Here I Am

I know how hard it is to do life alone, how lonely it can feel. As an adoptee, I felt this way a lot. I hid it well.

In my adolescence, I was a national gymnast which was my life for a chunk of time. I learned the characteristics of determination and dedication. It was the beginning of my life long love affair with health and fitness.

Years later, as I prepared for college, I experienced my first panic attack. It involved my folks taking me to the ER. Shocked, because I am not an anxious person!? Hello panic attacks, I guess we are doing this together.

In college, I didn’t allow panic attacks to make the calls but it wasn’t easy. I taught fitness classes, fell in love with running, and coached myself to complete a marathon.

After college, I traveled and lived in many different states. I have a curious nature and enjoy an adventure. The thought of walking down an aisle and wearing a white dress bored me and I rebelled against the norm. While friends got married and had kids, I was busy picking out my next adventure and a place to live.

I have a few fancy letters after my name, a few degrees and all of that has not given me as much experience as my own life and truth.

Today I am thankful for where I am and continue to find grace in the stories that make me. I love to encourage people, cultivate their growth, curiosity, and watch them become more secure in themselves.

I am a fan of people being exactly who they are. I want you to live at your edge, feel some fear, go after the life you think possible. Expose yourself.

There is no substitute for the truth. It either is or it isn’t.
– INDIA ARIE