There are some people that you meet that will truly leave an impact on your life that you will never forget. Cindy is one of those people. About 5 years ago I was working at McMaster University in the Experiential Education office. I had just graduated from Mac with a BA/HONs in Health Studies and had no idea what I was going to do with it. My plan was to get into the Child Life Studies program right out of my undergraduate degree but unfortunately that did not work. I applied for this job with hopes that it would give me some time to gain some valuable skills while figuring out what the next step was for me. I went to the 1st interview for the job and I will be honest did not do well. I had not heard anything about the job and decided to follow up with them to see if they had filled the position. That was when I was given a 2nd interview and then eventually offered a job that would change my life. While the entire Experiential Education team I worked with was amazing, Cindy immediately made an impact on my life. Cindy taught a course that taught you about life skills (how to write a resume, cover letter, dress appropriately for jobs etc.). I was offered to take this course while working and it was one of the best things I have ever done. I learned so much from Cindy both in and outside of the classroom. Cindy is one of those people who lights up the room when she walks in and she has a way of encouraging people to pursue their dreams. Trust me when I say you will want to follow Cindy's journey on Instagram. Whether you are looking for fitness and lifestyle advice or just someone to give you that extra boost to pursue your dreams. Cindy is that person! I am so proud of her for taking a leap of faith and leaving her career for a new job that makes her happy. She truly is inspirational and I am so blessed to feature her on my blog.
“Once upon a time you were a little girl with BIG dreams that you promised you’d make REAL one day. Be that little girl again”
Do you remember that little girl? Amazing what society dictates….
We are told to go to school. Get a good job with a pension that you will stay at for the rest of your life. That is what equals happiness.
But does it? For some, sure - it definitely does - and I’m SO happy you are happy. As someone who spent 15 years in supporting others in their career planning THAT is the ultimate goal. But then there are some where that little girl with BIG dreams that hasn’t happened yet still exists.
To be honest after working in the corporate world for nearly 2 decades, I never saw entrepreneurship as an option. Once you are in the corporate grind, the dreams dissipate. And when we were blessed with our girls, I didn’t have time to think of anything else. My norm was the mad rush out the door at 7:15am, pulling the kids out of bed to get to daycare only to sit in traffic.
Then my health took a downward spiral.
You see as moms, whether we are a full time at home Mommy, or a full time working mom outside of the home, we forget about US. About our health. Our well-being. US. We are the LAST on our to do list.
And because of this, because I didn’t take care of myself, my body let me know. I was on medication for my ailments. I had high cholesterol, arthritis, migraine headaches, I can go on…. I had ACCEPTED that was my life until the universe threw me a curve ball and I was bed ridden. AKA- a kick in the pants to get my act together and start taking care of ME!
I had tried everything - diet pills, liquid diets, bought a treadmill, fasting, gyms, classes, free YouTube workout videos! You name it - oh I did it. Nothing worked. Obviously. It wasn’t sustainable for my busy life.
Then FINALLY I found something that worked for ME. At home workouts (no babysitting needed!) that I could do on MY time and learned what proper eating really meant. And because of the results I had, I wanted to pay it forward and support others to feel like I did.
I started out as a hobby online health and fitness coach. It was fun to help other mom friends get their health back, feel energetic again as a part time gig which also kept me SUPER accountable too. Gave me purpose in life. Got me EXCITED to jump out of bed again. And shocker - I DID have time to do this!
Then all I could think about was this side hustle. When I was at work, all I wanted to do was my fitness coaching. And then I saw how for once there was NO glass ceiling. My team of coaches who were also moms and fur baby moms who were crushing their goals, health wise and finance wise. That’s when I thought - I’m GOING to do this full time.
So set my date, hustled and reached my goal. And when I left my full time job with a hop in my step - I KNEW I made the right decision.
I ask you…What is holding you back? Do you have a dream too? FEAR of the unknown pulls us in the opposite direction of our dreams. Don’t let fear STOP you.
A goal of pursuing a different job? Staying home with your babies? Health and fitness goal? Trip goal? Whatever it is I will leave you with this from one of my favourite gals…
“Maybe the hardest part of life is just having the COURAGE to try”
- Rachel Hollis
XO Cindy!
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