I believe that people come into our life for a reason. For us, them and all the connected people. I believe each and every one of us has a purpose.
I met Ashley over 6 years ago, but we never totally connected until I left corporate America and started searching for my purpose in 2016.
I’ve always been in awe of her chosen profession and the pressure associated with it. The sacrifices she makes serving our community are tough on her and her family. She was superhero strong to me before she even started at the gym. I have a tremendous amount of respect for our first responders. All of them. Huge. Thank you all 🙏🏼
Ash has watched me suffer over the past couple years. She’s always talked about the gym, but never shoved it down my throat. I went to watch her for a bit at her Endeavor challenge last year because I was so proud of her hard work.
This year has been tough on me. Mid thirties are tough. Husband, kids, dogs, money, family, people, places, things… the struggle is so real. I’ve been sad for awhile. Out of alignment. Big time.
On May 8, my emotions pinned me to the floor and struggled to get back up. I texted Ash and told her I wasn’t comfortable with my thoughts anymore. She called me and we talked. She gave me straightforward answers to my emergency medical help questions. She did not fluffy sugarcoat anything. That’s what I needed.
Ashley committed to helping me however she could. She mentioned the gym. I told her I’m willing to do anything to help myself, but that I was very scared.
Somewhere between May 8 and May 20, Ashley tagged me in the 21 day challenge post and sent me a text about maybe signing me up for something. Sneaky sneaky. But I had to do the work to sign up. She didn’t force me. It all unfolded and I committed.
Ashley told me what class to schedule. She picked me up in my woods. She introduced me to her people. She literally shepherded me around for 3 weeks. She really is the ultimate gym buddy. If she couldn’t help me, she left me in someone’s hands. I am her little lamb 😂 I trusted her every move. I knew I wasn’t going to die because she’s a professional at saving lives and I just needed to do the things.
So yeah. I cried for help. Metaphorically I called 911. Ashley came, scooped me up and gave me a taste of her chosen medicine. It’s working on me right now. It’s so good on so many levels.
I learned that the gym is not just the building where you workout, it’s where community is built. It’s like a church or temple – where you all go for a common purpose, regardless of your struggles, you go to become a better version of yourself. Sometimes you pray to the high heavens that the timer buzzes soon. It’s where egos are both killed and tickled. Where energy is shared and people sweat. A lot.
I signed up for a membership after my 21 day challenge. I can’t stop because of the momentum and I won’t stop because of my drive 💥👊🏼💥 Stepping out of your comfort zone is the hardest thing ever. It’s been a ride and I’m going to keep stepping.
The first step in changing your life is to change your environment. I had to be removed from the comfort of my woods to make the changes I needed to help better myself.
It wouldn’t have happened without Ashley and I’m forever grateful. Thank you, girl 🙏🏼 You know I got you. In all the ways.
People come into our lives for a reason. I only hope I can pay it forward and help someone like Ashley has helped me. I’ve got goals 💖☠️💜
Smiling Through It All 
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