The Stage of Why & Balance

We are all trying to figure out our WHY right? Sometimes, we know what it is at the stage of life we are in but other times it’s a struggle. Upon turning 50 this year, I have been genuinely reflective about what I want to be when I grow up. I am a lot of things in life: a partner, daughter, sister, friend, confidant, manager, personal trainer, fitness instructor, nutrition coach and more.

My career has always been my #1 priority, mostly because of financial responsibility and also because it is my true passion. People search a lifetime for their true purpose and I was able to make that my career (so grateful). Things are changing for me now as I am aging. The once resilient Julie is now slowing down (kind of or trying like hell - not to.) No, I am not going through a midlife crisis, just trying to constantly find balance. Wondering where my true calling is in the fitness/wellness industry as I move into this stage of my life. I haven’t figured that out yet but at least I am having that conversation.

The wellness industry is extremely rewarding and gratifying. Each day you go to work knowing that you are changing your clients’ lives for the better whether it is physically or mentally. However, no one realizes how much you give of yourself and the emotional toll it takes on you no matter how many boundaries they say you should put up. I always try to remember “Personal training is very personal and you always need to meet your client where they’re at”. The day in, day out grind can be exhausting as with most professions these days. The daily demands of our jobs can exceed our personal limits. But we keep pushing and show up at our best no matter how tired we are that day.

The question is if we keep pushing the limits in life what are the personal ramifications? This will be different for each of us depending upon what your end goal is. For me the most challenging is my physical limits, lack of sleep, long hours and really no time off. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but how do I create that balance?

One of my goals this year and for many years has been self care - something I have really struggled with in the past. There are certain things that you need to do to take time for yourself and not feel that it is a selfish act. I think of self care as my mind, body and soul. It has taken me awhile to figure this out but I may have finally found my way… I have my therapist for my mind. I have my chiropractor for my body. I have my energy healer for my soul.

For my MIND… Yes, I have been in therapy for 7 years now maybe more… I know this is something we all don’t talk about but with my history it is necessary. It has helped me tremendously with putting up boundaries to protect myself from the regular drama (sometimes). I really don’t understand why this is such a taboo thing to talk about these days… We all need some help sometimes. If you are thinking about it, just do it!

Recently with this aging BODY of mine, always trying to push myself to the limits. I have really struggled with my running. First it started with my IT band, then knee and one day in class I did a burpee and - whoops - my back went out. I ignored these injuries for about 6 months. They got a little better and then came back to haunt me regularly. I finally reached out to an old friend to help get me back on my feet and I am happy to say I am starting to run strong again. Thank you Dr.Erin Hulse!

For my SOUL … I am a very sympathetic and empathetic person. With the folks I see regularly, it can really take the wind out of my sails. As I age, I find the less peopling the better I feel. It is one thing to go out for lunch with a few of my girlfriends but if I go to a big event, it is just exhausting for me. I go for energy healing at least once a month which includes meditation, aroma therapy, sound healing and so much more. I highly recommend this if you have a busy life personally and professionally. Love you Janice Gagnon-Warr!

I think we have all have been in a stage like this in our lives. Stepping into an unknown direction, taking a risk. Knowing there needs to be a change but not knowing which way to go. But inside if you search hard enough the universe will some how lead you there. - Universe! I am ready! I am ready for my next step in life. Please lead on the right path to my “WHY", to my new balance in life, where everything is almost perfect. Because I always look for progress not perfection.

-Julie Fostin