I am very much eager to continue to learn, grow, and evolve the skills inherent within me through diving into new experiences while taking on challenges.
It’s interesting thinking back to past versions of ourselves and how we were such different people than we are today, so far estranged. Thinking back to when I lacked confidence, consumed by fear and self-consciousness, so far removed from introspective thoughts and inner purpose. That’s where willingness, practice, time, growth, and experience come in. As with all things in life, we have had to start somewhere, right?
Embracing ourselves in our entirety and inherent nature– for all we are and in the belief that all we aspire to be was the first thing, for me. This is willingness, proceeds confidence– self-love, and acceptance, the entry point, take-off point, the start of overpowering negative with positivity to finally break the chains off the mental shackle on my mind.
Years of experience, learning, and growth later I became fully open to all and embraced new experiences, gaining my bearings– high school and its push for self-discovery opened mine. The mindset was my awakening, my thinking and perception (Learning and practicing the Law of Attraction), were such a big point in the shift.
Mentally overcoming that step of whether should I go or not gave me a pathway to get to where I am right now. The biggest battles on my journey to improve myself were the mental ones since that is the part of the body that makes you think, push and rationalize. I was in a dark spot but once I became more productive things became brighter so it kept me going and I was motivated to keep progressing toward my goals.
I am grateful for everything I have experienced thus far in my career and for my trajectory. I am excited about meeting you and collaborating with you to help you how to get strong on your strengthening journey, achieve results, and help you become all that you aspire to. I would love to hear about your journey and, if you ask me, I can listen and even help guide you! Meet IO’s Dana!
Stay tuned for part deux…
By: D. Michelle