The Power Of SharIng Your Story

By Erin Rhoades

There was a time that I was ashamed to share my struggles.

I was afraid to admit that I battled with disordered eating.

I would under eat and over exercise to an extreme, and when no one was looking on a weekend night, I would binge on sweets to the point I thought I would literally be sick. I had somehow allowed food and exercise to control me. It was all I thought about, and it wasn’t until my body became physically sick that I took a step back and decided that something had to change.

As I dealt with my demons, and my body and mind were healing, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed. I wasn’t that strong, in control person everyone thought I was…at least not yet.

What I didn’t know is that my secret struggles were eventually going to mold me into that person I wanted to be. The transformation that needed to take place didn’t begin until I decided to share my story. I started with one person that I thought might understand and I knew for certain wouldn’t judge me, but would love me through it. By telling that one person, my secret already had less power over me and I immediately felt a little stronger. I decided to share with a few more people and with each time I told about my struggles, a little of that shame melted away.

I eventually decided to speak a little louder and share my story on my blog. I remember staring at my words, wondering if putting my story out there for the world to see was the right thing to do. I finally took a deep breath, counted to three and clicked “post”. I closed my computer and waited a while before I looked for any reactions on my social media, but when I did, I knew I had done the right thing. There were many comments but the one’s that really tugged at my heart were the women thanking me for being vulnerable, because now they didn’t feel so alone.

From that day forward, the shame that burdened me was no longer there. I now find it to be a privilege when I get to share my personal struggles. I personally believe we go through things for two specific reasons. One, they make us stronger and form us into the people we are meant to be. Two, we are to take what we’ve learned from difficult situations and help others. Whether that is helping someone going through a similar situation or to warn others against making our same mistakes. There is a lot more to my story than what I’ve briefly shared (which you can read about here), but I can honestly say with all my heart, that I would gladly go through it all again, if I can stop one person from going down my same path.

I urge you, if you have an experience that has changed your life and made you stronger, to tell that story. You don’t have to write a blog and put your life out there for just anyone to see. Maybe you choose to tell just one person to lighten that burden you’ve been carrying around. Find that someone you trust and share your struggle. Being vulnerable isn’t always fun, but it can be rewarding in many different ways. Maybe your story will be the one that might just change someone else’s life.

How to Lose a Gunt in 10 Days

By K.L.

Countless magazines, both health and fashion, tell us we can do anything. "Be bikini ready in 2 weeks!" "Get THESE abs by the weekend!" "Look 10 pounds thinner by noon!" 

I know the articles that seem too good to be true, ARE too good to be true. These so-called miracle cures and drastic claims are just fluff pieces to sell magazines (... Uh, similar to this one). I know it isn't realistic, or attainable to look like Gwyneth Paltrow with one swift ab exercise. I know putting coconut oil on my cellulite and stretch marks won't make it supple and smooth like Beyoncé's. I know J-Lo's butt is not something I can get by buying an exercise band. And I most certainly know that my legs will never look like Heidi Klum's, and especially not because I take on a 2-week squat challenge. 

So why do I keep going for the quick fix? The overnight results? Why do I even read these articles? 

I am the type who will go so hard in the gym. I love to sweat, and work hard, so much so that I'll compete with myself and others. The hardest part for me is nutrition. The gym is an hour a day, (alright, maybe half an hour. Well, a few days a week. Okay, at least once) but food is ALL day EVERY day. And it's the most important part! These "quick fix" articles show a 3-minute arm circle workout and claim that they will give me the "bikini body I've always wanted." IT'S NOT ENOUGH, my friends. I know, because I've tried. Somehow my abs look the same even if I follow the Kale Smoothie diet for three days (I think the box of Oreos may have something to do with it). 

So why the title, you ask? Well, it was a ploy to get you to read this article.

... Did it work? 

What is a gunt, anyway? Well, urban dictionary will tell you (see also: fupa), but here is my highly educated response: it's the space between your belly button and your lady parts. It's the place that all dresses (tight or loose) love to grab on to. The spot that seems impossible to get rid of. It's the spot our kids like to touch and ask us if there's a baby in there. The sole reason shape wear was invented. The spot that tells us we've had too much Halloween candy. The spot that loves to come out and play if ever we dare bend over. 

So, how does one lose a gunt in 10 days? Sorry, friends. We don't.

That sucker isn't going away in just over a week. But with proper nutrition, strength and interval training, and a hefty source of willpower, we can get closer to a flat stomach. It might take weeks. It might take months. It might take a year. But we are too smart to keep believing the gimmicky "dietainment" stories that wreak havoc on our self-esteem. We've learned, through all of the fad diets and fad exercise plans, that there is no quick fix. It always comes down to what you put in your body, and how you push your body to be strong. 

And hey, if all else fails, there's always Spanx. 

(Endnote: when I pitched the idea for this article to editor Val, she asked me, "What is a gunt?" This made me laugh, then become infuriated. A woman who doesn't know what a gunt is? A mother of 4 who's never had a little pooch down by her va-jay-jay? It's just not fair. I love you, Val, but I may have to unfriend you on Facebook.) 

#GORGOgirl: TracI Melgar

The Struggle is Part of the Adventure

Honored, humbled, excited, panicked.  Those are emotions connected with adventure. The adventure of sharing. The adventure of attending Camp Gorgo last year alone at 57.  The adventure to learn to be a better small business owner.

March 19, 2020: my 58th birthday
Struggling with the transition to online fitness training with my demographic as the vast majority are in the “high risk" category for no reason other than age. They are also not, for the majority, technologically versed or familiar.  Truthfully, neither am I. While I’ve dabbled, nothing has gone as expected. I over think, over plan and find myself exhausted trying to learn lighting, the view of streaming, and anticipating uncontrollable unexpected factors that present daily. What an adventure!

Let’s add that even though I am incredibly blessed and grateful to have my 9-year-old granddaughter flattening the curve with me, (her mom is single and a police officer) I have also put on the “at home, online teacher” hat.

Teaching has always been a passion regardless of the subject. Whether it was my years of traditional education by grade, Survival Spanish, ESL, Fitness, or how to help save Monarch butterflies, that is not the struggle. That’s the adventure that calls to me. This online, relying on technology, waiting for responses to email, receipt of lessons to accomplish our goals, that’s the challenge.

I have three amazing grown children. Two live about an hour away and the other resides in DC. Facing this birthday in a bit of a pity party as my husband is at work (essential workforce keeping UPS Aircraft safely in the air), I have to put in three hours of continued streaming with my fit groups, make sure my granddaughter gets her online lessons accomplished, and struggle with the idea of driving the hour to meet up with my three children. Yes my three children! An unexpected death of a close prominent friend has driven my oldest son to make a trip to Kentucky and it happened to coincide with my birthday. It will, if I choose to go, be the first birthday with all my children together in five years.

I am anxious, nervous, stressed. I am trying to be responsible but the Mother’s heart within wants desperately to be with her children on her birthday. My daughter calls needing to shift our gathering time a little earlier due to an unexpected mandatory meeting at the precinct. No more time to think. If I am going to go I have to just do it. Slightly exhausted and anxious upon arrival, I have  a myriad of emotions and thoughts running through my brain. I look old, I feel old, medical issues including debilitating chronic migraines have taken their toll on my weight and my energy. Why does it take a funeral to get my son home? Is my daughter safe or exposed as an officer posted at the official testing hospital for this virus. Am I endangering myself or my granddaughter?

 I get up to my son's room at the downtown hotel at which he is staying.  We knock, no answer. my stomach tightens. My phone rings. I hear my son say, “Hey mom where are you?”. I repeat the same as I am worrying how we will all be safely and comfortably in a hotel room. He tells me he is in the Lobby and to come back down. I am now worried my children are not taking this pandemic seriously. Once I return to the lobby, my son greets me with “Hi beautiful, Happy Birthday!” He leads me into an empty dining hall he has reserved for the afternoon with private meal and drink service.  Every negative thought and emotion from stress melts and I spend five glorious hours with my three children and granddaughter seated around a banquet table laughing, talking, eating, and drinking. I am thoroughly enjoying the adventure of my 58th birthday amidst the Corona Virus Pandemic!  I stepped out of fear, into the unknown and uncomfortable, to enjoy the adventure.

Adventure including struggle brought me to Camp Gorgo last year by myself. As a small fitness business owner I wanted to learn to be better at what I feel led to do. I wanted to learn that specifically from Women and certainly women in the business. A friend connected me with the Gorgo online group. I decided to dive in and commit to camp, as it was basically in my own backyard after all.

From last minute strangers welcoming me to be their roomies and having the exact same dress for formal night, to meeting one of the most outgoing friendly newbies at the Meet and Greet, embracing it “All In"  and accidentally getting into a car of the most hilarious Gorgo girls ever! (clown car travel at its finest!), one of two mermaids and yes again same dress different color at the formal.  

Absorbing, learning, experiencing and connecting with the strengths of so many incredibly amazing women.
Wow what an adventure!

Was I nervous and uncomfortable at moments? Yes, but every woman I had any amount of connection with erased them. The adventure made the struggle worth it. In the pressures and stresses of life, we might get so discouraged, and in our head, that we miss it. It is not about the struggle. It is about finding, owning, and finally beginning to understand our own story, struggles included. This in truth is our adventure. I will forever be grateful for the uncomfortable struggles that brought me to the blessed adventure of a Gorgo Girl.

