Last Updated on January 27, 2019
I started online with a YouTube channel so my offline clients could share my tips with their family and friends. My offline coaching clients always used to say I was different.
- That I actually made sense.
- That they loved my no-nonsense no ‘bogus magic pill’ approach.
- That I got them results better than anyone else.
- They liked that I used simple terms to explain what to do, why it’s important, and how it helped them.
- They liked that I helped with motivation and mind set so they actually felt like doing it.
- They loved that the felt great and lost weight.
They’d call me a fitness guru and that always made me cringe. I’ve seen so many ‘gurus’ online pimping BS products and advice.
I took the Tony Robbins approach.
I AM NOT YOUR GURU. I’M YOUR COACH AND BIGGEST CHEERLEADER.
They wanted to be able to share my advice with others. So I started a YouTube Channel and eventually a blog. I made a new Youtube video (almost) every Thursday for 4 years. My following grew.
As time went on I wanted a change. I felt like had made a million workouts and tips about motivation. Plus, YouTube changed and my Instagram and Pinterest following grew. My YT, IG, and Pinterest followers were very different. I didn’t know how to connect them all.
So about 2 years ago, I hired a business coach to help me figure out how. I also wanted to update my branding, website, and programs.
My Coach told me to start sharing stories and surveying people because stories build connection and surveys would allow me to know what content you wanted.
- She told me to share my story.
- She told me to share motivating stories.
- She told me to share more of me.
- To share photos of me.
She told me there was one story to never tell…. Being the nerdy straight-A student I am, I grabbed a pen to write it down…
She said “Never tell a story that makes you cry because you don’t want people to feel sad or bad watching… you want them to feel good and connect to you.”
That was a problem…
- I didn’t know how to tell my story without crying.
- I didn’t like my story.
- It wasn’t a happy story.
- My life had never been sunshine and roses.
- I wasn’t born with self-esteem handled to me on a silver platter.
- I didn’t want to talk about my family, childhood, or what I’d been through.
I was raised from a place of ‘don’t talk about your problems, deny they ever existed and push through it.’
And that’s what I did. I never talked about myself. I never took photos because I HATE having my photo taken. I know hate is a strong word but I HATE HATE HATE having my photo taken.
For 2 years I went to school with a note I was told to hand to my teacher that said “Please excuse me from having my picture taken because of my face.” I’ve hated having my picture taken ever since… Even with my YT channel I hated being on camera.
But I made videos to help others because I love helping others feel good. Because I know what it’s like to feel bad. But shooting videos was torture to me… but I did it anyway.
I tried 50 times to shoot my story video without crying. It made me melt down. Even when I tried to gloss over the worst parts I couldn’t do it.
After months of trying, I was able to get one take. I still cried but uploaded it anyway. After I uploaded it, I ugly-face cried and binge ate for the first time in almost 10 years.
I knew I needed to deal and heal from my past. I knew it was my time to help myself. I knew I couldn’t continue to pour from an empty cup or be of the best service to you.
If you’re not first, you’re last. – Ricky Bobby
So I took a break from my YT channel to work on me and rebrand my programs and site.
After 2 long years of ‘doing the work’ I’m finally able to share my story without crying.
I have healed enough that I’m ready to start creating content and be more social on social media.
I want to share my story to see if I’m a good fit for you and what kind of content you want most.
Because after all… everything I do is for you!
So here’s my story and connect and content request survey – so we can connect and you can get the content you want most.
START YOUR CONTENT REQUEST SURVEY
An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field. – Niels Bohr – Danish physicist (1885 – 1962)
Since becoming a nutritionist and trainer… which is where the video left off some other not so cool stuff happened. They really put my self-discipline skills to the test.
- I moved a few times… always stressful! And stressed spelled backwards is desserts
- A guy ran a red light, T-boned and totaled my car. I went from having 1 herniated disc, to 3.
- I had to have surgery to repair the disintegrating cartilage in my nose from the grafts done in my childhood. A surgeon confirmed the cartilage was crushed and I needed surgery or it could collapse. So I did. Seeing my face bruised again and dealing with all the drugs and anesthetic triggered deep depression.
- I’ve had a boyfriend pass away unexpectedly.
- I had toxic family continue to disrespect me and I disowned them.
- I had a miscarriage that threw my hormones into a tailspin again.
- I had non-stop tech issues trying to launch my new site.
BUT I was researching natural health, healing and detox protocols that help boost metabolic functions – physical and mental protocols – every step of the way. I started binge-learning EVERYTHING I could about hormones, the gut microbiome, candida, inflammation, motivation, metabolism, how thoughts affect the body and metabolism, etc. etc. etc. #NerdAlert : )
I started testing programs and supplements to see what works best. I infused all of it into my new site, programs, and other programs and content not released yet. #StayTuned
All of my new stuff is designed to be short, sweet, straightforward, and actionable so you can get rapid results you’ll feel in your cells, see on the scale, and feel in your soul.
If you struggle with motivation, health, and weight like I used to you’re going to love it.
But before I share it I want to reconnect with you and know what content you want.
If you’d be so kind as to let me know on my Connect and Content Request Survey, I’d be forever grateful.
Always remember THE MAGIC IS IN YOU!
Sending you so much love and virtual bear hugs.
