Forging My Own Path

Hey! I just returned from a spontaneous escape to Okinawa, Japan, visiting my husband while he was there on a port visit, and let me tell you, it was awesome! Beautiful weather, gorgeous, tropical landscapes and an overwhelming amount of mouthwatering cuisine–I couldn't help but reflect on the twists and turns of life that brought me here. See, moments like these serve as gentle reminders of the extraordinary journey we're all on—a journey filled with unexpected detours, occasional waves of uncertainty, and profound moments of joy & gratitude.

You see, military life isn't for the faint of heart. The constant comings and goings, the months of separation—it's far from easy. But amidst the challenges, there are so many incredible & unexpected experiences waiting for us. And today, I'm overflowing with gratitude for the remarkable life we're privileged to live.

But let’s put a pin in that for now—In the spirit of authenticity, I believe it's essential to peel back the layers and share my story with you. After all, understanding where we come from lays the foundation for meaningful connections and shared experiences. In future posts, we'll explore topics that resonate deeply with the Milspouse community,  exploring wellness, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. But first, let's lay the groundwork by getting to know each other a little better.

So, without further ado, are you ready? Let's dive in!

Simple Beginnings

Growing up in the picturesque countryside of California, I had dreams as ordinary as the next girl. I envisioned a simple life—go to college, become a vet, and set up my own practice.Maybe find a nice boy to settle down with along the way. But life had other plans…

Despite securing a spot at my dream college, UC Davis, the winds of change swept through my journey early on in my college years. My interests shifted from animal health to Public Health, and I found myself forging a new path, delving deeper into the intricacies of human health & wel-being. Graduating the heart of an economic recession, I faced the harsh reality of a job market devoid of opportunities in my chosen field. Forced to pivot, I found myself immersed in the hospitality industry, in restaurants & then eventually in the wine industry–a far cry from my initial aspirations. Alongside this career shift, I unknowingly slipped into a codependent relationship, with a partner that suffered from substance abuse issues, pouring all my energy into nurturing another human, at the expense of my own well-being. It took years of self-reflection to realize I'd lost sight of myself—physically, emotionally, and professionally. But amidst the fog of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged, guiding me towards a path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Transformative Power of Health & Fitness

It all started with a hesitant "yes" to a coworker's persistent invitation to join her for a boot camp session. I had been brushing off the idea, citing the usual excuses—no time, no money, I can do it on my own. But something compelled me to finally give it a shot, and eventually, I found myself braving the freezing Napa Valley mornings, pushing through challenging workouts. Those initial sessions left me sore for days, and questioning my sanity for subjecting myself to such “torture”. But I kept going back. And amidst the discomfort, I began to notice subtle changes. My posture straightened, my muscles grew firmer, and with each passing day, I regained a sense of control over my life.

Investing time in my health became a catalyst for transformation, empowering me to reclaim ownership of my journey. Fuelled by newfound confidence (and a lot of therapy, I might add) I made the courageous decision to sever ties with a toxic relationship and career, relocating to another city in pursuit of a fresh start. Little did I know, this act of self-care would pave the way for serendipitous encounters, including meeting my now-husband within a few short months of returning home. Sometimes the greatest rewards await those who dare to take control of their destiny! 

Embracing Change

Ten years later, reflecting on my path, I realize the transformative power of embracing change and taking responsibility for my own destiny. Taking control of my life and prioritizing my health and fitness journey opened doors I never imagined possible. Adversity forced me to adapt, leading me to unexpected places where, despite initial discomfort, I discovered newfound empowerment. Investing in my well-being not only empowered me to pursue ambitious goals, like running my first full marathon, but also inspired me to help others on their fitness journeys. 

Obtaining my personal training certification marked a pivotal moment, prompting me to transition from a stable career in hospitality to a fulfilling mission to serve other women as a personal trainer. This leap of faith, introduced me to a world of purpose I had long yearned for. Embracing change not only transformed my trajectory but also instilled in me a profound sense of gratification derived from empowering others to embark on their own journeys toward health and self-discovery.

Pursuing New Horizons

Realizing the inevitable unpredictability of military life, I embarked on a mission to create a career aligned with my passion for helping women while remaining adaptable to constant changes & relocations. Despite never envisioning entrepreneurship for myself, I took a leap of faith in 2019 and decided to start my own company. Hiring some amazing business coaches to guide me, I laid the foundation for what would become a “PCS-Proof” business, catering to the unique lifestyle of military spouses and active duty women.

And as if to show a nod of approval, the Universe seemed to affirm my decision when, only weeks later, we received our first orders to Japan. However, unforeseen challenges arose in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic, leading to the closure of the gym where I worked. Yet, because I had already begun transitioning my business online, I swiftly adapted, ensuring continuity despite the upheaval. Since then, navigating two OCONUS PCS moves has reaffirmed to me the necessity of resilience in this lifestyle. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to serving my clients and building a business that transcends geographical boundaries, offering support and empowerment to military communities worldwide. My journey underscores the importance of embracing change and pursuing new horizons, even in the face of uncertainty. By leveraging resilience, I continue to expand my business and empower others to thrive despite the unpredictable nature of military life.

Can You Relate? 

Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that life rarely follows a linear path, especially in military life. Like many of us, I've had to adapt and carve my own way amidst the chaos and uncertainty. From the challenges of lockdown to the constant flux of relocations, military spouses are adept at resilience—a strength we often underestimate.

As you've learned about my story, I encourage you to reflect on your own…

How have you adapted and evolved throughout your life's twists and turns? What skills have you honed in military life that now bolster your resilience? 

Consider the skills you've acquired and the resilience you've cultivated—these are valuable assets in navigating the challenges ahead.

It's essential to recognize that you're not alone in this journey. While it may feel isolating at times, countless others have walked similar paths and are ready to share their wisdom. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember that investing in yourself yields immense rewards, even when the way forward seems unclear. Embrace the uncertainty with confidence, knowing that brighter days lie ahead for those willing to bet on themselves. You are worth the investment, and together, we navigate the complexities of military life, united in resilience and camaraderie.

To stay connected, make sure to tune in weekly and follow "The PCS-Proof Podcast."
Your input matters, so don't hesitate to engage with me! Drop a comment below with your questions or suggest topics you'd like me to explore in future posts. Let's keep this conversation going!
And to learn more about my signature fitness program, “PCS-Proof Fitness”  click here now!