Step out. Experience the uncomfortable and the amazing; the adventure. Just maintain a  safe social distance and flatten the curve till this adventure passes.

"Attitude is the difference between an Adventure and an ordeal"
- Bob Goff-Live in Grace Walk in Love

Habits: Reprogramming Yourself for a Habitually Healthy You

By Angela Hauck

Model: Natalie Davis

We can be habitually happy; habitually driven; and habitually supportive.

Just as easily we can be habitually judgmental; habitually late; and habitually lazy.

The body enjoys familiarity and routine. Take for example the route that you always take to get to work. Unless there is construction, we often stick to the same path every day.

The brain is no different. It likes to take the same route and altering the route or re-paving the road is not an easy task.

Moreover, although we are all well aware that our current health and body composition is a direct reflection of our everyday habits, changing those habits is not easy.

In hindsight, I can identify all of the habits that contributed to the person I used to be.

In college, I would get a massive slice of cheese pizza every day for lunch and lather it in a disgustingly thick layer of parmesan cheese.  

A bottle of pop would wash it down and I would often add a chocolate bar for dessert.

Every evening was filled with a few hours of television and online battles of tetris.

A few nights a week, I would engage in excessive binge drinking. Not long after was brutal hangovers and puking in the hallway garbage cans at school.

While living in British Columbia, I would consume Chicken Nuggets, french fries and a Coke from McDonalds and then go to Dairy Queen for a blizzard treat.

Every evening was filled with a long nap and a few unproductive hours on my computer.

Every weekend, booze took priority and Sundays were always a complete write-off.

I only bought fast-food or food that was on sale. I scarfed down meals manically and mindlessly.  

Water and vegetables were pretty much non-existent and it’s no surprise that as a result, I became unhealthy, overweight, unmotivated and lazy.

That very well could have been what I became forever. I could have stayed habitually overweight. Habitually lazy. Habitually fat.

In turn, I could have taught my kids unhealthy choices, habits and behaviours. And, they too could have come habitually overweight. Habitually lazy. Habitually fat.

Or not. . .

Although automatic in nature, habits are a choice, they can be temporary and they have the ability to change.

Take for example what is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

What’s typically on the table for breakfast?

How do you decide what’s for dinner?

How do you deal with stressors in your life?

What habits are holding you back physically and mentally?

And then consider the effect your habits are having on those that are around you.

One of the coolest capabilities we have as human beings is the ability to influence other people, especially the people that we love.  

By demonstrating healthy habits, we can enrich and inspire our family members to better health. We have the power to shape a solid foundation and a solid future for our children.  

By getting them involved in healthy living at a young age, we can help prepare them for a future of maintaining a healthy weight and a future of avoiding health problems related to excess body fat.

I’ve put together my top 8 healthy nutrition habits that you can apply in your household.

1) Be a good role model, especially when you’re tired, stressed or busy.

It’s very easy to grab “junk” food when life gets challenging.  

It’s important to remember who is watching. Is this a habit that you would want your children to emulate?

2) Read labels – not to learn how many calories are in the item, but to find out the ingredients.

Teach your children (when they are old enough) how to identify hidden sugars. Teach them to make selections that are high in protein and high in fiber.

3) Sit down with your kids to plan out the meals for the week.

Listen to their ideas and work as a team. Perhaps your son wants to have spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner with a chocolate brownie for dessert.  

Come up with ways to include a vegetable and a good protein source into the meal then find a healthy brownie recipe that you can make together.

4) Make up a homemade trail mix full of raw nuts and seeds such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds and chia seeds and keep it on hand for a quick snack.  

Packed with omega-3 fats, having these on hand can help with cognitive development and the prevention of many chronic diseases.

5) Mix flavoured yogurt with plain yogurt to cut back on the sugar.

This also works with chocolate milk and juices. You can dilute with milk or water.

6) Let your children choose their favourite fruits and vegetables.  

When you are in the produce aisle, show them the many colourful options and explain why fruits and vegetables are important.  

When you get home, chop, prepare and organize them so that they are easily accessible.  

Involve them in the process – even young children can do things like tear up lettuce for salad and put lids on Tupperware containers.

7) Serve appropriate portions.

Teach your children what it feels like to eat until they are 80% full. Let kids stop when they are no longer hungry instead of when the plate is clean.

8) Take your family’s favourite meals and find a way to do them over!

#GORGOgirl: Zina Breeding

We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.

Meet Zina Breeding.

Tell us about yourself!

I retired from Department of Army Civil Service in June 2016 after 37 years at the age of 55. I worked as a warehouse work leader/forklift operator for the majority of those years. Blue collar work in warehouses doing shipping and receiving, operating a forklift, driving a 4 ton box truck (think large Lowes delivery truck), loading/unloading semis. Physical work. Now I babysit my two year old grandson 3 days a week and help out my mother, mother-in-law and 100 year old grandmother-in-law with running errands, driving them to appointments and whatever else they need help with. It keeps me busy!

I got married when I was 20 and have two children. Elizabeth is 34 and the mother of my adorable grandson Silas and my son Alex is 31. I got divorced after 29 years of marriage at the age of 49. My children blamed me for the divorce and pretty much had nothing to do with me for two years...divorce is hard on your kids no matter what age. But sometimes you have to do what is needed for you...for once in your life. I got remarried in 2013 to Keith and there is never a day that goes by that I don't know that I am loved and most of all appreciated.

Tell us about your fitness life!

I have worked out off and on for years. I've attended group fitness classes, did a stint of running and been a member of the gym that is home to Camp Gorgo (I was there when Val and Christie worked there when they were stationed at Fort Knox). When I was doing the group fitness classes (probably 2006/2007) I loved the Les Mills Body Pump classes and got great results from them. I started my latest fitness journey in November of 2018. I have a workout area in my basement now and workout from home. I would love to go back to the gym but for now this is what works for me. I love lifting weights and my body seems to respond pretty quickly to that type of workout. I've been following Val, Christie and Dani for several years and have been doing their Facebook challenges. I enjoy using weights and seeing the changes in my body...I love how it makes my arms and shoulders look. I also try to get in a couple of days of cardio using the elliptical although some days chasing after a two year old suffices!

Any hobbies or things you enjoy doing?

My husband and I are avid golfers. I had never picked up a golf club until I met my husband so I started very late (age 49) but I absolutely love it. It's something we enjoy doing together and I learn something new every time I play. We enjoy traveling and playing in couples scrambles. I also have a group of ladies that play and we enjoy traveling to different golf courses and playing in tournaments.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GOALS YOU’RE WORKING TOWARD?

My goals are pretty simple...be healthy, happy, physically active, stronger and maintain a healthy weight. I want to be proud of how I look and feel at age 60. I want to be ok with aging because I don't like the alternative.

Any struggles?

I struggle with feelings of guilt. My husband suffers from spinal stenosis and his physical activity is limited. I feel guilty spending time away from him doing things that he can no longer physically do. In 2016 my Dad spent 22 days in the hospital. My Mom and I took turns staying with him day and night. He came home from the hospital and three hours later my mother suffered a stroke. The decision to put him in Hospice care was made while I was at work that day without my knowledge and I was upset. We talked and while I was hugging her and telling her I loved her she had the stroke. In my mind, I had caused her to have a stroke because she was upset that I was upset. Daddy ended up back in the hospital after only being home 3 days and my Mom ended up in the rehabilitation center across the street. I ran back and forth between them until Daddy died 9 days later. My heart was broken and I was mentally and physically exhausted. And I felt guilty because I hadn't kept him alive long enough for them to be together again. My mother's stroke and my Dad's death were neither one my fault but you couldn't convince me of that. It's been almost 4 years and I'm still struggling to even write this. I feel guilty about spending time on my self, doing what I want to do, when there's so much I could be doing for the others I help take care of. I worry too much about what others think instead of doing what makes me happy. I struggle with depression at times and exercise has always helped me to keep that under control. Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy so I am working on granting myself more grace and focusing more on what makes my heart happy.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE GORGO COMMUNITY?

The GORGO community has given me the opportunity to make new friends and to learn that I'm not alone in my feelings and struggles.

I worked for 37 years in a male-oriented job so I don't have a lot of female friends. I love that the women are strong and encouraging instead of tearing each other down. If you're struggling, they are there to pick you up, dust you off and help you to get back on your way.

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience? Fav part? What made you want to attend?

In 2018, I began my journey to lose some weight and to start working out again. When they advertised the dates for Camp GORGO 2019, I noticed that my 59th birthday would fall on that Saturday. I live in Elizabethtown where the camp is held,

I'd lost 35 pounds, was working out again and it was my birthday...how could I not go?! So I signed up and attended the camp. I didn't know anyone. I knew I was not going to be in as good of shape as most and probably older that anyone else that was there but I stepped out of my box and went. Not going to lie, it was intimidating to walk into a room full of women. But that passed quickly. There were women there of all shapes, sizes, ages and athletic abilities. And they were all smiling and friendly and helpful. During the breakout sessions, I learned that these young women were struggling with the same things I struggled with at their age: self doubt, feelings of not being enough, trying to balance career/motherhood/being a wife, trying to look a certain way, stress, depression.

