I’ve just returned from  the National Beachbody Coach Summit in LA, having pulled into the garage at 2 am with a deep physical fatigue, but a fired up desire to move forward.  I’ve been an independent coach with Team Beachbody for 3 years and am delighted that Beachbody is leading me to “me.” 

I have always been kind of an odd ball.  I am more selective with my food than those I hang out with, I exercise with more intensity and I look at creation and life a little differently.  I have found a home in Beachbody however; building this business has made me feel “normal” again.

It’s a fun thing to live one’s work!   In the area of health and fitness, I am moving towards more precision and wholeness because of my affiliation with Beachbody.  I’m sure, to the onlooker, I appear to be a bit of a fanatic.   With each new workout however, I am surprised and delighted when I push through the fatigue and seeming impossibility of pushing myself up on that final push up, or pull my knees up a little higher on those squat  jumps.  I am by no means a prime athlete, but little by little, with hard work and perseverance, my body is responding and can do things I never thought I could do, let alone do at 51.  When I am able to cross that threshold to the next level,  my endorphins flood in to applaud my own success.  That is what keeps me pushing harder.  People say, “wow, Shaun T is intense” and back off.  I say “yeah baby, bring it on!”  Can I do these workouts without missing a step or dropping my knees or head to the floor?”  Of course not!  I am fully aware my body is not that of a 20 year old but I am elated that I can push it to accomplish physical feats I thought were impossible for me (like plyo pushups!). 

I sometimes reflect on why that jazzes me up so much.  I think it’s the feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment I feel at pushing through the obstacles and behaviors of my own mental fatigue and the preconceived ideas I have of what I can and can’t do.   That victory passes over into my business and my life in general, giving me the confidence and drive to overcome obstacles, physical and emotional.    

Nutritionally, I am taking steps to eat clean by including more whole and raw foods.  This isn’t out of some obsession with calories or weight loss but instead, it’s a way to nourish and fuel my body in a way that is consistent with my body’s connection with nature.   Darin Olien, co-creator of Shakeology, said in one breakout session that we are extensions of the earth, the ground and all of nature.   I agree with that.  I also think the earth is an extension of us!  We have the same make up, the same flora, the same need for nutrients.  If we are deprived of even one mineral, we tip the balance and will experience dis-ease (Darin Olien).   I believe that we must honor the earth to be healthy.  I can’t even fully grasp the depth of that connection but it resonates in me.   Sharing that philosophy while eating lunch with co workers, would  result in laughter and jokes.  Beachbody people understand that.   By stepping away from chemicals and processed low nutrient foods, we become more whole, more balanced, more “natural.”  Our bodies can thrive!    I don’t eat a perfect diet all the time; one of my favorite meals is pizza with Diet Coke!  But that is a treat to me while the rest of the time,  I am pursuing whole foods.   My body and mind are moving me in the direction of balance and wholeness with the bounty of the earth. 

Beachbody coaches are encouraged to read at least 10 pages of a new book every day.  I like growing beyond the confines of my original beliefs and mindset.  I’m seeing how intention and belief with gratitude is affecting my life and moving me forward.  Beachbody gives me a chance to truly make a difference in the lives of others.  It provides the chance to connect with people on a deeper level and that is a key component to who I am.    The connection that I make with other individuals who truly want to take a step towards wellness, touches me. 

I am self- employed and have  various aspects of my job.  The hectic pace of keeping up often throws me into imbalance.  I am reflective and find meaning in meditation and meaningful conversations with others.  I enjoy listening to good music and at one time, played the piano regularly.  I enjoy reading thought provoking books and cooking creative, flavorful dishes.  Running a small business by myself doesn’t allow me the time to do all of those things anymore.  Building a business with Beachbody is restoring wholeness in me with fitness, nutrition and, as I continue to grow, I will step away from the hectic nature of my job and find more balance with the freedom Beachbody allows me.  Beachbody’s mission statement is to help people reach their goals and to live healthy and fulfilling lives.   As I help people do that, I am reaching my goals and finding better health and fulfillment in my own life.  I am discovering what matters most to me.  As I connect with people in an unpretentious way, and reconnect with all of creation, I am finding me again.