TRANSCEND | EMPOWER | TRANSFORM
Let the beauty of your journey towards physical, mental, social, and emotional betterment of life be a catalyst for positive and fulfilling life change.
BLOG: MY WELLNESS JOURNEY
“Whatever we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.” - Samuel Johnson
In this month's newsletter, I'm excited to dive into the inspiring practice of choosing a "word of the year." This powerful concept not only encourages personal reflection but also helps us live with greater intention. For 2025, I've chosen the word "diligent," and in this post, I share what it means to me and how it will shape my journey in the coming year.
“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” - Earl Nightingale
January 1st marks the start of a new year, offering a fresh canvas filled with potential and a time for reflection. As we pursue our ambitions, navigating challenges with a solid plan is essential, breaking down our big goals into smaller, achievable steps. This approach allows us to celebrate small victories and keeps our motivation alive. Embrace your journey, cherish your accomplishments, and be kind to yourself during setbacks as you craft a path that aligns with your vision for a fulfilling life!
“Your grief path is yours alone, and no one else can walk it, and no one else can understand it.” - Terri Irwin
August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the complex emotions experienced during grief. This day also acknowledges that the healing process following a loss can take varying amounts of time and that closure can manifest in many forms. It's important not to judge others based on how they are grieving or how long the grieving process takes. Every individual is different, and so are their experiences and timelines.
“The greatest gift anybody can give themselves is getting over the fear of being embarrassed.” - Jesse Itzler
Overcoming the fear of embarrassment has transformed my mindset and opened new doors for growth. During a challenging endurance event, I faced self-doubt and physical exhaustion, yet I chose to slow down and reflect. This experience taught me the importance of self-compassion, proper fueling, and embracing support from others. Jesse Itzler’s words, 'The greatest gift anybody can give themselves is getting over the fear of being embarrassed,' resonated deeply with me. By pushing past this fear, I realized that resilience and courage are vital for pursuing extraordinary endeavors at any age.
“Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” - Brad Metzler
In 2022, I signed up for Summit Push, a trial run for an event at Snowbasin, Utah. Despite being new to endurance events, my passion for hiking pushed me to try. On the day of the race, nerves and excitement swirled as over 200 participants gathered early in the morning, the energy palpable. During the climb, I found myself comparing my progress to others, feeling like an outsider. A moment with Coach Chris reminded me that everyone has their own battles, teaching me that appearances can be deceiving and that empathy is essential.
“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” - Virginia Satir
Cancer has impacted my family deeply, claiming the lives of my grandmothers, aunt, uncle, and mother, each fighting with remarkable courage and love. Their battles left us with cherished memories and an unfillable void. In 2021, my cousin Claudine, just two months younger than me, was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. Her illness became a turning point, prompting me to reevaluate how I want to live my life — to take risks, not live in fear, and truly make the most of my time. My participation in 29029 was inspired by our shared fight against cancer. Thanks to divine grace, Claudine was there to witness my climb of nearly 20,000 feet in 21 hours, and to embrace me at the finish, reaffirming the power of hope and connection.
“A Single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” - Amelia Earhart
This story highlights the power of perseverance and kindness. During a challenging climb, the author faced pain but found motivation through a stranger’s simple act of kindness. The wooden token they received serves as a lasting reminder that small gestures can inspire us to push through obstacles and achieve great heights.
“When We Stop Being Bold, We Stop Living.” - Antonio Neves
In 2020, facing the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to leave my long-time job and start a new chapter in my life. The initial freedom was exhilarating, but it also made me realize I had been living on autopilot. This prompted me to embrace discomfort and seek meaningful change.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir
Discover how a passion for hiking in the Wasatch Mountains and Cottonwood Canyon sparked a journey of personal growth, inner peace, and a deep connection with nature. An inspiring tale for outdoor enthusiasts seeking motivation.