I don't know why I was surprised...I still suffer from some of the same things even at 59. It was very eye-opening to hear what had led all of us here. The Saturday morning games were a blast (I know they were for fun but there was some pretty fierce competition going on!) and it was fun to see everyone dressed up in their costumes. The afternoon sessions at the gym were very informative and a chance to try something new or learn how to improve what you were already doing. And again, it was great to see everyone encouraging and helping each other. And getting to dress up on Saturday night and spend a night with your new friends was awesome! I can't wait to go back this year!

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at in your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS?

Life is short. The older you get, the better you understand that. It's sad that we spend so much of our lives stressing over things that in the grand scheme of things don't matter. Even though it's hard, take time to care for yourself.

Do what makes you happy and spend your time with the ones that make your heart full.

Puttin on the Glitz...A fitness Competition Experience

By Michelle Carlson

If you have ever competed on the fitness stage, then you know that awesome feeling when your Cinderella shoes, flashy jewelry and teeny tiny bikini full of sparkles lands in your lap ...That feeling of "Holy crap, this just got real!". For me, it was a little bit different.

As a younger me, I loved painting my nails and fixing my hair. Being a child of the 80's, I spent my fair share of time bathroom bound trying to match my eye shadow and lip gloss while also trying to achieve maximum height on my bangs. Into my 30's I noticed my focus was more inner me and less lip gloss me (and thank goodness the bangs were gone). Let me introduce the me I deal with on a daily basis: I am 37 and a mother of 2 teens. I run 2 businesses, see clients, develop nutrition and training programs and offer counseling. I workout as a necessity and I am NOT the girl in the gym who always matches and looks cute. Honestly, I find when I don't look too cute people tend to avoid me altogether, which rocks in my book. 

This is the same me that decided to pursue my dream of Figure competitions. It's also the same me who loved the workouts, but truly hated every second of posing practice. Over a few months I had to take off the boy shorts and slip into some extremely sparkly big girl panties...and it was a struggle. My first meeting with my suit maker left her feeling a bit, shall we say, unenthusiastic. She came through and made me a minimal suit as I asked, BUT she also added a little extra sparkle at no extra charge! I think she felt a bit sorry for how I had low-maintentanced myself to hardly any maintenance at all. 

With some prodding from Coach Val, support from my posing coach closer to home and the constant chats with my suit maker, I became a bit more open to the whole butterfly from caterpillar conundrum I had chosen to place myself. I made myself a playlist and practiced posing every day. I watched some of the bikini girls walk to get a feel for how to carry myself on and off stage. You see, I chose Figure thinking it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I was regrettably wrong, but what I learned from the process is invaluable. 

Here are a few tips to bring sexy to the stage...all in the best of taste, and while not losing yourself:

1. Draw inspiration from others BUT do not compare yourself to others. You are your very own unique brand of beauty. Nobody can dictate your own profound beauty, so embrace it.

2. Be grateful for what your body is accomplishing each day. Contest prep is HARD people! At times we can feel robotic and run down, but you are doing things only a small percentage of people can do. So celebrate a little.

3. Practice. Practice. Practice. Yes, you'll feel vain striking poses in the dressing room at the mall, but you are on a mission. The walks, poses, smiles and even the suit will look more naturally you when you spent ample amounts of time practicing. 

4. Get a support system. You need people you can call on when you're just not feeling it. That can come from a great coach (thanks Val!) or a best friend. Don't be shy about asking for a little help.

5. If you can, book your makeup professionally for the show and consult with the artist beforehand. My makeup artist knew 2 things: I wanted my family to recognize me AND I was really nervous. She did a fabulous job including me in the process and even came backstage for touch ups. 

The final thing is this....You have worked harder than most people dare. You have given up a lot to be here. So, glue that suit to your tush, spray down with some cooking spray, give it your biggest smile and remember that YOU are inspiring people as you saunter across that stage. So walk for more than yourself. ME? I walked for my daughter, so she could see what happens when you stay the course with your goals. Hold your head high, dig for the inner confidence, and shine like the rock star you know you are honey.

Perseverance and Passion: Khristie Gass

by Jill Hardy

Instagram: KHRISTIEGASS

By the time Khristie Gass was 18 years old, she had lost both of her parents to cancer.

Although devastating and traumatic, their loss didn’t derail Khristie’s life, or embitter her. Instead, it galvanized her in her determination to follow her dreams and throw herself into achieving goals that would empower her to help others. Because, as she says, we have no guarantees.

“You never know,” Khristie says. “My parents were young, in their forties. I want to do all I can, live life, every day.”

Her journey included getting certified as a personal trainer and group instructor (AFAA), and eventually led to the opening of her own gym, Physiques, in her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana…before the age of 25.

“I could have gone another way,” Khristie says. “Losing my parents so young. My brothers and sisters were dispersed—it wasn’t easy, but I wanted to focus on the positive. My parents died in debt, due to their illness; my mom owned 20 acres that was taken, because of that. I think it made me a better person, though, not having things given to me. It took many tries to get financing, to open the gym, and I had to work elsewhere full time the first year.”

Eventually the dream did become a reality, and Khristie says that while running a fitness center has its challenges, the rewards are immense.

“I want to help women be the best they can be,” Khristie says. “There is some negativity that goes along with owning a gym, but hearing women tell me how much it’s helped them is worth it. Your regulars become like your family.”

Khristie’s live-life-to-the-fullest mindset informs her training style and the atmosphere at her gym, and she believes in encouraging women to seize the moment.

“I ask women, ‘What are you waiting for?’”, Khristie says. “That goes for training, and other areas of life, as well. Follow your dreams. You may fall, but you can get back up again.”

Khristie also believes that our biggest inspiration should come when we look in the mirror—not at other women.

“Don’t look at magazine covers,” Khristie says. “Do what you need to do to be healthy and be yourself.”

This positive reinforcement is something Khristie believes should be more common among women.

“Women can be harsh critics—to themselves, and to other women. You never know how women are going to act—with an all-female gym, it can be a concern, but my members are encouraging. To me, and to each other. They feel encouraged by me, and they return that. We need to give each other positive reinforcement.”

“It’s fine for a man to give you that affirmation, but I believe it’s meaningful from our fellow women. We need that from each other.”

Khristie’s enthusiasm about helping women get fit also led to the development of Funkie Fusion, her signature program that’s a combination of muscle conditioning, floor aerobics and dance, set to upbeat 80s and 90s music.

Funkie Fusion has the advantage of being a lot of fun, in addition to providing a heart rate raising, muscle and agility-building workout, but Khristie maintains that the challenge level can be adjusted easily by the participant.

“Typically it’s easy for clients to catch on, and modify it according to their ability,” Khristie says. “My love of floor aerobics and dance led me to develop it.”

Funkie Fusion’s fun potential and results oriented fitness focus has made it a popular offering at nationwide gyms (led by instructors certified under Khristie’s supervision), and Khristie has achieved recognition for her contribution to women’s fitness by being named the Face of ReebokONE for 2014-2015.

Even with all that she’s already accomplished, Khristie continues to push forward and achieve goals—and create new ones—with one overarching intent; to continue helping others.

“I want to inspire women,” Khristie says. “If I inspire even one person, if I help one person achieve their dream, I’ve done what I’m supposed to do, I believe.”

#GORGOgirl: Angie Ecton

We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.

Meet Angie Ecton.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been married to the love of my life, Kent, for almost 31 years. We have three beautiful children and two granddaughters.  Interestingly enough, our kids are 34, 29, and 12 and our grandchildren are 14 and almost 3. I live in Brady, Texas with my husband, youngest son, and our Boston Terror… I mean, Terrier, Rev. (hahaha)

I am a High School Mathematics Teacher. I didn’t earn my mathematics degree until I was in my late 30s-early 40s. Currently, I am in graduate school and will graduate in May with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. I will be 54 years old on February 12; “Queen for a week, enjoying birthday afterglow in the following days,” as my mother used to say.

Tell us about your fitness life.

Let me just say that sometimes my fitness life is more like a circus. I am married to a coach (#coachwifelife), have a 6th grader at home (#middleschoolboymom), am very close to my older children and grandchildren (#thefiftiesareawesome), teach full-time (#teacherlife), and am a graduate student (#nevergiveup). Fitness is my “me time,” the thing I do for myself.  I LOVE yoga and hope to increase my practice and become a certified instructor. I also love group classes and I have finally found a gym in my new hometown (we moved to Brady in June 2019). In addition to all this, I will again be training for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day this year. I took last year off and missed it so much!

I have recently begun working out in the mornings. I attend two group classes a week, try to practice yoga at 2-3 times a week and fill in the rest when I can make time.

What are your hobbies?

My favorite things are dates with my husband, family time, hiking, movies, and reading.

Any goals you’re working toward or have in mind for the future?

I want to get that girl back that had a fire in her before my husband and I started chasing coaching in 2016. Moving around a lot has made me yearn to find a home base to stay for a while. Settling in Brady has given me a new vision that starts with finishing graduate school and challenging myself to be physically active and pursue a healthy life for myself and my family.

Any struggles?

