Lets Get Personal

Like many others, I often feel self-conscious about different aspects of my body, personality, and even my unique thought process.

My belly pooch? That’s just my uterus.

I can be overly talkative—really, I'm just friendly and genuinely curious about others and the world.

I think and process information differently from the masses, and while that sets me apart, it also fuels my self-criticism.

The list of perceived flaws goes on, even though I know I’m often too harsh on myself.

A major source of this self-doubt comes from my varied life experiences and the many jobs I’ve had. Whether I was scooping ice cream at a local shop, spending five years in marine biology, modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch, or delving into art and architecture—each role, from earning my degrees in education and teaching to even a brief stint in law enforcement (surprise, that’s not on my resume anymore)—has contributed to who I am today.

What some might call “job-hopping,” I see as a journey of discovering where I belong—a place where I can be happy and make a living. Looking back, I realize that every step was part of my preparation to become a Personal Training and Nutrition Coach. It all started with a deep love for gym class and an early exposure to allied health sciences.

Then there are my many, unavoidable chronic illnesses (more on that in another post someday). These experiences have compelled me to guide, teach, and help others understand their bodies. My varied background now fuels the most fulfilling and enriching career of my life.

With my education background, I break down complex concepts into easily digestible lessons for my clients. My experience in art and architecture not only deepens my understanding of the human body’s structure but also enables me to help clients design their dream home gyms. Each of my diverse roles has given me insight into how different careers affect our bodies—whether through prolonged movement or a more sedentary lifestyle. And my personal ailments? They’ve given me firsthand insight into the digestive system, chronic pain, fatigue, and the overwhelming feeling that can come from life’s challenges.

Consider, too, the countless hours spent preparing for and passing certification exams that were arguably tougher than any collegiate test I’ve ever taken, along with the ongoing education and extra specializations I pursue to become a better professional.

So, why should I be self-conscious? My body tells the story of my battles; my life experiences have made me a wiser, stronger person; and, frankly, I am damn smart.

Without delving too deep into the science, it all comes down to our brains. From hurtful comments by family members to bullying at school, from poor leadership and workplace jealousy to tired teachers who no longer listened—our brains store all these experiences as a form of protection. Unfortunately, that protection often turns into overprotection, making us hesitant to step into a gym, listen to recordings of ourselves, or even get off the couch.

One area where my self-consciousness has really held me back is in sharing my journey consistently—both on social media and on my website. The nagging fear of judgment and the inner critic sometimes make it difficult to put myself out there as authentically as I want. But I’m taking steps to overcome this challenge. By setting small, achievable goals for regular posts, seeking support and honest feedback from trusted friends, and reminding myself that vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness—I’m gradually learning to break free from that cycle of inaction.

Our lives and talents—no matter how unique—shape us. It might be easier said than done, but I encourage you to pick one thing you’re self-conscious about, explore why you feel that way, and uncover the truth behind it.

Then, find a way to embrace it. Love it. Flaunt it.

To everyone out there who wants to dive into fitness or nutrition but isn’t sure where to start—reach out. Maybe you just need my awkward compliments and quirky perspective. Perhaps you need some solid guidance on nutrition, or maybe you’re looking for a trainer. Whatever it is, I’m here to help.