The following was taken from the previous version of my website. I feel like I am shedding some old skin by upgrading my blog, but I wanted to honour this bit of the past because it is some of my best personal advice I could ever share with you!
CHARITY & PHILANTHROPY – FEEL IT
“When I grow up, I want to help people”. As a kid in elementary school, I had no concept of how or why; I just had a feeling.
“When I grow up, I want to help people feel strong and fit”. As a student in university, I had a small concept of how, but still no concept of why. I just had to make some money.
“When I grow up, I want to help people achieve their goals”. As a young and eager trainer and instructor to the industry, I had a growing concept of how, and a righteous concept of why. I just had to prove myself.
“When I grow up, I want to help people find balance”. As a fitness coach to the corporate world, I have a systematic concept of how, and a deeper concept of why. I just have to master it.
“When I grow up, I want to help people…” As an enlightened human being, I shouldn’t need a concept of how or why, I just need to listen to that feeling.
I run in races to challenge myself and hopefully inspire people. I work as a coach and trainer to educate people. I volunteer as a Pacer Bunny to GIVE to people.
HEALTH – BALANCE IT
Creating a balance between mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health is what I seek. Creating a strategy forenhanced quality of life, personal growth, and positive lifestyle behaviours is what I strive. Creating an outcome of stability, happiness, and meaning is what I aspire.
FITNESS – LIVE IT
I have a deep understanding of the human body, how it works, and how it can be used to its fullest potential. Whether it be for everyday functional purposes, high level athletic performance and competition, and/or rehabilitative reasons, I wish to share my knowledge and experience with those who wish to receive it. I wish to practice what I preach, conquer my own goals, and master my own weaknesses, so that I can provide as an inspirational leader who is instrumental in helping others achieve their own aspirations and goals.
FOOD – ENJOY IT
Food is solely the fuel of life in some eyes; it is also the enjoyment of life in others’ eyes – I see it both ways. Food empowers people. Food allows me to express myself with cooking which paves my growing avenues of creativity, discovery, and happiness. I do not supplement, I do not diet, I do not count calories, I do not restrict; I do nothing that limits this passion of mine. But I keep in mind healthy eating habits, principles, and guidelines and I promote my perspective outwardly. When one stresses about food, it breaks positive patterns, and deters exercising habits. The answer to relieving stress is balance and control with food. Eat in moderation; portion control. Indulge but don’t overindulge. Choose quality over quantity. Feed yourself what you would feed your loved ones. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.
MUSIC – FEEL IT
As music and mood go hand in hand, music and exercise pair perfectly. Music taps into my emotions through musical components such as lyrics, melodies, beats, harmonies, and rhythm. Some songs lead me to places in my memory that help me engage deeper into my running. Other songs pump me up and act as the spotter for that last struggling rep I would normally not push out. Songs positively distract my mind when under stress and over-thought, and provide me pinpoint focus when jumping rope. Music creates a soundtrack for my long rides on the road and helps shape the rhythm of my revolutions. When I am able to connect to a song through one or all of the components of music, it elevates my mood to another level and directly affects my output of energy. Music is the common denominator of mood and exercise, thus conveying the fact that it is an essential tool for success in health and fitness.
FASHION – EXPRESS IT
I am fascinated by fashion’s ability to create such an impactful message without words. Fashion is freedom of expression. What we wear, how we wear, and why we wear the clothes we have provide us a sense of individuality or uniqueness that we as social beings crave. I believe the way our emotions connect so deeply to music, fitness, and food is analogous to the simplicity of how we dress. The feeling of slipping on new pair of shoes, buttoning up that perfectly fitted suit, or sliding on a rare pair of eyeglass frames is simple fulfillment of desire. Fashion is more than a passion and creative outlet; it is a hobby, enjoyment, and practice, which contributes constructively to mental and emotional health and well-being.