“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Gautama Buddha
“The mind and body are not separate. What affects one, affects the other” – Dr. Joe Kosterich
The start
If you are like me, then your parents instilled sports or team activities in you from a young age. I grew up exercising, and not realizing the importance of it. I ran track and played basketball, I also played the violin as well. Working in groups on a team was not optional. Exercising my body or mind was not optional for me.
As I got older, I hurt my knee going into my freshman year of high school. I thought I would never walk in a way that was “normal” for me ever again, let alone play any sports.
….but I was a determined young teen.
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I rehabbed, and worked my way back to playing my junior and senior years of high school. It was one of the most challenging, frustrating…but overall rewarding goals I had ever achieved in my young life. Granted I had some aches and pains, and still do today, but I did it. I accomplished my goal and I was so proud of myself when I finished high school.
Fast forward to my junior year of college, I had gained about 40lbs and was not feeling my best self.
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The real truth
I worked out…barely…a couple times a week. Getting on the treadmill or machines but not doing much because I didn’t really want to mess up my hair. I randomly had a bright idea to start training for a marathon in 2014. Long story short….THE WORST IDEA EVER!!!!!!!
I tore my meniscus in my knee….AGAIN. I could barely walk due to the inflammation and swelling. Constantly being stiff as well, living on the 3rd floor of my student apartment building, with a Rottweiler…HORRIBLE does not even begin to explain the way I felt.
I knew I had to do something…
I didn’t know how long it would take me to feel better but I knew that I had to do something more than just be upset that I couldn’t walk
The plan in motion
Electric hot pad…walking…dog
…The 3 reasons I was able to bring myself back to getting through this.
One thing I realized, going through such a hard thing while in college, away from my “normal” support system is that I learned that I am able to depend on myself. Trusting myself and my own body during that time set me up mentally to realize how strong I am.
I worked so hard to get to my baseline physical health…it is not as it was because I am older, but I am at a point where I was capable of accomplishing my physical fitness goals, if I decided to do so.
The decision…on repeat
I emphasize “IF” because I know that I am a procrastinator. I know that I make excuses to not do what I want to do regarding my health and lifestyle. However, easier said than done.
…my struggle is REAL y’all!!!
After years of on-again-off-again dieting and exercising, in 2017 I had reached my heaviest weight. Living in a new state, my first real adult job…and I was just not doing right. Years later, 2 states difference, and I still was not where I wanted to be regarding my health.
I now had started my travel business, but due to the pandemic everything was on halt for 2020. I told myself that I would come out of 2020 a healthier version of myself…sort of accomplished that goal.
This year, in 2021, I reached out to a fitness trainer that offered group sessions. I have always been anti-trainers but there was something different about Key Life Fitness and after one session I was hooked. The group of ladies in my sessions are diverse, supportive, and so much fun.
It is nice to be challenged in a workout, but still have so many laughs during it as well.
I knew I needed help…I knew I needed someone to help me, help myself…so I have decided to stick with the group sessions. Having ladies to hold you accountable can mean the difference between a smoothie or ice cream for dinner ☺
Mind, body…and health
It can be challenging to make good choices for your body. One thing I realized is that your mind and the thoughts that you allow yourself to succumb to play a huge role in the choices you choose to make regarding your body. I will rationalize getting ice cream. Telling myself I deserve a reward for working out that day…in reality…working out is my reward.
Having the ability to move your body and thank your body for getting through a workout is a reward in itself.
…not saying that I don’t reward myself on the weekends.
It is up to you to keep your body in the health that you need it to be or to work toward the goal that you would like your body to achieve. Overcoming mental barriers that allow excuses are the reason it takes us (especially myself) so long to accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves.
Your mind and your body should be treated as a unit. They are both a unit that make up who you are now, and who you are aiming to become. Nurturing BOTH of them is how you will achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
I was able to rehab myself back, with no knowledge or experience, by being mentally strong and believing in my body’s ability to change and transform.
Why is it that I am now many year older than that young woman, but I steady back track or make excuses to not do what I know I need to do?
With age, is SUPPOSED to come wisdom. I have the wisdom to KNOW that I should make a different choice, but for some reason I ALLOW my mind to over shadow my goals, so I don’t exercise that day.
….this is the issue with MY OWN weak mindset
I have to retrain my brain to believe in myself and to not succumb to excuses.
It is up to me to over power doubts and insecurities within myself, and push through to eat healthier, exercise the way that I need to, and to be consistent.
If I am not good to my body, I cannot expect my body to be good to me. My mind, body and spirit are all connected to shape who I am and the choices that I choose to make.
Only ME, can change ME.
It is up to me to put in the work both mentally and physical to get to the heart healthy place I know that I can be. The place I know I can achieve by the end of this year.
Doing right by my mind, body and spirit…means loving myself more than the excuses.
My wish for you
I want to you write down your goals, put them where you can see them each day, and then take ONE action towards achieving your goals each day. An action can be as simple as walking your dog for exercise, or participating in an online yoga session…whatever action you choose is worth it.
You are worth it…
I believe that you have the strength both within your body and mind to achieve whatever goals you have for yourself.
If anyone tells you any different…just tell them, “Chantre’ said to mind your business.”
Stay safe and healthy travel friends…see you next month when I will be giving you all the low down on my “Granny’s day out” weekend travel trip with my grandma ☺ you all are going to love it!!!
Your travel friend,
Tre’
My name is Chantre’ (Tre’ for short). I am a military brat and soon to be a military wife. I have two fur babies; a Rottweiler named Duke and a German Shepperd named Aurora. I am a travel agent that specializes in EVERYTHING!…mostly fun quick trips or international trip for me personally, but I love researching for every client as if I am traveling with them.
Traveling is where my passion lies. Being in school my whole life, I am at the point where I am now settled and ready to begin my journey to explore the WORLD as much as possible. I have a yearning to see new things and cities, and experience other beliefs and cultures. As a young woman, it can be difficult to find other women that are in the same mindset as I am, and who are ready to take this journey with me in this season of my life…this is why I started my @tres_travelexperiences business and blog. I want to be able to share my experiences with others who share my passion for travel, but are being held back. Experience traveling through my journey.
I am passionate about being able to connect with other women no matter age or background, that are seeking travel experiences as I am, and just need someone to travel with like me. Prior to meeting my love, I was fully prepared and had literally booked a 15 days trip to Europe…SOLO. The amount of courage it took, I cannot even describe but I am thankful to God that He settled my mind, heart, and soul to take the leap. I know every woman may not want to do the same, so I am more than happy to plan a trip for others, whether big or small, solo or group.
If you have an urge to travel, but no one to travel with …come join me on one of my upcoming trips! On my Facebook page, you will find events where you can register for upcoming trips that I have planned which are open for you to join us. You will also find travel deals that I have created, but can be customized for your specific needs. Some of my trips will be very kid-friendly due to my current auntie role, so please reach out and connect with me in the links below. Feel free to contact me for a chat about what your specific needs are and I will be more than happy to have a chat with you!
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