“I am here for my mind, my body, my soul. My confidence in life. My dedication. My perseverance. My health, my fitness, my strength. I am here because I care about all of these things – and if I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be here”.
This was the mantra I had made for myself at the young age of 16 when I embarked on my health and wellness journey. From this time forward I knew, without question, my purpose in life was to empower and inspire other individuals to lead a life they love through health and wellness. It was a time in my life where things started to click and I became more present and in tune with my inner being and the world around me.
Flash forward to the present, I am 23 and I am relearning plus continuing to grow, learn, and discover daily. A friend of mine reached out to me not too long ago and confided in me – while sharing that I am one of the strongest people she knows. Me? Strong? About half a year ago I was at the lowest point. I felt I was just existing .. going through the motions… not fully present and sure as hell not living. I felt so weak, mentally and physically. It’s weird looking back to that time in my life because it’s hard to say how I got there.. but there I was. Some days I couldn’t leave my house, let alone my bed. I’ve never experienced this before and was confused by it all. I still am. I remember during this dark period of time someone had asked if I was happy…and I couldn’t answer. I couldn’t say yes.
I’m sharing this because I’ve realized on a whole new level how important self care is. How important our choice of words are. How important it is to nurture our beings. We invest so much in so many aspects of our lives, but when do you come first? I built myself up again by eating foods that fuel, by moving my body, by getting proper sleep, by telling myself this state of unalignment will pass…by being KIND to myself and knowing it’s okay. Knowing it’s okay not to be okay sometimes…. And being thankful that I was beginning to ask myself questions to discover how I can fuel my soul again. I had to believe that to be true because my mind and body felt foreign to me. But most importantly I decided to talk and ask for help.
So when my friend said I, me, THIS girl is strong… I thought heck yes! And here she was being strong too and talking about her present obstacles.
I’ve always promoted self love and taking care of ones mind, body, and soul. But I’ve recently unraveled deeper layers of the importance of it all. My goal in life since the age of 16 has been to empower and inspire others to lead a life they love. Well friends, cultivating connectedness is where it all starts. And the little things, over time, really do add up. I hope by choosing to share on a more personal note tonight, at least one person will plant a seed that will soon blossom into clarity, awareness, and strength.
I will end off by saying that putting ourselves first is really the most unselfish act. When we fill ourselves up first we then move through life more present and in-tune. Every interaction we have, how we carry ourselves, right down to our very thoughts – it is all more genuine, authentic, and well – it’s more you! This is the year I learn to really live and speak my truth. And what a year it has already been.
I have recently started a movement on instagram called “Grow Your Glow”. I am not sure where it’s going to go or what exactly it’s going to look like.. But I can tell you this: Everyone has something to teach you and I am so grateful I am living my life for me again.
Grow Your Glow is to empower and inspire others to live their best life. To ignite the fire in us all that allows us to push past mental barriers. To discover the beauty, love, and magic that unearths and rises when we choose ourselves everyday. Our very worlds are shaped by our thoughts – we are oh so freaking magical and imagine what could happen if you chose to harness that light, but also allow it to glow authentically and free?
Imagine.
I have – and it’s life changing.
All the best, @growyourglowgal
Paige Galpin, Fitness Enthusiast.
Any individuals in sports and fitness who would like to share their voice, please submit to hank@hankfittraining.com