We’re back here, yay! Yes, 3500 calories is the number. Your given approach to lose weight could resemble something like this: let’s say, you decide to exercise (like walking for starters) and you’ll burn calories that way, great! In conjunction with that, you are already on your way diet wise from what you described above. The combination of doing exercise and cutting calories is wonderfully effective. Again, this is one type of approach to burning fat calories in the quest to losing weight. Water is wonderfully helpful in keeping you properly hydrated, not to mention full, and flushed-out, if you will. It works wonders for the complexion, too. I drink close to 64 oz. each day including my Kombucha Teas. You are definitely on track here! Stay on a steady course here Jodi!! Treat each day as each day…taking the incredible steps you are. Most importantly: Enjoy the journey of your designated plan in becoming healthier. You CAN do it. And I really know you can!!!! :)

~Catherine!

P.S. Please keep in mind that losing weight more slowly over a period of time has a much longer-lasting positive effect and is basically healthier, too.

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Actually, I’m sooo glad to hear of your healthy diet approach regarding low-carb, high protein intake. I’m sure you’re finding yourself less hungry, more satiated in the course of the day. And, yes, journaling is something I do periodically myself. Especially at times when I need clarity on something. It makes me feel happy to hear that it’s easy for you to stay with overall. My gut is telling me that you enjoy writing which is a wonderful way to connect to yourself.

Keep your sights on what’s ahead going strong. You’re doing really fabulous! Small steps are important steps that move you forward as they are doing successfully. I admire that you are making good choices for yourself and in effect, for your family, too. Everyone benefits. Continue to enjoy what you like doing with a smile and with peacefulness in your heart!!:-)

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Several years ago I was connected to an international company in North Carolina that put me through an extensive Corporate Coaching training program certification. It really was one of the best things I’ve ever done since I learned so much about myself and people in general. The experience of coaching has helped me reach people quite uniquely which adds to the quality of what I can give and offer to others in making a ‘real’ difference in their lives.

So tell me, how are you doing Jodi? What’s been going on with you lately around your activity-level?

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I’m more than happy to share something about me and thank you for your thoughful inquiry:

I discovered my love for exercise back in college when I took Ballet with students that were studying to become professional Ballerinas. I embraced Ballet as if I was looking to become a dancer myself because of how the discipline of it made me feel while doing it. I, in fact, was studying Graphic Arts at the time.

What I took away from doing Ballet was a fierce desire to be in touch with my body physically. Mainly because I saw what my body could do when I made a decision to stay with a ‘routine’ over the course of time. My discipline emerged in something purely physical. It became my turning point to loving exercise overall.

After leaving college, I decided to join a gym where I could continue my physical, mental, and emotional training in an atmosphere I really felt comfortable in. To me, it’s so important to feel comfortable with your given ‘sport of choice’. Especially since having well-being, health and staying active (in something ‘consistent’) basically boils down to realizing ‘how happy we are’ with the choices we make. Sometimes life’s circumstance (i.e., family, kids, work, obligations, etc.) has a unique way of interrupting our ability to take care of ourselves, if we let it. I simply can’t tell you how often I bump into someone saying to me, “Catherine, I just don’t have enough time to workout because…” in a given week/month. Yet, once I speak with individuals, in a group or one-on-one situation, their initial perspective and mindset changes and I love experiencing the immediacy of that.

So today, twenty-nine years later, I am still exercising. And I absolutely love it for how it makes me feel and for the dedication it takes to stay there and more. And know, I’ve faced physical adversity in injury on occasion over the years and in living with MS as I do, yet benign.

I believe anything we choose to take on in life has the same root structure as I’ve just described above. In other words, find something in life that ‘does it for you’ and the rest will follow. For me, my lifelong passion for exercise and movement started in the art form and essence of it as well as what it was doing for me physically, emotionally and spiritually: in building strength, establishing well-being, improving self-esteem, adding confidence and in fueling my warmth of heart.

Not to mention, all the wonderful people I was meeting along the way. So many wonderfully giving people were willing to teach and instruct me in my noted passion. I quickly became inspired to help other people exercise and find their unique passion for what they loved about fitness.

I am currently a Certified Fitness Trainer and a Certified Life Coach. Both vocations allow me to help people live healthier and happier lives with an understanding that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. Yes, it takes hard work, commitment, dedication, sweat and muscle plus heart to boot. I say, just believe in yourself and it will be yours with the effort you decide to put forth into doing it. I tell my children to try and try again, never to give up, think of succeeding and you will. Our positive thoughts determine the outcome of what we reap. As is the opposite, in having nothing. So, what we think, we are. What we believe, we are. I’m all about improving our thinking to improve our outcome(s) as it relates to sports and otherwise.

My current mission is helping newly diagnosed MS patients with their understanding of the disease and how they might empower themselves further in becoming more physically active through strength of muscle and mind. I’m also offering them hope and something tangible to put their minds around at a time where they might be feeling utterly vulnerable and alone.

My fitness approach has amazingly helped me. And I feel it’s my turn to help others whom I know can clearly benefit from my passion and love of exercise. For me, there’s nothing better than to inspire others to explore the possibilities in front of them.

Stay wonderfully on track (in staying present) as you are doing Jodi. You are well on your way!! The steps you are creating and are taking will prove to pave a solid road to wellness that you avidly seek. Each day is one day closer to your goal(s) and visions. Be true, be ever present, be kind, and be willing to greet the day with enthusiasm that puts a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. You will succeed with an “I can do” attitude throughout. A bit of patience too goes a long way and lasts as long as you continually choose it. Be well! :)

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