Aging with POWER

I turned 49 years old this past September.

I started teaching Tae Bo® Fitness when I turned 30.

19 years now, I have been in the fitness industry. And over those 19 years I have lived. I raised my oldest son, Andrew. I have traveled the world with Billy Blanks® and the Tae Bo® Nation Team. I got married in 2015. I gave birth to my second son, Oliver, in 2019. I lived through a pandemic (with all of you.) I ruptured my hamstring in my left leg playing hockey in 2021. I got back on the ice in 2022. I may or may not be navigating menopause.

I have lived - and I continue to live, LIFE.

But in a world where aging as a woman is frowned upon, it's been hard. The Facebook and Instagram posts about being "Fit and Fab after 40," How to "Control Weight Gain in Menopause," and "Are You Using the Right Collagen?" dominate my feed.

Have I gained weight in my 40's? Yeah. Have noticed the lines in my face? Well, yeah, now that you mention it. But you know what? Most of the lines on my face are from SMILING and LAUGHING. So I am going to keep them. My weight gain? My body is not really metabolizing the really awesome family meals we have.

Should I nix the family connection? No. Has my weight gain been frustrating? Yes! But - can I still move my body and kick and punch? Also, YES!

I am not making excuses. I am just prioritizing my life. I have had a six pack - and I know what it takes to have one. And I can tell you right now, I was absolutely miserable when I could show off my abs. I looked good on camera in the Tae Bo® videos, but once they were done I was racing for a hamburger and fries.

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Me and Ant on the T3 Tae Bo® Set Me and littleSmuck at his graduation!

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There is a big difference in my body. But not in my spirit. My joy is derived by my life and not what I look like. I say this - because we all need to say it. And hear it. I have to remind myself daily that I am more than my body. Though my body can still do incredible things - in time it too will fade. My foundation, my heart and my spirit, however, will never waiver. I will not starve myself. I will not worry about collagen supplements. I will not worry about the lines on my face.

I WILL continue to be powerful. I WILL continue to be joyful. I WILL continue to be the change I wish to see in the world.

I. WILL. BE.

No one can stop me. And no one can stop you.