FIT 23 Experience! The Day After

I wake this morning feeling full with hope. To get on my mat for 23 days straight and show my authentic self in exercise seemed like such a daunting task but I'm so glad I took the leap. The idea to showcase myself each evening at 7:30 pm ET LIVE on Instagram (IG) has been cathartic to say the least. This came to mind on Thursday evening, 4/2/2020 and before I talked myself out of it I jumped in and started the FIT 23 Experience LIVE on IG that very next evening! No time to plan ahead  and no time to think of the major commitment of time and energy I'd need to expend on a daily basis. What felt quite comfortable, however, is my connection to my mat. Over the years, I've developed a practice of getting on my mat everyday and during a worldwide pandemic requiring millions to shelter in place, I found it to be a grand opportunity to help bridge the gap between communities that are offered my type of niche wellness services in abundance while so many others have yet to experience the value of specialized mind-body exercise.
The first important thing to establish in the FIT 23 experience is to ponder the simple question, "What is fitness?" After many years of professional fitness training and community health education, I define fitness as the consistent use of physical, mental and personal growth experiences toward improved health status. In short, fitness is being in the state of living whole, mind, body and spirit. 
The FIT 23 Experience wasn't easy but is was effortless. What does this mean? Each day, I showed up on my mat (on-time) with an authentic desire to use my gifts to help others- that was the effortless part. You see, I know my calling is to help others live fit and that flows freely in everything I do. The challenge was putting together a self-made production equipped with sound, a customized Spotify playlist and exercise theme updated daily, lights, props and a loosely aligned reality TV vibe that would translate well on camera. Would others get my flow? Would they watch? What will I wear? Daily hair and makeup? (ugh!)
One special serendipity was my girl, Faith, surprising me by dropping by a bag of "fitness goodies" on my doorstep just when I needed it most. Faith-ful friends are the BEST!!! In fact, this spirit carried over to all who participated. Friends for life like Angel, Nan and JB who participated each day and would replay the video temporarily saved when needed. My mom, who I've been thinking of heavily each day as she shelters in place in Chicago, was also significant in me living the FIT 23 Experience. We had so many consistent peeps part of our FIT 23 crew! And our FIT Pros! Wow!! I could go on and on about how much I appreciate them. They, too, took time to give and serve. I understand that when a professional who has invested both time and money in providing a service gives it away for FREE it comes with such an unselfish mindset. I know that through the law of sowing they will reap more than double in return. 
Where we grow from here is an exciting opportunity. I no longer feel stuck in my lens of overthinking if my authentic self is relatable enough to help and inspire others in exercise. You see, I know I'm different. I know that how I define fitness may not be the norm; mindfulness in exercise. I used to evaluate metrics based solely on numbers and wondered why others seemed to attract larger numbers than me. As of today, I release that metric as a primary source for growth. My services are not for everyone and I will not sacrifice my authentic self to build numbers. I release any self-centeredness knowing that during this pandemic, people are hurting and are in need. Those that I'm meant to serve will come and grow with me on this journey. As I look forward in this day, I stand grateful with a humble spirit and a SUPER-star mindset knowing that together we can grow a multi-million dollar mindset as we serve others with our unique gifts. Excited about moving forward in continued, authentic service. Erika's LIVE journey is evolving and I invite you to experience your best life in exercise TODAY!
See you soon. 

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