#IAmStrong Sunday

It’s Sunday which means it’s time to acknowledge the girls and women in our communities who celebrate their strength with the world. This week I’m honouring the strength of my 6 year old daughter, Aurelia.

Since day one this kid has been a force of nature. She weighed less than 5lbs at birth, and while she’s still smaller than all of her classmates (and her 3 year old brother is already wearing bigger shoes than she is), her personality and joy for life are larger than life. She already has an extensive medal collections from her kids runs, and she has informed me that her goal for The Bread Run Kids Run (May 12th) is ” to be the best me I can be”. How awesome is that? Shouldn’t we all be the best mes we can be?

She tags along to the outdoor summer bootcamps I attend (and participates whenever she can), she loves doing yoga, and at school she writes about how she loves getting fit with mom. Her confidence in her ability to take on anything is inspiring and she also shows confidence in everyone else’s ability. She is a pint-sized cheerleader to everyone she sees (including complete strangers we see out running and being active.)

Of course as her mom, I’m amazed by her spirit and everything she does but she doesn’t let her size limit her and she’s quick to (happily) prove people wrong. I am inspired by her attitude and I want to be just like her when I grow up.

 

Whose strength are you celebrating this #IAmStrong Sunday?

Aureliaboxing (2)

AureliaBread Run (2)

What does meraki mean, anyway?

When I was choosing the name for my business, my first instinct was to choose something that started with “A”. You know, so it would show up first in alphabetical listings anywhere. Living on the East Coast, it seems like every second business is “Atlantic” something, so that option was a no-go. I’ve always loved unique words, and one day on Pinterest, I came upon “meraki” and knew I had found the one.

Meraki is a word of Greek origins, which roughly translates “to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work”. Do I need to explain any further?

Happy Easter!

I was lucky enough to get out for a run yesterday AND today in the beautiful, sunny, spring weather. I’m working towards a 10k race happening May 13th here in Hants County (check out The Bread Run if you get a chance https://www.facebook.com/runforbread), and running always gets me thinking about how I used to think I couldn’t run to save my life and now I run for fun. How did that change? Why did that change?
I started running when I joined a free, no-commitment run club operated by a community recreation department. After a few runs with some seasoned and new runners, I felt ready for the challenge of a run event I had to pay for. I registered for a New Year’s Eve run and once my tired butt crossed that finish line, I knew I could do better. That was 5 years ago and I’ve done several 5k races and a couple of 10k races to date, but every year I take on more. I can run! I’ve bounced back from injuries! I’m a runner! 
I never thought I could be a personal trainer, yet I’ve been certified for 12 years. I never thought I could throw a good punch, but I can (at a heavy bag only). I never thought I could crawl through the mud and enjoy it, but I have. Twice. As a fitness and wellness entrepreneur, I’d hazard a guess that you’ve experienced the same thing at some point. Seeing a challenge and embracing it. Now imagine all of the potential clients out there facing these same challenges: sitting on the couch, wondering if they can get off it. They’re watching other people run by the house, cycle by in the park, or post pictures of the fun that comes with living an active life and they’re wondering where to start.
Here’s where I can help you. Wonder why obstacle course events, colour runs, and fun runs are so popular? These events offer newcomers the opportunity to try out this “active living” thing without the pressure to commit to full-time activity. These events allow people to have fun with a group of friends or family while trying out something new. No pressure, just fun. That’s the key to our success: creating fun events to encourage everyone and anyone to come out and embrace a new challenge, without  fear of judgement or pressure to commit.
You and I know fitness is fun, so let’s work together and invite our communities to share in that! Meraki Event Planning is passionate about growing the fitness and wellness of our communities one event at a time.