A million holes in my jeans, but I am still smiling!

When I am lost and confused, the ocean centers me. Each crashing wave seems to cleanse my mind, and bring me closer to peace. This is why I believe it is the perfect location for this next step along my journey. It is in the brokenness and the hurt that we can find true character revealed within us, and it strengthens our inner core. When we can center and focus on the bigger picture, the reasoning behind what we are going through, life becomes simple, and contentment can pour in.
This past weekend was a beginning. I taught my first Oceanfit class on the beach, as the morning rays began to form. Although, I only had two participants who happened to be friends of mine, I remain confident in my endeavor. It feels very right to begin this program, and I am excited about where it will go. If it does not go anywhere, I will know that I tried something very bold, and when you are bold, you will fail, but is in the failing that you can really learn true success. Atleast, I can know that I risked everything while I lived on this earth, and held back nothing. I came to Jacksonville beach with a broken heart, but never a fear of giving all my love again! Life is too short to allow the horrible things in this world to hold us back. Everyday is a beautiful gift, even if your 9 or 99. It is a blessing to be born and live, even if we think we were born into a miserable existence. Each person was placed on this earth for a reason, even the child raised in the slums. We must respect this fact, and learn to appreciate where all people are at in their lives. When we realize that we were created for a purpose, even if that purpose was just to smile at one person, we can change our perspective on everything. We can never know if that one person who recieved comfort from that one smile, could potentially go on to provide water for an entire country in Africa. We can never know if that one smile gave a man enough comfort and strength to not take his life that night. We will never know these things, but one thing we have to know, is that it is not by accident that we are here, and we must view everyday as a gift, and an opportunity. An opportunity to love, even if it means getting really hurt, an opportunity to step out alone and create a business, even if it may never become anything. I know I do not choose to be someone who allows life to simply happen, I choose to take an initiative, to get messy, make mistakes, and fight to find my way in this big world. It is a journey worth taking, even if by the end of it, my jeans have a million holes, and my shirt has turned to rags!

Oceanfit

I am on an exciting journey to discovering what is in store for my future! It has taken me a little while to realize that not knowing where my life is going to end up is absolutely normal, and the only way to truly live, is enjoying every step of the way. If I waited until I got to my destination, I would miss out on so much on the way there. In every movie, and many stories you read, is it not the journey to the destination that takes the most time, and is the most exciting part? So why not revel in it!?

I graduated with my masters in Exercise Science two years ago, from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. The summer after I graduated, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Brasil for the summer, with an amazing group of people from my campus ministry. In Brasil, I worked with the physical education department at a university called Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. I learned about the multicultural ways to stay active. When I came back from Brasil, I immediately landed a job teaching physical education at a private prep school in Tallahassee called Maclay. I also helped coach the running team (both track and field, and cross country), under an amazing head coach, Gary Droze, who is revered in the running community. After two years of teaching, I felt called to something different, and I am now living in Jacksonville beach, FL. I live in a beautiful house near the beach, with my one year old border collie Reef. I work for a company called Medifit, which is a corporate fitness company, and is currently located in the Bank of America corporate park.

I have always had a passion for helping others recieve a better quality of life through staying physically active. I believe that it is important for every aspect of your life, and can give a positive perspective in our most difficult times. It is so much more that looking good. I believe a truly difficult workout produces a deeper experience. It makes us stronger individuals! After polishing off a bottle of wine, my brother in law, sister, and myself sat around the living room. We sang as my brother in law played the guitar, and we discussed life. We questioned one another about what we would do for a living if money was no object, and I explained how much I would love to give people an amazing workout, but at the same time, a relaxing experience. We brainstormed ideas, and came up with an incredible idea to provide organized group fitness classes at the beach.

The company called Oceanfit was created. It incorporates yoga, pilates, zumba, and boot camp style classes. My past experience in fitness has provided me with a plethora of great ways to give an individual a full body workout, while also leaving one feeling satisfied and healthy.Currently, the classes being offered will be every Saturday featuring a new class every time. I will offer more classes throughout the week, as the company progresses.

I also offer one on one personal training, and I am flexible to go wherever you are. I have a current AFAA Group Fitness certification, and I am fully qualified to work with any individual. I am excited to be here for wherever your fitness journey may lead you, and encourage you on your way!