Safe and Secure

What makes you feel safe?

I would imagine there are many answers to this question.  Whether you've actually experienced something or someone that's made you feel afraid, or whether you perceive that you are in danger, the need for feeling safe is very real to you.

It's been awhile since I've posted about my journey to being pain free and healthier living. I'm meeting with my personal trainer once a week, instead of twice, and trying to continue exercise at home. But recently, while assessing my progress with my personal trainer, Lisa Mills, I admitted to her that when I am at Motions, I feel safe.  Although that might seem logical or normal to some people, for me, it was very unexpected, as being comfortable exercising in front of others was not something I wanted to do.

So what made me feel comfortable and safe there?

• From the first day I walked through the door, I was greeted with genuine friendliness - that has not changed, not one time, during the last four and a half months.
• I feel like I have the right to be there - I feel like this was my place.
• Everyone is welcome to come for an initial consultation - no exceptions, none!
• I've known that my personal trainer has had my needs and desires, my abilities and struggles in mind every time we've met together.
• Sharing with other women in the locker room - every day concerns, successes, and goals with others feels like being at home with family.
• I know that when I lay on the mat in the active floor space, no one will interrupt my exercise because they aren't being considerate of the needs of others.

There are only a few places in my life where I feel that I can be myself, that I am accepted for who I am, and appreciated and celebrated when I meet my goals and accomplishments.   That is a wonderful feeling, a feeling comfort and safety.  This is another accomplishment I didn't count on in my quest for healthier living.

Now the other side of feeling comfortable and safe, is realizing that the day is coming when I have to step outside of my comfort zone - incorporate my exercise and fitness plan into everyday life.  And that scares me.  So everyday, I am trying to step out of my comfort zone. I'm walking outdoors every chance I get, and plan to walk, whether inside or out, when the weather changes from fall to winter. I've realized, too, that what helps me feel OK about getting out of my comfort zone is the same thing that made me feel safe from the beginning - it's having confidence in what I'm doing, because I know I can do it, and caring about my own needs, concerns and goals just like my trainer did for me.

While my five-month old grandchild was sleeping in my arms today, I thought of how safe and secure she must feel.  I watched her as she was breathing, with little expressions on her face, and slight movements of her fingers.  I was reminded of the feeling of being safe in a nice warm bed during a winter storm; of being home after a rough day; and of course, feeling safe and secure in a place of hard work, goals, changes, and accomplishments.

It is my hope that you have a safe place in your life.  May you know that safety when you need it the most. And when you are feeling insecure and afraid, why not have a cup of Blackberry Sage or Raspberry Rose Tea?  Find a cup or mug, brew some tea, and take a moment to breathe deeply, and enjoy a sip or two of security in cup!

Thanks for stopping by!

Down on the Upside

I've been kind of down lately.  I've let myself be influenced by some negative thinking and negative people, and even though I know that by the Grace of God, I can get the help I need to lift myself out of the pit, it's been harder for some reason to do so.
Yes, I've gone over the whole list of what I should be thankful for, and how blessed I am.  I've had the self-talk and started every day over and new.  And just for the record, I do know that I am blessed, and I am thankful.
While updating this blog I came across a few posts that were inspirations to me when I first started my journey to healthier living at Motions Fitness, and I couldn't think of a better example of motivational thoughts to get myself off being down on the Upside and back on track.  If you want to read more about each of these staff members at Motions, just click on their website below.

Thanks everyone!  I knew there'd be an answer if I just looked in the right place!

The following are quotations are taken from the official Motions Fitness Website.


Ronni says, "I believe in giving 100% in whatever I do and living life to the fullest with a positive attitude. I love waking up and going to a job that changes lives every day!"   
She is one of the smiling faces that greets you every day when you walk in the door, and as you leave to continue with your day.

My personal trainer, Lisa, says this about her life, "I had been overweight all of my adult life beginning in my teen years. I had tried many "diets" over all those years. And it was not until I began at Motions, did I finally make the "connection". One of the best benefits was that I began to get relief from the pain I was in.   I have lost a total of 69 pounds and have kept it off!! I have run a Half Marathon each year, as well as many other races. I fell in love with learning about healthy eating, and devoured all the education I could. In June of 2013, I enrolled into the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Health Coach. I became a Personal Trainer at Motions just prior to my Graduation. I have found my passion! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to pay forward what I have learned thru my journey and thru my education. I am able to help relieve pain thru Trigger therapy and Nutrition. As a Personal Trainer I am able to help promote injury prevention thru better movement. And as a Health coach, and as a previously overweight person, I am able to help coach my clients thru the weight loss journey and help them to make better nutritional choices."

Mark says this, "You're never too old, no one is "too far gone," and we'll show you how you can succeed in all of your fitness and weight loss goals. Motions worked for me, and continues to work for me every day! THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU!"

Gary says, "Fitness Tip: It's not the length of time you lived that gives you pain and stiffness but the length of time you started slowing down or stopped moving because of a pain or because someone gave you the notion that you are "old" and that's what is expected. You can turn back the hands of time and begin moving again without pain and with good balance."

And from the owner, Mike, "I have helped thousands of people lose weight, recover from an injury, and even walk again! I look forward to helping YOU feel better, gain confidence, live pain free, and have the best quality of life for the rest of your life!!"