WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023 - NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023 - NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Yes, we are looking a little at New Year’s Resolutions, but we really are looking at changing our habits and activities this year.

First a Facebook post from Brenda G from the Top Fitness Gym in Sioux Falls South Dakota:

*****

“We have a special announcement!

Our first annual 2022 RISE UP member of the year award goes to Brenda G.

BRENDA HAS HAD AN AMAZING 2022. SHE RAN 17 RACES WHICH INCLUDED HALF MARATHONS 10K’S AND 5K’S.

She was able to run her first spartan race and lead a team in Colorado through a Ragnar race!

Brenda started training with us about 4 and a half years ago and has hit many milestones!

SHE HAS LOST OVER 70 LBS, HIT HEALTH LEVELS SHE HAS ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AT, INSPIRED HER HUSBAND TO START WORKING AND HE LOST OVER 50 LBS AND RAN A FULL MARATHON!

She has already defined goals for 2023 and is motivated!

Brenda has also inspired many people to start their own fitness journey and is always encouraging people to never give up.

This year Brenda was a captain of our annual Team challenge and she led her team to victory!

We are so incredibly proud of all Brenda’s hard work, determination, and willingness to always lend a hand to anyone who needs it.

Thank you Brenda for being an amazing part of the TF family and we are incredibly proud of you!!

Happy New Year!!!

Bring on 2023!!

*****

HEY INFORMAL EDUCATION WITH DR. WHITE readers.

Brenda is a great inspiration to me.  Did you read the highlights above - 17 races last year, lost over 70 pounds, husband got inspired and lost over 50 pounds and ran a marathon.

And, how did she do it?  SHE BELIEVED IN HERSELF!!!   I doubt that she pictured herself with 17 races and down 70 pounds the first time she stepped into Top Fitness Gym in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  She probably thought twice (or three times), when she put her hand on the door handle - thinking “why am I here, this is stupid, I can never do this”.  BUT SHE DID!!!  

I’ve seen this with others - Vickie K is one local friend that lost weight and now teaches Zumba exercise.  

Do you remember the “Little Train Who Could” Golden Book?  The little train says “I think I can,I think I can” - and he does.  The little train pushes the big train up and over the mountain.

It is mind over matter.  If you REALLY BELIEVE IT YOU CAN DO IT.

How about a Bible Verse - Matthew 21:21:

“Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.”

Do you believe in yourself?  Can you set your mind on a goal?  If you want to lose weight, can you make it happen?  If you want to be physically fit, can you make it happen?  If you want to have more friends, can you make it happen?  If you want to be more financially secure, can you do it?

“IF YOU HAVE FAITH AND DON’T DOUBT”.  

Is 2023 going to be “just another year” or is it going to be a banner year?  

I truly believe that LOVE WINS and that LOVE TRANSFORMS.  Now there is a lot of thinking under those statements - but negative thoughts are NOT WELCOME.  Hate is NOT WELCOME.

I have various posters around my apartment.  Three say: (1) Be Transformed by the renewing of your mind; (2) What does God expect of you, love justice, show mercy, be humble”, (3) Love my neighbor, Love Wins.

I have to remember they are there to remind me - not just for decoration.

Go for the GUSTO!!!

Karen Anne White, © January 4, 2023

(While I am pretty sure I had nothing to do with Brenda’s success, she was a former student of mine at Dakota State University)