Your Coach and Biggest Cheerleader
xo
Post updated January 18, 2019
Very inspiring! I am not motivated at all normally, but you have started me off on just trying to do something about myself which will make me stop hating what I look like. I am 68 years old and have been gaining weight steadily for the past 6 years when I lost my precious sister to Breast Cancer. She passed in 2011 just as I finished my last Radiation session (21) in all as well as 6 Chemo sessions which put me in hospital for a week after the last 3 sessions. Yes, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer exactly 1 year after Barbara was diagnosed and I never thought that I would have to carry on living after losing my soul mate and best friend and beloved sister. Gradually over these past 6 years I have been gaining weight and disliking myself more and more. Not only about the weight gain, but also losing my hair, until now, at this stage, I really dislike going out anywhere because I am so self conscious of my looks. At his stage, I am really trying to curb my eating, cutting down on the starches, sugars etc. I am also very, very constipated and only have a slight movement when I take laxatives. Every 4 days I take 2 Senakot tablets and 1 Bisacodyl, when I go to bed, which I then have to fire up with a 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda mixed with 2 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar, (which is vile,) and then drink a full glass of warm water first thing in the morning. I really feel as if my health is very quickly deteriorating, my color is not shiny and healthy, my nails have grooves in them and are splitting all the time. I have severe problems with Arthritis in my shoulders and my spine, I am depressed, I am going bald, I am fat, It feels as though I am not liked by my husband at times, and feel as though even my grandchildren only tolerate me just to keep the peace. Enough about me for now.
After watching your video and hearing what you went through for most of your life, I am happy to tell you that your face looks lovely, you have MAGNIFICENT hair, you swear like I do, your body is awesome and I pray that you are completely over all your insecurities and that you are well on your way to happiness and contentment.
Be well,
Joan
Thank you so much Joan. Your message just brought tears to my eyes. I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through. I’d recommend eating a lot of organic veggies and fruits. Are you taking supplements? I can help you. You can email me directly at any time [email protected]
Christina, thank you so much for sharing your story! It was so sad and moving! Thank you – you are truly an inspiration….and absolutely gorgeous! Inside and out 🙂
Thank you Kathryn That means a lot to me 🙂 xoxo
You never know what people have gone through. Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to hear about your new program.
No you don’t. I feel the same way when I work with new people. You’re all so special and unique. Thank you so much for your comment. Sending you lots of love.
Thank you for your sharing your story. I know we all have things that we struggle with, that keep us/complicate us being healthy and fit. I was diagnosed a Type 1 diabetic when I was 11. At the age of 26 and after 2 children, I focused on my health. I lost 70lbs, became vegan, juiced ate clean, started running 5k’s & 10k’s. I was training for a half marathon but was struggling with blood sugar balance. My eating plan started to fail, then when I went to run my half marathon, I had forgotten my glucose tablets and couldn’t take part in the run. I don’t know why or how that affected my mind and spirit like it did, but I have found myself to self-sabotage since that day. I struggle with balanced blood sugars. I still predominantly eat vegan but crave sweets constantly. I battle to work-out as my blood sugar has to be a certain number before I can even start…I have 2 young children. I’m pray against being fearful…but I’m afraid of the complications that are associated with uncontrolled diabetes. I have been fighting this disease for 22 years. I’m on an insulin pump. I just want to get the way I use to feel back again…and I don’t know how.
It’s so frustrating isn’t it! Just when you think you have something figured out – bam – you’re off track. Praying helps! So does screaming 😉 I pray you find balance and peace with your diagnosis. You can do this! Stay tuned for my new training! It’ll help shine light on this for you. xo
Hi Christina,
Hats off to you for your bravery putting your story on the web. I don’t think I would be willing to be so vulnerable in front of such a vast audience. But THANK YOU for doing it since it does really touch something very human in us and wants us to connect with you and share our stories.
I, personally have a hard time keeping my motivation up. I found you on Youtube about a year ago and really loved the simple approach and easy to follow videos. I am not a gym person and find it hard to do things in a team setting. I am a self-starter but I do poorly in working out area.
Again, thank you for being pretty darn cool lady and making things easier for us. Sending you warmest hugs. 🙂
Thank you so much!! It’s taken me a very very long time to be able to share my story without crying. I’m so excited to be able to reconnect and get back to making new videos! Thank you for your comment. It motivates me more than you know 🙂 I’m so happy to have you in my community. Sending you so much love. xo CC
I also think u r very brave to share ur story; different story(bullying from the age of 4 to the age of 19, abusive relationship, beloved parents dying, learn how to stand up straight anyway) but hard for me to tell knows what its like to be on the verge of crying when telling it, and how people look at me when i’m almost in tears… i think u r great, i enjoyed all ur videos, they’ve given me inspiration <3 Keep on doing what u do so well <3
Thank you Marya! I find you have to face it to get through it… which is easier said than done. 2 years! It’s took 2 years to tell the highlight year without breaking down and I only shared a fraction of it. lol Practice makes perfect and you definitely don’t have to be perfect to practice. and thank God for that. Sending you so much love!! Be on the lookout for new awesome super helpful content! I’m so excited. xoxoxo CC
Thanks for sharing your story! It’s hard for me to believe, and makes me so sad that you have ever been told or felt that you are less than absolutely beautiful. Having the courage to share all that you have makes you even more so, you inspire me! Virtual bear hugs back at ya!
The first time I was told I was beautiful (and actually believed it) was when my very first mentor told me when I was 22. He literally saved my life. Thank you so much for your kindness. I appreciate it and you more than you know. Sending you so much love and virtual hugs xoxoxo CC