Recently I was on a trip back to Wisconsin to celebrate my birthday with my friends and family from back home. I always become more reflective around my birthday each year and this was one of those milestone birthdays, making it even more of a time of reflection for me.
This past year has been full of changes. I took the big leap to leave my beloved home and my dear friends, to venture out to another state far away to pursue my work in health and wellness. It was one of the scariest adventures I have embarked on in my life!
I packed up a U-haul with the belongings of my house, put my dog Murphy in the cab of the truck, loaded my car on the towing trailer, put my house on the market and headed south. It was a risk for me to go and some days I am still very homesick for the people and the place that I left behind, but I kept telling myself, and still keep reminding myself of the saying, “If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”
One goal I set forth for myself while approaching this birthday was to come to it in the best shape of my life. Because I made the changes in my life that I did, it helped me to focus on my objective. I would say I came pretty close, if not on the mark, to that. However, the time I spent in “vacation mode” shifted me away from my ultimate goals and I find myself having to reset myself back on the right path. It took only a week and a half to slide away from where I want to be, but as long as I shift back to being mindful of who I want to be and what I want every day of my life, and really focus my thoughts on what I need to do to achieve that, I am confident that I can have the life that I want on many levels.
On the plane trip heading back to Wisconsin, to my old life, the life that I can step back into with a three hour flight- I thought a lot about what is it I want to be different in my life now. I had achieved the goals I had set for myself before from vehicles I wanted, to building a house that I was now leaving, getting degrees and certificates that made it possible to do the work that I wanted to do. So, what now? What are the things that I have never done before? What are the things that I can improve? What a great opportunity to create the life that I want!
As fall embarks upon us, the change of seasons brings with it many things: a change in mood, maybe a change in motivation level; for some of us who were running outside maybe it means that we will move our cardio workouts to the treadmill for the cooler seasons. Maybe someone who hadn’t focused on their wellness over the summer is ready to make the necessary changes to live a healthy life. Maybe someone who has seen unhealthy patterns popping up over and over in their life, such as wallowing in negativity, is ready to heal the pain that they have been through and find a way to feel joy and bliss again, or maybe for the first time in their life. It’s a good time to think about things that you would like to do differently in your life.
Would you like to eat more clean food? Heal a broken heart? Maybe run a 5K for the first time in your life? Maybe run your twentieth? Maybe, like me, you are new to the area- or just want a change with the people you surround yourself with and want to pursue great relationships and new friends? Or maybe this great weather makes you want to play outside, start a weekly walking group or tag football game?
What will you do to make the changes that you want in your life?
If you are looking for something positive and healthy to be involved in, I would like to invite you to join me in a great fall event that the Rockwall Family YMCA has coming up. Whether you want to be a sponsor and help with prizes or goodie bag items, or if you would like to run or volunteer, the Christian Corneau Memorial Run is coming up Saturday, Nov. 12. It is an event that honors one of our own – a local boy who passed away a few years back. Christian Corneau was the son of Michelle, one of our fitness instructors at the YMCA, and her husband Max. The money raised by the entry fee goes to our Partner’s Campaign- which provides scholarships to individuals and families that cannot otherwise afford to participate in our programs and membership. My son and I were recipients of a YMCA scholarship years back, so I have experienced first-hand the impact of where that funding goes to.
The YMCA is a cause-driven organization.
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.
Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being
In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and wellbeing for their spirit, mind and body.
Liz Jones is the Membership & Wellness Director at Rockwall Family YMCA, located at 1210 N. Goliad in Rockwall. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. She is trained in Reiki, Guided Imagery, and various healing methods. She has also trained in Shotokan karate and other forms of martial arts and self-defense. Her background includes non-profit management and working with various at-risk populations, women’s empowerment workshops, and mentoring programs.
Liz Jones can be reached at: ejones@ymcadallas.org or 972-772-9622.
To submit your news and events or a guest column on your area of expertise, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Change in season, change your life added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →