Why I'm Here

It dawned on me today that I haven't shared my story... at least not this part of it.

Last year, I launched a kids brand, together with my business partner.  We introduced a children's hoop dance DVD called Molly and the Hoola Monsters, along with a new website and blog.  I told you how grateful I was (and still am) to see my dream turn into reality.  I let you know when the project was complete.  I asked you to purchase a copy and write a review on Amazon (and yep - I'm still plugging it ;).  But I never told you why I went down this path...  So, here's my story:

When I created Hoola Monsters, 7 years ago, I did so because hoop dance became one of my greatest passions in life.  I also loved business, and starting my own company was both challenging and exciting.  So, I made the tough decision to leave an 8-year marketing and public relations career to pursue this passion full-time.

I started selling my handmade hoops at the Saturday Morning Market, and I'm still a regular vendor there.  It opened up so many doors and introduced hooping to my local community.  (Our farmer's market is the largest one-day-a-week market in the Southeast US, with approx. 10,000 customers coming through every week).  People stopped, stared, and asked questions.  This led to requests for classes, performances and all sorts of interesting opportunities.

But there was one question that I dreaded, and it kept coming up.  Everyone wanted to know, "Do you teach kids?"

I said no for an entire year. I couldn't understand why people thought hooping was just for kids.  It was serious business!  It was movement meditation, and I was a certified hoop fitness instructor.  I even created a tagline to hammer this point home:  "Some call it child's play. We call it a revolution."

And every week, people wanted to know: "When are your kids classes?"

So, one fateful Saturday, after a little girl in a pink dress fell in love with one of my sparkly hoops, I caved.  "Fine."  I'll teach a six-week kids series and see how it goes.  I committed, and then the fear crept in...

I'm never around kids.  I don't have kids of my own.  How will I relate to them?  How will they relate to me?  Where do I begin? What will we do in class?

There was no guidebook. No tutorials. No plan. Just me, my hula hoops, and a bunch of little faces staring back at me.

And then something amazing happened... We figured it out together.

Six weeks turned into six years, and some of the kids who were in my very first class are still with me today... including Molly, the star of my DVD.  They stole my heart.  Completely.  And they made me a better person.  Take a look...



I've interacted with so many creative, beautiful children over the years, and no two days are the same.  We learn from one another.  They trust me, and I'll never shoot down their dreams.  I get to show them that anything is possible.  Whether it's a new trick we invent together in class or serving as an example that we can be whatever we want in life, we're in it together.

So, when a child asks me if faeries are real, my answer will always be yes.  After all, it was the faeries who gave me the courage to say yes when self-doubt and fear crept in.  And without them, I wouldn't have discovered who I really am or why I'm here.

Conquering Fear

I've never said, "I should stop working out hard and start eating poorly."

Sure, I can blame it on the holidays, the weather, or the simple fact that french fries taste sooooo good!  I can justify it, too.  I taught two hoop dance classes today, so I don't need to go to the gym.

Then the fateful day comes when those favorite jeans become a bit too snug.  Or maybe the wake up call happens when a simple friendly gesture turns catastrophic. Oh, hello no!  My arm just jiggled like jello when I waved goodbye!

While we may not make conscious decisions to let our fitness levels slip, it's never fun when we realize that we've fallen off the wagon. Four weeks ago, I had some of those, "It's time to get my ass in gear" moments.

So, I started taking body combat group fitness classes again and amped up my yoga practice.  I also cut back on french fries (my weakness) and alcohol.  Now, I'm not saying that I'm cutting fries and cocktails out of my diet forever. Moderation is key, and right now, I'm focused on jump starting a healthy fitness program.  Yep, this is what I'm talking about:

Organic goodies from the market, Raw Revolution & Purium's Power Shake

In making these changes, three things became crystal clear:
1) My energy level is much higher.
2)  I freaking LOVE cardio kickboxing, body combat and mixed martial arts.
3) I have a real passion for inspiring others to live happier, healthier lives.

I've been a cardio kickboxing enthusiast for more than 15 years (I've got the whole library of Billy Blanks Tae Bo videos; I've taken countless martial arts inspired group fitness classes, and I even trained with a MMA fighter back when I lived in NYC).  I've been wanting to teach Cardio Kickboxing for a long time, but I kept putting it off because I didn't think I was fit enough or motivational enough to teach it.  Simply put, I was afraid of failure.

Then, something interesting happened...  I found out that the most prestigious golf and country club in my area was searching for a new fitness instructor.  I'm up for renewal on my ACE group fitness certification, and I had continuing education credits to complete.  So, what did I do?  I got certified as a Cardio Kickboxing instructor (and I'm continuing to hone my skills with the Les Mills Body Combat teacher training, which is coming up in March).

I applied for the job, and I got it!  Not only am I teaching hoop dance, I'm also on the schedule for Cardio Kickboxing, and starting in March, I'll be subbing some group strength training classes.

As I sit here typing this, my muscles ache, but I'm feeling motivated and determined.  Sure, it was stressful teaching my first official class to a room packed full of fitness freaks (including the recreation program supervisor).  I definitely have room to grow.  My counts are a little off, and sometimes I forget to cue the moves in advance.  But I'll get better.  I know I will.

So, I'll end this blog post with two questions.  Feel free to comment or just marinate on it...
Is there something that you wish to accomplish but fear is holding you back?  What's another possibility?

Molly and the Hoola Monsters

Turning dreams into reality... this project has been a long time coming.  So excited to finally share it :)

Choosing Self Love in Relationships

This morning, my dear friend Shawnee Faye Hunter, inspired me with these words:

"When people choose to talk about other people in a negative way, I have learned not to participate. I understand that they are not happy with themselves or they are jealous of the other person. Either way, I send prayer and love their way, allowing them to open up to their own freedom. (You can do this too, don't fall into the trap). Gossiping is poison and will rip your insides out, then pour them on the ground filling your space with darkness. When you choose to spread rumors, you give up the power you are so worthy of. WAKE UP AND CHOOSE LOVE!!!!!!! YOU ARE WORTHY OF SELF LOVE."

Her message came to me at the perfect time.  Just this week, I cut ties with an individual who I wasn't communicating well with.  I started to notice that I was consistently feeling drained after spending time with this person.  I began to question the reasons why we hung out, until ultimately - the decision to cut ties became crystal clear.

Making the decision to sever a toxic relationship can be tricky.  I like to be liked, and I kept thinking about the circumstances that led to our conflict.  I felt compelled to reach out to this person.  Instead, I handled it in silence...  it was hard.  I'm not usually one to bite my tongue.  I meditated on it and refrained from communicating.  I realized that I am not responsible for what others say and do.  I am, however, fully responsible for my own thoughts, actions and reactions.  For this reason, I am making a conscious effort to be careful with my words.  And like my mom always said, "If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all."  Instead, I silently sent this person positive vibes and well wishes for a happy, healthy life.

Some relationships are toxic, and they can come in the form of friendships, romantic partnerships, business interactions... they can pop up almost anywhere.  Let's love ourselves enough to take notice when a relationship no longer serves us.  Let's refrain from gossip, hateful games, and spreading rumors.  While it can be difficult to cut ties with people who don't align with this mentality, it's for the best. We can send them love and peace and just go our separate ways.  And if we catch ourselves slipping into old patterns, just STOP and choose the positive path.  

I am making a conscious decision to surround myself with like minded people.  My friend circle is a sacred space, and I believe that friendships should be based on love, trust, honesty and mutual respect.

Sending love to you today and well wishes for healthy, honest, loving and fulfilling relationships...