When my mother got sick (congestive heart failure) and passed away 14 months later, in October 2015, I saw what could happen if I didn’t start paying attention and taking care of my health. Since then, I have struggled to find a balance between family, work, and taking care of me as we moved from school to school chasing coaching. Even at 53 years old, I am still learning that it is okay and, in fact, better for everyone involved if I pay attention to what both my body and mind need. As the woman of the house, I know that I can’t take care of anyone else if I don’t take care of me first. And yet, I still find at times that I am doing just that. Don’t get me wrong, I have done ever so much better these last few years and I love my family. I’m a work in progress and probably always will be.

Favorite quote that inspires you right now in your life?

“Underestimate me. That’ll be fun.”
My life is, honestly, very chaotic. Yet, I have managed to stay married for over 30 years, raise three amazing children, and will have earned two degrees after the age of 40 by May of this year. My question now is, what’s next? I’m sure someone will challenge me soon…

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS?

If I could share one message, I would say this, don’t quit. Don’t ever quit. When you feel alone, call a friend (queen).  When you struggle, get back up. When you fail, try again. Your only competition is the face you see in the mirror. Get up and show up. Stoke that fire. Be present. Life is real and hard and oh, so worth it!

What do you love most about the GORGO community?

I love all of the QUEENS in my life! Some of them were already there before camp and some of them are new sisters that I met at camp. The best thing is that, no matter what I’ve gone through, there is a woman out there who has had that same experience. They are willing to share and support me and each other if I just learn to ask for help.  I am accepted as I am and encouraged to be myself, flaws and all.

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience? 

Camp GORGO was one of the most life-changing and exhilarating experiences I have ever had. I cannot wait to go again!  I think my favorite part was just connecting with other strong women. It is an indescribable experience. I wanted to attend because I saw the changes it rendered in my friend, Morgan Green’s life. She invited me and, although I was anxious, I went and I don’t regret it one bit! 

Learning that my vulnerability and flaws are strengths, not weaknesses, has empowered me with the courage to continue my journey in search of health and peace.

Ignited by Camp GORGO, Jessica Rich Spreads her Fire

By Jill Farr

Jessica Rich wasn’t a newcomer to exercise before attending her first Camp GORGO, but her experience there did ignite something that was missing in her pursuit before…connection.

“I have always been active growing up,” Jessica says. “In high school I was on the drill team and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I never thought about my metabolism, fueling my body or my overall health.  I didn’t have to!”

The carefree metabolism of youth dimmed a little when Jessica graduated, however, and so did her enthusiasm about physical activity.

“When I went off to college my focus was school, studying and partying,” Jessica says. “Here and there I would put on some tennis shoes and go for a ‘run’, but my workout mojo pretty much came to a halt.”

“What didn’t come to a halt, however, was my my drive-through frequency,” Jessica admits. “I eventually gained the “Freshman 15” and then some. I went from 120 pounds to 160 pounds quickly.”

Like so many other women, Jessica’s motivation surfaced again when a certain milestone—marriage—made fitting into a certain piece of clothing a priority.

“Soon after college I was set to be married and needed to fit into my wedding dress like every other girl around,” Jessica says. “That got me back to the gym, at least!”

But after achieving that goal, Jessica once again lost sight of fitness for fitness’ sake, and slipped back into patterns of dieting and working out that promised quick results but didn’t strike any chords.

“My weight went up and down,” Jessica says.  “I tried everything that was fast and easy to no avail.  Then there were my two children which was the best thing that could have happened to me, but awful on my body.”

Although she knew exercise was the key, Jessica struggled to find methods that would give her the results she was after on her own.

“Even when I worked out at the gym,” she says, “I had no idea what I was doing.  Just like most people, I dabbled with the equipment, but found myself usually jumping on the treadmill because I knew what to do with it at least.”

“Although you couldn’t tell from the outside (I looked okay), my love of all things food and my lack of knowledge with fitness made for an unhealthy me,” Jessica says.  “I was using the treadmill for an hour and a half at times, found personal trainers, but still never found what worked for me.  I used those things as my crutch and hid behind them like I was doing what was right.  All the while I knew I didn’t feel ‘fit’ and something was missing in that part of my life.”

That something came to light when Jessica made the choice to attend a Camp GORGO event—a weekend of group and small session experiences designed to empower and encourage women at all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced, with nutrition and workout guidance, and above all else…the chance to mingle with other like-minded, strength-seeking women.

The connection that had been missing for so long—the conjunction of movement and nutrition, as well as the human connection and “tribe vibe”—was there, and Jessica’s fitness fire was stoked back to life.

“I was ignited inside about fitness at my first Camp GORGO,” Jessica says. “It was that push I needed to get back into the gym and to learn what I needed to do for myself!  I started some group fitness classes with a great group of people and things just started to fall into place.  I found how important fueling my body was for EVERYTHING, found out how to really push myself and then found my own fitness groove.”

Jessica still loves food, but has found a healthy mindset about what constitutes a treat, and prioritization of fueling activity, and nourishing your body.

“I love to look forward to those meals, keeping a good balance of healthy and treats,” Jessica says.

Connection with fellow fitness seekers was also something that revived Jessica’s outlook on physical fitness, and brought about a relationship that became important not just personally, but professionally, as well.

“When I found this love of fuel and fitness, I also found one of the best friends a girl could ask for,” Jessica says. “We have encouraged each other to do what neither of us thought we could physically, mentally and emotionally.  Fast forward a year and we bought our own gym together with the same vibe that GORGO always presents - positivity and encouragement! We like to say our gym (FwdFit) is "One Size Fits All." That's why we started it, to give people a place to fit in and find their own love for fitness.”

“I stress that it's ok to have goals, but learn to create a goal that is good for YOU. Every BODY is different.  The next person’s journey is different from your own.  Don't try to follow their path to a "T" because it won't get your very far.  Be yourself and just do you.”

When asked what she thinks makes her a “GORGO Girl”, Jessica turned to her business partner for help in answering, and the power of her example is made clear by the answer she was given.

“She says I don’t give myself enough credit in this department and this is an important question to me to answer--she says that I always keep positive.  This was one of the best compliments she could give me since it’s something I feel strongly about.  There are enough women being downgraded by friends, family, the public or themselves.  We need to be positive and focus on that!  We are all so unique, there’s something for each of us to give.  I love to find that something and enjoy it from each person that walks into my life.  I think this is a big part of GORGO’s message and one that I love to spread.”

Although being a wife (to husband Blake) and mother of two active young boys (Wylan and Liam), takes up a lot of Jessica’s time, like so many other moms who have made fitness a focus of their lives, Jessica’s advice to other busy mothers is to not put your health—and the enjoyment you can find in fitness—at the bottom of your to-do list.

“My husband and kids are all active,” Jessica says. “That helps a great deal, but it also makes it hard for me to find time for myself.  For me, the gym is my "me time."  Working out makes me feel good and I can bring home that energy to the people that need it most from me, my family.  I wake up early, before they wake up, so I don't have any excuses. I think that taking time for YOU is important for your entire family.  I've also noticed that this has influenced my kids tremendously and that gives me even more willpower to keep going.  Little eyes are always watching, listening, taking it all in and creating their own little habits.  My kids are finding a love for fitness, learning how to eat healthy and being strong in general, and finding BALANCE.  I think that’s worth every second I have spent in the gym.”

Benefits of Yoga for Strength Training

By Christina Drew, Registered Physiotherapist, Yoga & Pilates Instructor

I was introduced to yoga in 2006, by a client who practiced regularly and consistently. She told me how yoga had transformed her body and mind, reduced her stress, and helped detox her body.

I was initially skeptical because I didn’t identify yoga as an activity I would consider a “workout”. My scepticism most likely arose from the fact that yoga differed greatly from the workouts I was familiar with as an athlete. Let me give you a little insight into my athletic background. I was an elite soccer player, basketball player and frequent gym goer, working out 6-7 times a week. My idea of a “workout” was anything that pushed my limits, it had to be extremely challenging, and leave me soaked with sweat! I finally found my way to a yoga class to appease my client, and wow what an incredible experience it was! I quickly discovered that yoga is very much in alignment with my idea of a great workout. What surprised me the most was all of the benefits I gained through yoga practice that left me saying, “I wish I started doing yoga a long time ago!”

Here are some of the many benefits of yoga for athletes and gym goers alike:

1. Breath:

Breath is a major component of yoga. The most common type of breath is Ujjayi breathing, usually translated as “victorious” breath. Ujjayi breath is performed by constricting your throat as you inhale and exhale through your nose, keeping the lengths of inhalations and exhalations equal. This breath helps focus on the task at hand, strengthens your diaphragm, increases the amount of oxygen you intake, thus feeding your muscles with more oxygen. Oxygen is valuable to performance, as it is used in converting glucose into energy needed by your muscles. As we workout the demand for oxygen increases, therefore our breathing must be efficient to deliver oxygen to the muscles to avoid glucose converting into lactic acid. Breath helps you focus on the exercise you are about to do, and helps you push through that last rep.

2. Balance:

There are many poses in yoga that focus on balance. Good balance is a key component in injury prevention. By working on balance, your body’s joints become more reactive to situations that predispose your joints to injury. These balance postures also help strengthen your core by challenging it to stay engaged during activity. A strong core will also keep your spine strong and posture in check in order to optimize your athletic ability. Balance is important for strength training, especially those exercises that are done on Bosu balls or single leg stance such as Romanian Deadlifts.

