Finding Balance & Destroying Self Doubt (A short backstory)

If someone told me 10 years ago that I’d be coaching and educating others about fitness and nutrition, I probably would have said “I wish!” Helping others has always been natural for me I guess. If someone was struggling in school, needed tutoring, advice, or even just company I was always the friend that was there and didn’t mind putting my needs aside to help others… I joked that I’d be a good school counselor or psychiatrist and at some point the athlete in me thought it would be cool to be a fitness trainer but, doubted my capabilities. I enjoyed knowing that I could help someone succeed or give them a little insight from an outside source but I would eventually come to realize that my success and need for growth was just as important as anyone else’s.

Years later, a newlywed and Shift Supervisor at Starbucks in Seattle, which was so much fun by the way. My husband and I were living the dream in a new state <Navy orders> and not much to really stress about. Soon I became a stay at home mom, raising our first son between my husband’s deployments and did this for 10+ years, 1 more son, and several duty stations later. During this time it was again, in my nature to completely put my own needs and dreams aside to fulfill the needs of my children and trying to live up to false expectations of being the “perfect mother.”

Being a stay at home mom has been a true blessing so “DON’T GET IT TWISTED” I am truly thankful for that. Being home during those early years has been one of the best things I could’ve done for them, but finding a balance for my own needs was something I failed with early on. I knew eventually they’d be in school soon and that there was more that I could and SHOULD be doing for myself… not simply for financial reasons but because the stress, anxiety, and depression was NOT worth it and I knew it was time to take care of myself if I wanted to continue being there for my children. When my boys are grown I want them to see the hard work I put in for them but also for my own self fulfillment. I knew that my going back to work would have to be doing something I absolutely love otherwise it wouldn’t be worth it to me. Money does NOT equal happiness and for this to work, I wasn’t willing to risk my own mental health for something I didn’t truly enjoy.

Between the end of 2015 and early 2016 we were now living on the opposite coast in Virginia Beach. I became a co-coordinator for a local military spouse running group; Stroller Warriors and drank the “CrossFit kool-aid” and the rest as they say, is history. I was two years into CrossFit I decided to sign up for the CF-L1 seminar and with a great opportunity at my box I started interning and coaching shortly after. Following that, I took the CF Gymnastics course and a year later I was officially certified as a NASM Personal trainer. I’m currently continuing to pursue my nutrition coaching certification to provide my clients with a much better understanding of nutrition to develop healthy lifelong habits with an appreciation for food as fuel.

When I’m not working out or training clients, I truly enjoy spending time with my husband and our two boys. We love the outdoors and anything we can do to be outside; camping, hiking, casual biking, running, breweries, farmers markets, summer concerts, and of course the BEACH! As a Personal Trainer and coach, my goal is not only to educate and train others on the benefits of strength training and physical activity but to guide and encourage overall wellness with a focus on mental health, Nutrition, and proper recovery. I hope to educate and inspire others to live fully, be strong, and embrace the struggle. Ending with one of my favorite quotes that I hope inspires you to pursue your dreams as well. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Suzy Kassem