One of the main motivations when I crated this app was to have a safe space for transparency and accountability. For everyone to feel like the unnecessary pressure of make believe perfectionism that we often are subjected to on social media to be removed, leaving a layer of realness…. of being human. In light of that, I realized I yes created this space, it is time to use it. You see every single one of us is on an individual journey with ourselves. That means an extension to that is going to be the journey of your body, wellness and everything that is connected between. That journey will have so many different turns and paths. And I have come to embrace each and every one. I have personally been on one of my most challenging paths yet on my journey… that of healing. Three years ago I felt like I was struck with a slew of injuries that didn’t make sense. What felt like out of nowhere I had debilitating neck issues, making not only working out difficult, but simply maintaining a work day. Then in a time (pandemic) where it felt like so much “freedom” of daily routines were gone, I found myself unable to do the one thing that kept me sane.. running, thanks so a lovely (again what felt like out of nowhere) visitor that goes by the name of Plantar Fasciitis. I can do a separate post delving into all the discoveries that the chronic pain delivered - it is a great passion area of mine now - also sharing all the things I did (even though these things are not one size fits all) and wonderful people who helped me piece the puzzle together. The point of this post was - fast forward 3 years later and here I am, Emily the trainer, the kinesiologist… so much of my identity tied to my “physical ability” and whether I wanted to admit it or not, so much I tied to my aesthetics. I stood looking in a mirror, so defeated… muscle gone, not even recognizing myself. I had to fall in love with the process of slow and gentle, not go hard (which is all I previously knew). I avoided the path of rebuilding for a solid month because I had felt so defeated, although overcoming an incredible healing journey. I said enough is enough, and if I don’t start back, I’m only aiding in my defeat (which was a prison I mentally created anyway). I made my program, I got a good playlist, and I found joy in the fact that I GET to do pushups from my knees (not in such a weakling, i use to do 20 pushups from my feet). Today was hard. Mentally and physically. But I have to take this path with joy, gratitude, and appreciation for my body, this vessel…. For I GET to move. I GET to heal. I’ll be posting here for my own accountability and in hopes you all know that this is human… you’re not alone. ❤️