Life Outside the Gym: Meet the Real Me

People are sometimes surprised to learn that coaching isn't my entire life.

It's a huge part of it...
But there's so much more to me than Google meets, macros, and workouts.

Truthfully?

I run on anxiety, coffee, and swear words. ☕😂

If you've been around me for any length of time, you already know that's probably one of the most accurate descriptions of my personality.

When I'm not coaching, you'll usually find me with my four dogs or my two horses.

Actually...

If I'm not walking a dog, I'm riding a horse.
If I'm not riding a horse, I'm probably walking a dog.
And while I'm walking a dog, I'm usually on the phone with my sister.  Our conversations usually consist of one of us saying, "What was I going to say?" over and over again.  Thanks, Post Baby Brain & Perimenopause Brain.   

It's a pretty accurate cycle.
Movement has always been part of my life, not because I have to do it, but because I GET To do it.  After Cancer, after COVID, and now during Hot Flashes, I GET TO DO IT.  

I run, lift weights, and hike whenever I can.  Well, maybe not right now with all the ticks...  HEALTHY Fear of tick-borne diseases.  (Ask me about THAT Traumatic event.)  

I firmly believe that fresh air, movement, and time with animals can be some of the best therapy there is.  (I'm also IN Therapy right now...)  

There's another title that's become one of my favorites...
Aunt.
Or, if you ask anyone who knows me...
Sugar Auntie.
I make absolutely no apologies for being obsessed with Lorelai.    
Pictures? I'm yer girl.  
Videos? Yer girl.  
Watching her discover the world, grow, laugh, and learn reminds me to appreciate life's little moments and slow down.

She's already been to the barn, met the horses, and if I have anything to say about it, she'll always know she has an Aunt Ajia who will be her biggest cheerleader.
(And yes... she's probably just a little spoiled.) (132 Days Until Disney!)

Truth be told, being her aunt might just be one of my favorite adventures yet.

My ultimate goal is to bring everything full circle.
To set the example and pass on the values that have shaped my own life, empowerment, health, horses, kindness, and resilience.

I hope she grows up knowing that being strong isn't about being perfect.
It's about being brave enough to try, confident enough to believe in herself, kind enough to lift others, and resilient enough to keep going when life gets hard.
If I can help her discover those lessons, whether it's in the barn, on a hiking trail, sans ticks, over a good book, or simply by watching the example I try to live every day, I will consider that one of my life's greatest accomplishments.

Let's circle back to therapy.  

When I'm not IN Therapy trying to stop the generational family drama, I'm in my own self-made therapy.. cleaning.  

I LOVE to clean.

Some people stress clean.
I stress clean my clean...and then organize for good measure.

There's just something about a clean house that helps quiet my anxious brain.

When I'm not cleaning, you'll usually find me with a book in my hand.

I'm part of a wonderful book club, and right now I'm reading The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. 
Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to escape for a little while, learn something new, and slow down.

Another thing I absolutely love?
Adventure.

Sometimes it's for work, fun, or a medical diagnosis.
We recently traveled to Boston with Sobek to the Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital to confirm his diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome.

Not exactly the vacation I had planned, but if you've followed me for any length of time, you know life has a way of keeping me on my toes.
Thankfully, my next trip involves something that brings me so much joy, another horse show.

Then there's Christmas...

Yes, I'm one of those people.
The countdown starts ridiculously early.  Like today.. 172 Days.  
I love finding the perfect gift, the lights, and the traditions.

Giving has always brought me just as much joy as receiving, and there's nothing better than watching someone realize you've found something that makes them feel seen.  I appreciate feeling seen, and I LOVE Making others feel seen.  

At the end of the day, all of these pieces, my family, Lorelai, my dogs, my horses, my books, my cleaning, my travels, and yes...even my anxiety, have shaped the person I am.  

They've also shaped the coach I am.

Because health isn't something we achieve.

It's how we experience life.
It's having the strength to chase after your niece around the barn, walk your dogs, enjoy a ride, clean, explore a new destination, and carry Christmas decorations 

To get back up after life knocks you down.

To keep showing up, even when things aren't perfect.

Strong bodies don't just help us work out.

They help us live bigger, fuller, more meaningful lives.

And that's always been the goal.

Now I have to ask...
​
Outside of work, what brings YOU joy?
I'd love to hear about the people, pets, books, hobbies, traditions, or travels that make your life a little brighter.