Wonderful Quality of Life

While at IHRSA 2013, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, I was talking to my bff Terrell about what is behind my passion for fitness. Having a wonderful quality of life was among my 10 reasons for being passionate about health and fitness. My dad died less than a year ago at the age of 55. I remember my dad being vibrant, athletic, funny, patient, loving, talkative, and extremely outgoing! He always seemed to enjoy life and not worry about too much of anything. The only time I recall him being sad was when his mom and dad died. He lived his life fully and out loud. He often traveled to visit his friends and family in Greenwood, Kansas City, and Toledo. He never missed a funeral or class reunion or homecoming. He loved his children, and he had many - Fifteen! In the last five years of his life, there was a dramatic decline in his health. My dad went from a strong and athletic to morbidly obese. As his weight went up his quality of life declined. He never talked to me about his inner thoughts, always keeping his persona of strength, but I knew things were not as they seemed. He often confined himself to one area of the house, because climbing the stairs were too much of an obstacle. I would often encourage him to stick to eating a healthy diet, and take a walk down the block. I would acknowledge his strength and ensure him he could turn things around. It was hard living over 2,000 miles away. I felt helpless. Eventually, health complications and an overworked heart took my dad out. I was devastated. I spend my days supporting people as they are on their journeys to better health and my own dad dies from unhealthy living. Life can be so ironic. I had to come to the realization, that we are given the gift of life and choices of how to live. Every choice has it's effects. We can support our fellow brothers and sisters in this life but the ultimate choice belongs to each of us. I value having a wonderful quality of life. Because it is in my value system, do things to increase my chances of having a wonderful quality of life. I want to have the energy, courage, and capacity to do whatever I want in life. I went skydiving because I thought it would be fun! I hike regularly because I enjoy being in nature and I find it soothes my soul. I am eager to learn to prepare vegan and raw foods. I love taking random fitness classes and attending workshops and conferences to learn new things and meet new people. I enjoy traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. My dad's life has affected me in such a way that I have no desire to be ordinary or conventional, I am more than inspired to do whatever it takes to live life, my way, led by the spirit God has placed in me.

Just BE Happy?

All I ever remember wanting is happiness. When I was a child, I wanted to be, do and have many, many things, but the driving force was always happiness. The adolescent version of me thought having things would bring happiness, a pair of Nike Air Jordans and being popular were at the top of my list. I've still not owned a pair of Jordans and I never became popular. I'd like to say I made it through high school happy, but I was always sad about something, feeling like a victim to my circumstances. I've spent years delaying happiness, thinking when I have or accomplish this or that, i'll be happy. As an adult, I was challenged to a new way of thinking. Just be happy. Could it be so simple? Just be happy? Choose to be happy? Is it a choice? Absolutely! Life is all about choices, regardless of circumstances we have a choice of how we are BEING. Now that I am older I realize things can't make me truly happy. Sure things are enjoyable and fun to have, but I am so grateful to know being happy is a choice. I've spent years delaying happiness, thinking when I have or accomplish this or that, i'll be happy.

This way of thinking spills over to all facets of our life. Taking action toward what we want is the key to getting it -happiness, health, love, etc. If you want happiness, wanting happiness does not bring happiness, however, choosing to be happy brings more happiness. Replace this with anything you find yourself wanting. Stop wanting and just be. Let's use weight loss as an example. Weight loss is a result of being healthy. Though one may want to lose weight, the more efficient way of losing weight is to just be healthy. Healthy people make certain lifestyle choices. Those choices will lead to weight loss. I realize this is a simplistic way of looking at life. But things are never as complicated as we make them out to be.

Passion!

I thought it was obvious that I am committed and passionate about fitness, after all I teach spin and yoga classes and I am a personal trainer and I've created an active detox program (Kristie's Natural Active 10 Day Detox) and a superfood supplement (THIS Green). All of which because I am passionate about fitness. I'm currently at IHRSA, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and one of my bff's, Terrell L. McTyer, self-proclaimed marketing monster, asked me what are my concerns? In other words what is behind this fitness passion of mine. After thinking about it, I insist on living a certain way and health and fitness is a major player of my being. I can't help but think many others want the exact thing I do. I have 10 concerns:

1. Happiness
2. Wonderful Quality of Life
3. Fun and Adventure
4. Longevity
5. Courage
6. High self-esteem
7. Trust
8. Love
9. Gratitude
10. Acceptance

Being dedicated to fitness has definitely helped in every aspect listed above. I will share more on all of my areas of concern in the coming days!

Eat This!

Clementines are sweet, delicious and in season right now. What a great grab and go snack! The best part is two of these tiny delicious citrus fruits provide a days worth of vitamin C for adults. Packed with nutrients, clementines are only 35 calories per fruit and tout a low glycemic index. Clementines are truly a superfood!