As many as you know, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer this past Christmas Eve.  It has been a roller coaster of a ride for the whole family.  She underwent surgery to remove the mass which then followed with chemotherapy and intense radiation treatments.  The doctors indicated that the surgery and treatments were successful and she seemed to be in the clear, however, this past week things have changed a bit.  She has become weaken and has even fallen a few times during the day.  Under her doctor's advise, a second MRI was scheduled to see if swelling has occurred on her brain once again.  The results are pending at this time. 

 

What's shaking up your life right now? Are you built to withstand sickness? Sudden change comes in many forms... from diseases, loss of a job, loss of the family home, to injuries... to anything. Oddly, the recovery process after such a set back is a lot like the recovery process after a physical injury or an accident - everything depends on the strength of your infrastructure. Just like a building, when our physical (and mental) "infrastructure" is strong before injury, we recover faster and experience less damage.
 
My team and I work daily with all types clients. From post-injury to post-surgery; from post-pregnancy to the obese.  At Team Fit, we specialize in personal training, fitness and nutrition. But what if the injury is emotionally devastating, like divorce or financial worry? The tools we use and the services we provide help clients prepare for, cope with and recover from change of all kinds - emotional and physical. Central to our philosophy is the belief that we can be better prepared for change by strengthening the infrastructure of the mind and the body.
 
Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher, wrote some pretty wise words: You cannot twice step into the same river. Think about it... Change occurs everywhere, everyday for everyone. Life does get shaken up. Whether you experience change in your health, fitness, relationships, family life, finances, career, spiritual life, or mindset; when it occurs, your ability to adapt and to thrive is a direct result of life-long preparation - physical and mental readiness. Now is the time to get in shape for life. Choose change before it chooses you.
 
First, recognize that change comes in different forms. We know it can be sudden, and other than winning the lottery, sudden change is often the most frightening. But, it can also be evolutionary - with each decade of life, we adapt to our changing bodies. And, it can be revolutionary - we seek change through weight loss, improved fitness and nutrition, etc. There is so much about change that is good. As a trainer, fitness instructor and life coach to aspiring souls everyday, I get to witness positive change all the time. It's revitalizing, rejuvenating and inspiring. 
 
 What can you do?
 
Open your eyes, your heart, your body and your mind to change, and embrace it. Own the changes in your 30-year old body (or 40 or 50 or 60 or beyond). Eat and train smarter to achieve the results you desire. Ask your family how you can be a better mother, father, husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter. Listen to them, and invest time now for your future together. Stop and take an accounting of the changes in your finances, business or career. Don't like what you see? Make change. Find help. Seek expert advice. Struggling with a negative outlook? Spiritually uninspired? Look around you. Who's feeding you a diet of negativity? Seek a positive environment. Censor your own thoughts. Read to learn, to grow and to improve. It's time to update your physical and mental playbook.
 
We're all human and to counter our natural tendency to resist the unknown, we were built to seek our potential. Unlock the gate that's holding you back. Stop choosing the safe and familiar over something new and possibly better. Take a risk. Don't wait for change to choose you. Experiment with it. You'll be stronger, wiser and infinitely better prepared for life!