3. Flexibility:

Yoga uses both long held postures and dynamic stretching. Majority of yoga postures use eccentric contractions, where the muscles stretch as they contract, elongating the muscles. With regular yoga practice, you will notice your muscles are more flexible, however strong as well, so your joints are better protected. Flexibility allows you to go through a larger range when doing a strengthening exercise. For example, you can lower down further during chest press.

4. Core Strength:

Your “core” is a group of different muscles that help support your spine and pelvis, and create a powerhouse from which your extremities can move around with efficiency. Building core strength is major component of most yoga practices. One way is by utilizing Ujjayi breath, the simplest form of core activation, to help tighten your midsection. Another large contributor to strengthening your core is through postures. There are many postures such as plank, crow pose, boat pose, and many others that utilize the majority of the muscle groups that make up your core. Core strength is key for preventing back injuries while lifting, and allows you to lift heavier weights because it stabilizes your spine to provide more power to your arms and legs.

5. Strength:

Yoga, is a functional form of exercise, using body weight to help tone and lengthen your muscles. By using a form of exercise that is flowing through different postures that are usually not performed during sport or at the gym, you are working on strengthening all muscles in a new way. This form of cross-training, helps the body balance out any imbalances that occur from performing one type of exercise or sport. Balancing strength in our body also helps prevent injury!

So if you are asking yourself if you should give yoga a try, I strongly suggest you DO IT! You will be happy you started incorporating it into your workout regimen.

Model: Amy Rivera

#GORGOgirl: Stephanie Tell

We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.

Meet Stephanie Tell.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a visual/backoffice associate at my favorite store…Athleta! Born and raised in NJ!  Hubby and I are planning on selling our house in northern NJ this Spring and getting an apartment in NYC for the next 5 years or so.  We have a beach house at the Jersey Shore that we are going to keep  (that’s where I grew up) so I still get visit my home state very often. My husband and I met when he was 17 and I was 18, this year will be our 25th wedding anniversary.  We have two boys that go to college in Boulder, CO…one is a sophomore and one is a freshman.  It’s hard to have them so far away but at least they have each other.  

Tell us about your fitness life. 

Right now, I am doing Val’s Gals with Val Solomon and I am loving the program so much!  It is 3 days of strength and then added bonus of whatever we want to do.  It’s been a while since I did dedicated strength training workouts and I totally forgot how much I love it!  I am having a ball rediscovering my passion for it and my strength!  I love checking in with the gals from the group and gathering more strength and determination from them.  Other days, I attend Bar Method classes, which I truly love!  It is SO very different from anything else I do, or have ever done and it is so challenging.  In the classes we use muscles that I didn’t even know I had! When I am at our beach house, there is an amazing studio that I go too.  Their focus is more on cardio…truly amazing spin and cardio barre classes.  They truly kick my butt!!!!!  I am not a cardio junkie at all…but those classes I adore and wish I could do them more often.  

Do you have Any hobbies?

My favorite one is traveling with my family!  We’ve gone on many wonderful vacations..and on those we’ve mountain biked, went rock climbing and repelling, white water rafting, ice climbing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATVing, etc.  We LOVE active vacations!!!

Any Struggles:  

My struggles are that I love to eat and I love my cocktails! Thank goodness I love to workout…otherwise, I’d be in a whole head of trouble. One of my goals is to cut back on my cocktails because I know the alcohol is affecting my progress. It’s so nice at the end of the day to chill with a couple of glasses of wine, or a cosmo, or maybe a glass of wine and a cosmo!  I know I need to cut back…its just a matter of doing it.  

Fav Quote that inspires you right now in your life?

“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” - The Wizard of Oz.  

This one resonates with me because I have always had the power.  I forget every now and then and have to be reminded…honestly, the GORGO community totally reminds me of who I am and who I have the power to be!  

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at in your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS?  

Make time for yourself. It is not selfish. Whether it’s working out, attending Camp GORGO, having lunch with your girlfriend, meditating, sewing, reading… whatever! Self-care is SO important! There is always something else that we could be doing…because we women do it all! LOL!  It is imperative that we make ourselves a priority. It is so important for our mental and physical health.  

What do you love most about the GORGO community?  

The camaraderie is amazing! The GORGO community is such a safe place for us to share very personal things. There is no judgment. There is understanding, advice, virtual hugs, and kisses, shared tears, etc. It’s such an empowering community!  

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience?

I had been wanting to go for the last few years but honestly didn’t have the courage. I used the age of my kids as an excuse… I couldn’t possibly leave them!  Well, I didn’t let that excuse fly this past summer…my boys were 19 and 18 and perfectly capable of taking care of themselves for a long weekend. In fact, they were rather overjoyed when I told them they’d have the beach house to themselves! I wanted to attend because I’ve “known” Val, Christie and Dani for years through social media. I had purchased all of Val’s online workout programs and really loved them!

I was definitely intimidated and wasn’t sure if I’d fit in at camp at all. I thought everyone would be so much more fit than I was and they’d all look down their noses at me. I couldn’t have been more wrong! There were all different ages, shapes, sizes, abilities, etc and it was such an amazingly inspiring weekend!  It was so much more than a “fitness” camp, it was very spiritual and I did a whole lot of soul searching that weekend. I had really awesome workouts, and a blast at field day… but the best times when we just sat in small groups and talked. We laughed, we cried, we shared… I let other ladies “in” and I don’t do that very often.  

I re-learned that weekend that I am a strong mentally and physically, that I have a right to love myself and to treat myself kindly.  It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that way!  I can’t wait to go back next year…I won’t be a newbie, won’t be so nervous and will hopefully be able to make newbies feel welcome and accepted like the Queens did for me last year.  

(Re)Gaining Ground: Carissa Johnson on How Setbacks Reveal Strength

By Jill Farr

A “fit life” isn’t something that one achieves and then just sits back and enjoys; fitness is an ongoing pursuit, something that has to be maintained and cultivated. Setbacks occur, both large and small, and sometimes ground is lost, and has to be regained…and then surpassed, if we’re committed to progress.

“Setback” seems too small of a word to describe what happened to Carissa Johnson in May, 2011; she was struck head on by an SUV going full speed and pinned against a steel rail fence while working a promotional modeling gig in downtown Denver, CO.

She sustained bilateral tib/fib fractures and a compound left ankle fracture, and underwent surgery immediately; doctors inserted rods in both legs.

Carissa had just competed in her first NPC show the previous fall, and fallen in love with fitness competitions, winning 1st place in the Short Fitness Model class just a month before, at the WBFF Fitness Atlantic Championships. Before the accident, she had started training for the World Championships taking place in Toronto that August.

Although relieved to be alive, Carissa says that immediately, her thoughts went to how her world had changed.

“Not only were my legs destroyed,” Carissa says, “But my heart was broken. I wasn’t sure at the time if I’d ever be able to bounce back from this terrible experience.”

And she didn’t just “bounce back”. Progress was slow, and painful.

“My life post-accident consisted of 3 months on the couch,” Carissa says. “I was in a constant state of excruciating pain, even with medication. Even making it from the couch to the bathroom was an extremely difficult task. With both legs broken, even using a walker was challenging and painful as it felt as if I was crushing each leg with every step. I was essentially helpless, and never felt so low in all my life. I relied on my mom for assistance nearly 24/7.”

Despite the debilitating pain and the effects it produced on her outlook, Carissa was still able to break through the depressing circumstances by resolving to do whatever she could, whenever she could.

“Even though most of the time on the couch I ended up sleeping time away because being awake felt too difficult to handle at times,” Carissa says, “I had to do something. My solution became doing arm exercises with dumbbells off the side of the couch. Every morning I would spend 1 – 1 ½ hours simply lifting weights off the side of the couch and doing ab exercises. Even though my legs were smashed, and I wrestled with the idea of not having any hope of furthering a career in the fitness industry, I couldn’t accept defeat. I knew there was a possibility I’d be disabled, but for some reason I could never let go of my passion.”

The drive to maintain the level of physical fitness that she still had, coupled with the determination to do what was possible to do helped Carissa’s recovery, both mentally and physically, as did having health care professionals who were sympathetic. (Going back to the gym after physical injury should always be cleared with your doctor first, with an eye towards protecting your long term health.)

“Thankfully my PT at the time was a former bodybuilder and competitor,” Carissa says, “So he understood my undying drive to get back to normalcy. Even while my bones were broken, and I was still limping, I begged the PT to allow me to go back to the gym. I couldn’t move much, but I had to get back for my sanity.”

It was a slow process, but Carissa’s determination paid off; she finally made her Pro debut at the WBFF World Championships in 2012, just a little more than one year post accident.

“It's been a journey of epic proportions,” Carissa says.

And it’s a journey that’s still ongoing. Carissa underwent two additional surgeries at the end of 2013 to remove my hardware in each leg, and has struggled with PTSD, a battle that she says has been more difficult and paralyzing than she could have imagined.

As anyone facing a setback will discover, Carissa insists that maintaining her momentum came out of a desire to keep her dream going.

“In spite of the numerous challenges,” Carissa says, “I could never fully let go of my love and passion for fitness.”

Carissa also offers the viewpoint that we can embrace setbacks as challenges to our inner strength—similar to the way our physical muscles are broken down and built back up even stronger—and that we can not only overcome them, but look at them with gratitude, ultimately, as opportunities to see just what we’re made of.

