I'm late on my entry to Stacey-Ann's Getting Healthy in the Rain contest but that's ok I don't need to officially enter but I do want to partake. I've been so inspired by the entries thus far that I want to get outside my comfort zone and do something I definitely hadn't dreamed of a year ago.
For a long time I wasn't healthy. I was a smoker, drinker and ate like crap. We traveled around the country for RainCamp and there were so many after parties and meals on the road that I just kind of gave up. I'd go shopping and loathe trying to fit into a size I was a year prior.
In August of 2011 I gave up drinking. Haven't had one sip since and never plan to again. And then...I started working out. I NEVER thought I could enjoy exercise or be one of "those girls'; usually I was at happy hour with friends while others were at the gym. But by giving up drinking my social calendar opened up and working out fit right in.
My community center is a block from home and offers this Move-It Pass. It's super cheap and they offer unlimited classes like step aerobics, gut & glutes and Zumba. I was a little scared to start Zumba but had taken a salsa class a few years back so thought what the hell. What a surprise it was, I had more fun than I could remember! Growing up I was a dancer, heavily involved in ballet, jazz & lyrical. I gave it up in high school as it got in the way of my social calendar...one of the biggest regrets of my life. But that love, excitement and happiness was found again in Zumba. I couldn't believe I was actually looking forward to classes and working out.
So my lovely AR community, I am going to get certified to teach Zumba. On March 16th I will travel to Yakima, WA to get certified. It was very scary to push the "Register Now" button but I know my Rainers have my back so I did it. Getting out of my comfort zone and inspiring others to get healthy is something I know I can do.
My plan is to hopefully teach at a YWCA or spot where people without money could benefit. Maybe kids or women in shelters or even retirement homes. I'm not doing this to get paid, rather I'm doing this to grow as an individual and give back in a way that I'm passionate about.
Thank you all for your inspirational stories and for giving me the courage to do something that I never thought I could do. This path will be a fun and spiritual one!
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