Pay Online
Oh my word!
Imagine my surprise when firstly, I saw a picture of myself on Brighton & Hove Council’s Take Part 2019 fitness fiesta’s promotional materials, including Facebook and then…on posters at bus stops!
I’m still smiling about it because I’m really chuffed their media department thought images of me on stage at last year’s event would be a good marketing strategy to get people to attend this year’s festival on The Level.
My life has changed so much over the years that a few years ago I would never have imagined this happening.
I was on the top deck of the number 49, which had stopped outside my local Sainsbury’s when I clocked the poster and then did a double take when I saw myself in my colourful leggings and FunkFit racerback!
Seriously, my heart was in my mouth!
I wasn’t on stage this year.
I was working nearby with lovely clients, but after a fab lunch catching up with a great friend, Samantha of Infinite Love https://www.infinitelove.uk/, I got myself down to The Level and had the pleasure of being part of the crowd.
So great being in in the sunshine, watching the demos and having a shake-out with some amazing acts.
(Marta Scott never fails to impress!)
I visited some of the many fitness and wellbeing stalls and attending a Zumba workshop with the super Mon Zam after her brilliant showcase on the main stage!
A few years ago, this sort of event would not have been on my radar.
As it was such nice weather, I would have been in a pub garden, overdosing on nicotine and getting plastered on lager probably. Probably? Definitely!
For some that sort of thing occasionally is fine, having an all-day booze fest, but for me I “enjoyed” doing that so much and so regularly I was actually damaging myself mentally and physically.
Why am I writing about this?
The reason I’m writing about this as my June Blog, is that I’m keen to demonstrate that quite extraordinary change can happen.
I do walk the talk, as do so many who decide their lives might be better with a change of direction.
Sometimes it’s not even a conscious thing.
I attended a Zumba class many years ago not having a clue what to expect apart from it involved dancing, and it turned me into a fitness enthusiast, trying out loads of other classes, different disciplines, and truly benefiting from the experiences which includes meeting great people and forming new friendships.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes some work and motivation.
For me that actually now comes from feeling pretty rank if I don’t get enough exercise in or start eating badly.
My endorphin dips from letting classes slip are not nice. My veins feel clogged if I overeat and under exercise.
It’s terrific that I’ve found this new way of being.
Me being on stage performing in front of strangers and being featured on promo material may not impress some very much.
I’ve had that response from a few when I’ve excitedly spoken about it.
It impresses and excites me though, because I’m the one feeling and appreciating the change.
This is important when making life-changing decisions.
Some will be delighted for you and others won’t understand the importance for you.
Maybe you’ve experienced dismissive types of responses to sharing a desire to change.
Do any of these ring a bell? “You’re not fat”, “you don’t drink THAT much”, “you only smoke a few”, “you’re not an anxious person”…
What is the purpose of those sort of remarks?
Maybe to avoid upsetting us, hurting our feelings. Maybe there’s a controlling aspect to those comments, for example cutting down on alcohol may well bemuse drinking buddies and they’d prefer you to keep doing it large.
How do I help you?
Not everyone can make changes alone.
It’s really hard when there’s so much going on that you aren’t your main priority.
Come to me with a desire to change something, and it will be about changing you, not other people.
We may well explore “blocks” such as how to handle other people reactions, and other limiting concerns that have prevented you this far from getting on with it.
A key element for making and sustaining change is support and encouragement.
Working with me to set your goals and to unearth opportunities will include that support and encouragement.
Whilst this blog has been about fitness, it’s not the only thing I can help you change.
For example anxiety and depression.
There can be a link to managing those conditions with exercise and good eating, but there are other ways too, so we would explore those together.
What is bothering you?
It doesn’t have to be what might be thought of as major.
Making small changes make big differences to our state of wellness and prevent issues from escalating.
It’s all quite wonderful.
So, while you’re having a think about that, I’ll leave a couple of links here to the aforementioned amazing contributors who lit up this year’s Take Part event.
Take a look at what they do. It might encourage YOU to take part!