“I’m so thankful for my journey,” Carissa says. “God has blessed me and strengthened me more than I could ever ask or imagine!”

“We all have our individual strengths that make us unique. We have no idea what we're capable of until we actually try - we are stronger than we think.”

“It's rewarding and incredibly empowering when you see how strong you really are.”

carissajfitness.com

Amy Evert: You are Worthy

Amy Evert is the proud owner of a fitness studio that bears her name (Amy Evert Fitness), and provides training and nutrition guidance to a vast and varied clientele.

You’d never guess that her initial foray into fitness just took place less than ten years ago.

“I wasn’t athletic, didn’t play sports,” Amy says. “I was in chorus. I was just one of those kids…kind of a goth,” she laughs. “I probably could have been more active, but just didn’t think I could.”

 “But after I had my first child, I wanted to be healthier,” Amy explains. “I was still in college, I was young...I didn’t know how to do that, or what that meant. I had no idea what fitness entailed!”

Amy laughs again. “But we had a Curves nearby, and I thought, ‘I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to do, but I think that’s the place I need to go!”

The mom of two utilized the onsite daycare, went on her lunch break, and did whatever she had to do to get to Curves on a regular basis...and then she ramped up.

“A friend invited me to Zumba,” Amy says. “I’d never been to a group exercise class, but I went. And I loved it. That was in 2010.”

Her newfound fitness pursuit preceded a few other life changes; Amy got divorced, and decided to go back to school.

Many of the stories about women that are featured in GORGO have a track that’s similar to Amy’s; a woman decides after giving birth, or encountering a difficult life change like a divorce that she needs to make healthier choices, and then life alters course.

For Amy, however...this was only the beginning of the story.

“I decided to go back to work, as a Montessori preschool teacher,” Amy says. “I loved Zumba so much, I’d started other fitness classes--bootcamps, things like that.”

“Then the seizures started.”

It was discovered that Amy had a tumor in her front temporal lobe.

“Because of the seizures, I had to stop driving,” Amy explains. “I couldn’t work...I became really depressed.”

But after the depression came a turning point.

“For all of my life, I’d felt so powerless over everything that happened to me. I didn’t want to feel like that anymore. When the brain tumor happened--I’d just gotten divorced, lost my house--and everyone was like, “Are you going to move back home?” I said, “No! I’m not! I’m not doing any of that! I’m stronger than that.”

She couldn’t drive, but Amy didn’t stop the fitness trajectory she’d started. “I couldn’t drive to the gym, so I got rides,” she says. “I took everything into my own hands, for the first time in my life. I went back to school, became stronger, more healthy, physically and mentally, on my own. All by getting ill.”

Amy studied exercise science online, and got rides to the gym until the tumor was taken care of and she had her ability to drive back. “I didn’t have a license for a year and a half,” she says.

After receiving certification, she worked as a trainer for other entities before opening her own 4,000 square foot fitness center outside of Lexington, Kentucky, Amy Evert Fitness, and she has a vibrant online presence and coaching business.

Amy also has certification in nutrition, and encourages clients to see the importance of the relationship between food and exercise.

“So many people don’t understand it,” Amy says. “And that was me, too--I’m from a small town in Kentucky! We grew up on pork chops, Hamburger Helper, stuff like that!”

“We just started a program focused on nutrition, in fact,” Amy states. “It’s focused on eating whole foods and learning about fats, proteins and carbs. Once clients get to where they understand those things, and get a healthy grasp on those, then we get into macronutrient tracking.”

Amy credits her experience with bringing something out in her--a drive to continue, which emphasized her own personal power.

“Most of my life, I did not feel very powerful,” Amy admits. “I’d ‘gotten by’. I got pregnant young, and I thought that meant I had to get married, so I did. Many decisions like that. I did what I thought I had to.”

“When this tumor came along, I decided I was done with that.”

In addition to her experience and inner fortitude, Amy is grateful for the GORGO community and the camaraderie and moral support she received there.

“I’m so, so thankful for GORGO, and Val Solomon,” Amy says.

When people contract a fitness coach, they’re often at a low point. Their lack of direction in a fitness sense may be impacting how they feel, or excess weight may be impacting their quality of life. Often they’ve gone through a major life change like pregnancy, birth, or divorce, and are addressing physical issues that have an effect on psychological ones.

Amy has a mission when it comes to women in that position, and it extends beyond simply “getting in shape”.

“I want women to know how important they are.”

“They have all these things going on around them. And I know the first concern for many women is about  looks, but in my fitness challenges, I say, ‘If you just focus on your health, you’ll lose weight and look different. But you have to be healthy. To take care of your children, do all the things you need to do, so you can sleep well, just live a healthy life and feel good. If you get those things in order, you’ll lose weight and look good.”

Her experience has also put her in the unique place of being able to encourage others when it looks almost impossible to keep going.

 “There are always things that are going to happen,” Amy says. “I’ve had lots of things happen to me--and I’m not saying that to be like, “Oh, big pity party”--just to say, something’s always going to be happening. You can’t let that stop you from taking care of yourself.”

“When you’re on a journey, you don’t always start at the top of the mountain. But you have to start, and you have to keep going. When I first started teaching fitness classes, it was at a church, and there were about three people there! I stepped up to subcontracting with a gym, and finally, I have my own studio, with about 300 women taking part. I would have never imagined that this is where I would be, and that this is what I’d be doing, ten years ago.”

Every GORGO feature includes one question that’s the same for every interviewee; “What do you want to say to the women reading this? What is your message?”

When Amy Evert is asked, she doesn’t hesitate for a second.

“I want women to know they’re important, and that it’s important for them to take care of themselves.”

“My message is…’You are worthy.’”

#GORGOgirl: Tiffany Sylvester

We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.
Meet Tiffany Sylvester.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

I am a 37 year old single mom raising four boys all by myself, whose ages range from 14-3. I was born in KY but raised in Maryland and currently reside in Annapolis, Md. I have always had a passion for making people look and feel their best. So 17 years ago I decided to become a hairstylist. For the past 8 years I have owned Frederick David Salon in Severna Park, MD with one of my best friends, Geri.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FITNESS LIFE!

I have definitely been a lover of fitness my whole life. I am a firm believer in the mind/body/spirit connection. Fitness for me is a big part of not only my physical health, but mental and emotional health, as well. It’s become a fantastic coping mechanism to healthfully handle all the stress in my life. As the saying goes, “strong body, strong mind.” Crossfit is my new love in life! Like, I love love it!!!

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC GOALS YOU’RE WORKING ON?

My goals are simple, to be the best mother, friend, and person I can be. To live a full life with a tremendous amount of peace and happiness. To wake up every morning and make the conscious decision to be better and do better than the day before. Never make the same mistake twice. Live authentically and transparently with everything I do. Finally, to honor myself and my journey. Sometimes I think it’s really easy to forget about the source that holds it all together—me. I am good to no one if I am not good to myself first and foremost.

Any Struggles?

My struggles are having too high of expectations in others to be decent and respectful humans. It’s very hard for me to understand why people can’t act with integrity and character in all they do in life.

I love the quote: Don’t talk, act. Don’t say, show. Don’t promise, prove.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGE YOU FEEL CALLED TO SHARE ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE AT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW TO ENCOURAGE OTHER GORGO GIRLS?

My message goes along with another quote I love: She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.

It’s really hard being everything to everyone all the time. I wanted so desperately for the right people to step up and do what they were supposed to do. Or if I were really lucky Superman would come along to lift me up and take me anywhere—show me the love I desperately longed for—and save me before it was too late. But the reality is, no man, woman, or superhero will ever do that for me or any of us. It has been me all along that possesses everything I have always needed to be my own hero, I just couldn’t see it—or didn’t want to. But now I do and that is one of the most beautiful lessons I have learned in recent months.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE GORGO COMMUNITY?

What I love most about the GORGO community is how much love and acceptance the entire community emanates. Everyone wants to see everyone else persevere and achieve their hearts desires. In today’s world where most attempt to tear another down in order to lift themselves up, this community does just the opposite. They all attempt to lift one another up to the highest level. They share the belief that life becomes limitless when one becomes fearless. With women like this by my side, it is a lot easier to let go of the fear and limiting beliefs. For that, I am eternally grateful.

CAMP GORGO: THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE? FAV PART? WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO ATTEND?

*CAMP GORGO was one of the most phenomenal experiences I have been blessed to be a part of. I knew no one; however, didn’t feel as though I met a single stranger. Everyone was so warm, loving, and welcoming plus beautiful! My favorite part was getting to know all these beautiful and inspiring women that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to encounter in my day to day life—all in one place—sharing a common goal of betterment of ourselves and others. I wanted to attend because I have never done anything like it before and was excited to experience something new that was totally outside my comfort zone.

Gym BFFs

by Katy L.

When I was young, I played on lots of sports teams. I was surrounded by girls who loved to sweat, eat, and spend way too much time together, so it came as no surprise that I grew up and became a Phys Ed teacher, trainer, and yoga instructor. As I matured (somewhat) and began replacing sports with fitness, I had a harder time finding those like-minded girls who loved to sweat. Apparently, not everyone's idea of having a good time involves getting the shit kicked out of them. I was confused. Didn't everyone think squatting to failure was fun? Who doesn't love comparing sweat stains and smelling each other's armpits? Wasn't running past the point of nausea everyone's favourite pastime? 

