During the Holiday Season everyone wants their traditional parties, events and dinners to go perfectly.  We want the Holidays to be full of light and fun, which they are.  They are when we let go of how things are supposed to be and allow them to flow as the moment intends.  You may have a Holiday dinner where Grandma decides to pull out her dentures by your new boyfriend and you are mortified, or Christmas morning when Santa forgot to bring the stockings to their traditional place leaving the kids questioning.  These are the moments when you reach from within to find a smile and laugh and find the light in the situation.  They are the moments in future years that become the star memories of the Holidays. 

The same goes for every action in health and fitness. Right now I am in the midst of recovering from double knee surgery.  Many Personal Trainers don't do the orthroscopic surgeries for fear of the unknown, but how can I be a positive example for my own clients if I don't take care of myself. That is not setting a good example, nor is it getting over my own fears.  While some people have asked, "How can you do this?", or "What are you going to do to get all the holiday shopping done?", or  "Are you nervous if it doesn't work and you're a trainer and can't workout as hard after?".  Of course they are questions that popped through my mind but honestly, this has been an experience I have tried to find positives and "stars" within.  

The workouts prior to my surgery were intense, focused, and disciplined.  When teaching and training, I relished each class and watching how my Power Fitness PDX'ers were strong and moving forward with their goals.  While organizing for the Holidays and shopping, I mapped out what we were doing and specific dates to go to the Nutcracker, Ice Skating, Night Bike Riding, and stocking shopping with efficiency and focus versus last minute stressful events.  I also realized that the recovery time would be a gift I don't normally have.  Time to sit-really sit with my legs up, enjoy the Christmas Tree and twinkling lights with my girls, and have no feelings of having to be anywhere.  We've had jammies on until 10:30 while painting pictures for family. I've accepted help and the gift that it is- the gift of family and friends trying to make this time light and worry free for me and my family.  I have given up control of needing to plan the logistics and allowed others to take over; which is not the norm.  Those are the huge stars in this journey. 

When facing challenges, look at the plethora of little lights along the way that become big stars in the end.  Think about your exercise goals and how they can seem daunting.  But you break them down, separate out each step and realize they are attainable. These little steps along the way become the biggest stars of goals conquered in the end.  I have seen this with all of you in Power Fitness PDX, and have been honored to be part of your journey. 

During this special time of the year, I wish for you to truly appreciate the little lights that may seem like only twinkles of possibilities.  Relish them as they become the stars that shine brightly.  In this News Update you'll read about some Power Fitness PDX'ers and how they grew this past year.  They allowed themselves to break through their fears, and tap into their inner light to become their own biggest star.  You can too in 2012...just believe.  You are all the biggest stars with the brightest lights within.

Have a healthy, joyous and wonderful Holiday Season.

Cheers to you...

 

Challenge the POWER of YOU!  

 

----Erin Kreitz Shirey

Owner & Lead Trainer of

Power Fitness PDX LLC

www.powerfitnesspdx.com