It will come as no surprise that I don't have many gym friends. Some would argue I don't have many friends in general, but I digress. I remember how often I'd tell people that I wanted a workout buddy. I wanted someone to hang out with at the gym instead of the 20-year old receptionist at the front desk who felt obligated to laugh at my horrible jokes. The other personal trainers were crazy jacked and only talked about protein powder, and the other yogis would just laugh at (not with) me when I tried to speak vegan. Really, I'd tell anyone in hopes that someone would take me up on it. The guy on the subway, a server, my taxi driver, my mom...

I got lucky when I finally met my gym BFF at age 30. Number one, she didn't run in the other direction when I called her my gym BFF after knowing her for one day. We started out as running buddies, and after only a few runs in, I discovered I was pregnant. I was terrified of losing my only gym friend, but didn't want to tell anybody I was expecting just yet. Our next run together, I swear I nearly died. I was beet red, drenched with sweat and panting while trying to keep up to our regular pace. My gym BFF was supportive and caring about my disgusting exterior and inability to run more than 100 meters. While on a walk break, she confided in me that she was pregnant! I jumped for joy (and believe I wet myself) and exclaimed that I was, too! We were at the exact same point in our lives, and both enjoyed active pregnancies by continuing to run, strength train (she would come to my fitness classes... Unforced!) and by taking prenatal yoga.

I won't lie, having a workout BFF made me up my game. I'm competitive in nature, so it helped having someone push me harder than I would push myself. She wanted me to do three sets of stairs, I'd do five, then pretend to take a drink while gasping for air. We liked coming up with new workouts for each other, whether we were tandem on the treadmill or supersetting. I'd try to impress her by sprinting a little faster or lifting a little heavier, all while trying to keep my sweat to a glow and not let out a fart.

My workout partner kept me accountable. Knowing she was going to be meeting me at the gym or on the trail forced me to keep driving even when my senses smelled McDonald's fries, and helped me get my ass off the couch even if the Bachelor was on. My workouts became so much more enjoyable!  I had a partner in crime to carry out some of my favorite hobbies: bitch about people, rate the guys at the gym, and people watch.

I don't know about you, but I'd think about my workout BFF when I picked my gym outfit. "Awe, man- Emily is soooo going to notice how small my gunt looks in these compression tights!" "Haha, Emily doesn't need an XS sports bra to hold up her non-existent boobs!" "I wonder what Emily will think of my lashes in this waterproof mascara?" "I'll just use a little bronzer to make it look like I woke up like this."

Emily has since moved away (reading this, it makes perfect sense) and I am left without a gym BFF. We talk a ton, still share workouts and have signed up for a half marathon together. I'm not sure she is replaceable, but I have hopes that I can find another gym BFF.

It just may take me another 30 years.

#GORGOgirl: Teri Richardson

We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.
Meet Teri Richardson.

Tell us about yourself!

I own and operate a Garbage disposal business in Texas with my husband of 16 years, Jack. Due to endometriosis I am unable to have children. However, I am a mom to several furr babies!

Tell us about your fitness life.

The majority of my fitness comes from my job which is hard manual labor almost 16 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Do you have any specific goals you’re working on?

My personal goals are to make more time for myself and those I love. My professional goals are to continue building a strong, trustworthy business. A business to be proud of and that allows us to continue to give back to the communities in which we provide service.

Any Struggles?

My largest personal struggle is that I need to learn to stop buying people's love and friendship. My largest business struggle would be to learn to accept the fact that I can not please everyone and not everyone is worthy of my time and effort.

Fav Quote that inspires you right now in your life?

"Let them sleep while you grind. Let them party while you work. The difference will show."

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at in your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS?

In the past I battled some depression. I felt I wasn't good enough. I let toxic people and their opinions of me dictate the way I felt about myself. I am very grateful for God and my husband and the unconditional love they have shown me. No matter the situation or the stress you're under, don't ever let temporary feelings lead you to making a permanent decision. Reach out. If you're someone who doesn't struggle with or understand depression, be a friend and really listen to those who may be reaching out. Today, I find myself stronger and more motivated than ever. I work hard doing a job that most people aren't capable of doing and that is considered the 5th most dangerous job in the United States. Being a garbage collector is an underestimated, under-appreciated, thankless job - and a deadly one. In 2017 there were 132 recorded fatalities. It is a labor intensive, nasty and disease-ridden job but is an absolute necessity for our communities and environment. Women only make up 1% of the workers in this industry. Being such an asset to what is considered a man's industry is very empowering. You can do anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself. Dig deep. Take control of your power. Dust off your crown and make things happen.

What do you love most about the GORGO community?

I love the FACT that you become part of a tribe. You meet and bond with women from all different walks of life, all religious beliefs and different political beliefs. This is a loving group of non-judgmental strong beautiful women.

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience? Fav part? What made you want to attend?

I originally started following Christie Nix and her journey which led me to following Gorgo. Every year I've always watched the camp come and go with hopes to one day attend. After the 2019 New Year I jumped in on the early bird registration. I knew if I went ahead and paid for it, I would have to do it. I met some absolutely amazing women who brought me out of the shell that I had buried myself in and because of them I sang again for the first time in years. I look forward to a lifelong friendship with these amazing women. The Gorgo workshops were not only informative but motivational. I was pushed but not to the point of feeling defeated. In the last 3 years, I have maybe had 3 weekends off. I'm so happy Camp Gorgo was one of those!

#GORGOgirl: Jennifer Hawley

 We love featuring our everyday GORGOgirls that are inspiring us to crush life and a balanced approach to fitness.
Meet Jennifer Hawley.

Tell us about yourself!

I’ve been an Ultrasound Technologist for 20 years. My husband Scott and I have been married for 23 years and have 2 boys: Nathan (age 17) and Zach (age 14).

Tell us about your fitness life.

I’m at the gym by 5 am to either teach a group training class or participate in one, everyday.  My favorite style of training includes group training, lifting heavy things, and metabolic conditioning.

What are your goals?

My goal is to inspire other women to have positive body image, be active and strong.

Do you have any struggles?

I struggle with hypothyroidism and premature menopause, resulting in major hormonal imbalances.  Managing stress and fatigue, body image. I work hard to manage stress by continuing a fitness schedule, making sure to get enough seep and proper nutrition. Body image is a bit rougher, but focusing on the things I am great at and the strength and power I have helps.

Fav Quote that inspires you right now in your life?

“When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life.”   Why? So many good things can happen when you trust in yourself and go after your dreams.

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at in your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS? 

Keep moving forward no matter how small the steps or how many obstacles you face.  

What do you love most about the GORGO community?

I love to see that it is possible for women to support women.

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience? What made you want to attend?  

I’ve always loved the pictures of Camp Gorgo posted by friends who attend each year. The women looked like they were having so much fun. 2019 was my first year and I had a fantastic time connecting with so many women and learning so much from them. It was a weekend of learning, growing and fun.

Any Advice for someone interested in attending but unsure if it’s for them?

I would tell anyone who is contemplating it to just go. The love on acceptance you feel there is greater than your fear.

-

Chapin Schnick: Honoring Your Body Through Life's Ebb and Flow

By Jill Farr

To say that Chapin Schnick was “active” growing up is an understatement.

“In high school, I played volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball, and I swam,” Chapin says. “And then I played college softball.”

For many people who are athletes in high school and college, finding the time and energy to be the level of active they were in their youth is difficult; the pressure of getting a job and maintaining an adult life takes a big chunk out of the time formerly devoted to sports. But Chapin stayed athletic.

“I dabbled in things after college, CrossFit, running.” Chapin says. “I stayed active. Even during a time when I was overweight, I was still running marathons.”

Some big events altered that trajectory, however.

“After two consecutive miscarriages and a debilitating wreck,” Chapin says, “I took an extended break from the gym and enjoyed a few years where I just focused on being a rainbow-wearing, donut-eating art teacher my students loved.” 

“In a sense, this was excellent, because it helped my career. I came out of it with a few important grants, including the inaugural InstaGrant from the Indiana Arts Commission, I presented at national conferences, and was named the 2018 Indiana Art Educator of the Year.  My mental and physical health suffered, though.”

This time, Chapin took a different route back to fitness. 

“In the spring of 2018, I began taking weekly hot yoga classes and going on backpacking trips with DNK Presents, a women-owned adventure company, which led into a summer of camping road trips. Coupled with a focus on intermittent fasting, I finally felt like me again. In addition to now working for the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), I’m training to be a guide with DNK Presents.”

Instead of an intense, regimented workout schedule, Chapin’s fitness life is more organic.

“I focus on yoga and hiking, and natural movement in general,” Chapin relates. “Along with metabolic conditioning. If I have an upcoming hike, I’m preparing for it. I’m usually just focused on trying to get 30 minutes of activity, whether it’s weights, kettlebell exercises, or whatever. Today I did double unders..it varies.”

Another shot in the arm for Chapin’s fitness life has been Camp GORGO.

“I had been following Val Solomon on social media, along with Christie NIx, about six years ago, when it came up on FB that they were going to do a lifting workshop, and it was at my parents' gym. I was so excited to see it happening, and then after that they announced that Camp GORGO was happening in the same area. I’ve gone to every single camp since.”

“It’s not even so much the workout experience for me, anymore...I came out of the first camp with friendships and more of a holistic view of fitness. Every summer since has been about catching up with these women, setting new goals...I literally can’t imagine my year without a Camp GORGO in it.”

Chapin gives yoga a lot of credit for bringing her back into the fitness fold. 

“For about six months,” Chapin explains, “After the accident, I did nothing aside from the occasional walk. Yoga was what brought me back to the point of being able to get active again.”

Yoga is deceptively simple, and good exercise for someone who needs a gentle fitness beginning...but it’s also a very intense workout that can level up as your strength and ability increases. Studies have shown that there are several reasons why it has such a positive impact on the people who practice it, but Chapin has her own opinion.

“The reason I think it appealed to me so much--after having basically destroyed my shoulder in this car accident--was the notion that it’s infinitely accessible. People following the same flow can have very different abilities. I may not be able to do this intense version someone else is, but I can do it where I am, and get benefit.”

In addition to its gentle on ramp for beginners, yoga has the potential to build incredible strength, and Chapin has seen that, too.

“For the last two summers of Camp GORGO,” she says, “I’d only done yoga and hiking, going in, but was keeping up with everyone. I hadn’t picked up a weight for two years. It blew my mind.”

The mind/body connection can be experienced with any activity, but yoga’s origins give it a leg up, since it was designed with that symbiosis in mind.

“I always come out feeling relaxed,” Chapin says. “I prefer hot yoga and one of the reasons is that I just feel cleansed. It’s about more than the activity. Being into yoga for the last couple of years has gotten me into understanding chakras and things like Reiki. I always thought Reiki was crazy stuff, and now I participate in Reiki massage. It’s opened my eyes to more.”

Chapin’s love for hiking developed out of necessity, and is fed by the meditative quality of having the great outdoors as your gym.

“The hiking focus came about when I was prepping for some camping trips,” Chapin shares. 

“I knew we were going to be carrying 60lb backpacks, so I got into it. I’d avoided the outdoors for a while, but this got me back outside. As with yoga, I feel renewed afterwards. Now I’m an assistant backpacking guide for a women’s outdoors company. In October we’re going to Tennessee, we’ll have a bunch of beginner backpackers --women--and we’ll teach them about no trace ethics, safety, and how to poop in the woods!”

“I had always felt like, coming out of being a competitive athlete, that I need to keep up with running, I need to keep up with lifting, but I don’t feel the stress of needing to have a certain type of movement any more. I’m trying to honor my body, and if I feel like moving my body a certain way, I do. I don’t feel the need to have a certain structure with having to have four lifting workouts that last a minimum of an hour...my only focus is four days with 30 minutes of activity.”

When you look at the pattern of Chapin’s activity, going from the highly competitive mindset of organized sports, to the Zen end of the spectrum, with hiking and yoga, you might wonder if a part of her misses the competition. She wondered about that, herself, and the answer might not be what you’d expect.

“I thought I would feel lost, not having competitions coming up. When I had the wreck, I was training for a powerlifting competition. That hasn’t interested me since. And it’s freeing in a way. I spent probably 25 ish years always trying to focus on being the best at some pursuit, or supporting other team members, and now I just feel like...I’m just trying to be good to my body.”

And as far as the team aspect of sports being gone, Chapin says that she’s found the fix for that in Camp GORGO, with even more of the support, and none of the competition.

“I feel like a lot of folks coming to Camp Gorgo believe it’s going to be the opposite of what it is. They think, “Oh, it’s a fitness camp with all of these influencer types...everyone’s going to be catty...it’s going to be competitive, focused on looks...it’s the opposite. I actually feel so relaxed at Camp GORGO. We’re all trying to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. It’s freeing to be around women who have similar goals.”

The ability to listen to what your body needs and honor it as life changes those needs is the big message that Chapin believes her story holds. And that adaptability has served her well in finding happiness and contentment with the changes she’s had to navigate.

“I spent more than 25 years thinking being a mother was the one thing I was certain I was meant to be,” Chapin says.

“But as I close in on 34, I am happily content with my handsome hubby and our three furry boys, my goal of 30-min. of movement most days of the week, and supporting fellow artists and arts organizations in Indiana through my position at the IAC.”

Dig, and Push Through: Joyce Harrison

By Jill Farr

Joyce Harrison wasn’t athletic growing up, and carried some extra weight as a result, not unlike many kids who aren’t particularly active.

However, not many people have a clear idea about the “why” behind childhood habits...and Joyce does.

“I survived being raped and molested as a child,” Joyce explains. “So, from a young age, I already felt unworthy, broken and dirty. Looking back I think I kept my body hidden under layers of fat, ate my feelings, then hated myself even more in that vicious cycle.” 

“As an adult I worked through those feelings, or so I thought, and went on about my life and got married to an amazing man and started a family.”

While the trauma of her early years had posed a significant challenge, Joyce had no idea that an even greater one lay ahead.

“When our second child Olivia was 11 months old,” Joyce says, “She died of a very rare condition. We were devastated.”

The loss of a child is one of the most horrible things most parents can imagine, and Joyce and her husband Terrance faced it, and carried on.

But the heartbreak wasn’t over.

“Three years and three days later,” Joyce explains, “Our third child, 18 month old Samuel died of the very same rare condition.”

“I fell into a pit of grief so deep and dark and terrifying. Losing one child is tragic, but losing two? I begged God to help me understand. I was in a constant state of fear that something else bad would happen. The toll that grief and stress takes on the body, mind and soul is immeasurable.”

Joyce kept going forward, doing the things that needed to be done, and living, but finally the pressure of continually managing such a deep, underlying depression finally became unbearable.

“When my youngest son, Max was 6 months old,” Joyce shares, “My husband deployed for a year to Iraq. Within a month, I hit rock bottom. I felt isolated and alone. I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t want to live either.”

Friends and family stepped in, helping Joyce to take some initial steps.

“My mom took me to weight watchers and a friend took me to a spin class--my first ever.”

“Within a few weeks of lining up some nutrition and exercise, I saw some results,” Joyce says. 

“I also sought treatment for my depression and PTSD and started to feel like I was worth it. I felt like I was climbing out of the rubble and looking around at my life--in fact, the previous almost 10 years were a blur, I didn’t even remember how I got to that point exactly.”

Joyce decided that living her best life and being the best mom possible to her living children Gracie (now 18) and Max (now 9) would be a way of honoring Olivia and Samuel...not forgetting them.

The impact of exercise on a variety of types of depression is well studied and documented, and while those suffering should always consult a health professional for diagnosis and treatment, engaging in exercise is a meaningful way of helping your brain and body cope with trauma. Research has also indicated that the relief from depression that exercise can provide is long lasting, and Joyce is a believer. Once on the road of recovery, she made the decision to amp up her activity level.

“My primary fitness goal is to be healthy and strong,” Joyce shares. “Although losing weight seems to be all I can think about. The scale and clothing size has ruled me for as long as I can remember, but I’m trying to change that mindset and not focus on the numbers. One day I would love to walk across the stage in a fitness competition just to wear the sparkly bikini, but right now I’m still trying to learn my body and how to get it in the shape I want. Until then I will love it and honor it for giving me 4 amazing babies.”

“After I got started, I followed (stalked) some people on Facebook. People like Busy Mom Gets Fit, Sisters in Shape, Dani Get UR Guns, FitNix and my coach, Natalie, and then I read about this thing called Camp GORGO!”

Joyce’s initial excitement was temporarily derailed by old, negative thought patterns, though. 

“It was so close to my home! But I kept thinking things like, ‘Oh, but I couldn’t, I’m not fit, I’m not strong, I’m too fat. So I just sat and watched for two years as this amazing event was happening.”

But that didn’t last, and eventually Joyce’s desire to be a part of this event overcame her self-doubts...and the results were worth it.

“Camp Gorgo literally changed my life,” Joyce says. “Obviously from meeting these amazing women that I totally fangirl over in person, but also from them being transparent, open and vulnerable.”

“I connected with a tribe of women that are strong, fearless, full of grace and grit. I communicate regularly with my Camp GORGO roommates and even though it’s through text or Facebook, the strength, encouragement, and empowerment is palpable.”

In sharp contrast to the years of darkness and depression, Joyce now has joy in abundance.

“Sometimes I feel guilty for being so happy and sparkly,” Joyce says, “But God has restored my joy and I can find it anywhere! I have been an RN for about 20 years and I have just graduated from the University of Cincinnati with my BSN. I am very fortunate to have the support of a great husband and family.”

When asked what advice she would give other women, who are struggling with feelings of unworthiness, or crippling depression that feels as if it’s all-consuming, Joyce admits that it’s hard to share, but wants other women to know that they can take the reins of their mental and physical health.

“I struggle telling my story sometimes,” Joyce says, “Because I am not where I want to be; it’s messy and imperfect. But I have learned to take responsibility for my mental and physical health, become proactive and less reactive.”

“Have an honest discussion with yourself, ask yourself, what is the life you want to live, what does it look like and how would it make you feel? It is so liberating to discover your authentic self. Do one thing everyday that will get you to your goals. Change your inner dialogue, tell yourself how awesome you are and what a great butt you have! I was told that whatever you are going through, God has already put in you what you need to make it through, So dig and push through! It’s painful and it reveals parts of me I don’t like- but then I imagine the life I want to live to honor my children and it’s so worth it!”