As a kid I was never afraid of a challenge. For 15 years (until I turned 18) I spent most of my time in the studio or traveling around North America as a competitive Irish Dancer. In my teens, I remember training very hard, sometimes 7 days a week, with the best instructors. Competition was fierce on the stage and even in class, but nonetheless, I managed to make it to the World's Competition three times representing Canada. 

Back then failure never seemed to knock me down. I always got right back up (even if that literally meant falling down during a performance or practice - or not placing as high as I had hoped after months of training). I didn't care what other people thought of me. I was young. I was proud. No one could take that from me. 

It wasn't until my twenties that a different kind of competition took over my life. Pressure to land a great job and make a name for myself. Being able to tell my friends and family what I was "doing for a living" seemed like an accomplishment in itself. So I kept pushing myself. Climbing the corporate ladder was the new challenge. It became my priority. Not only because I was learning so much and had more responsibility, but because I could tell people. I was still strong - but in a new way.

Then once I had children, I felt a rush of excitement I had never felt before. I immediately loved them so much and never thought I'd love anything as much again. And I still haven't. Not even close. My responsibilities have changed (as they do) and my competitive edge in life has become even clearer. 

My role as a mother has been the most challenging yet. It is very different to what I thought growing up. In fact, if you had of asked me years back, I would have told you that I didn't think I'd have children. There was no time. 

But life works in mysterious ways. The competition I deal with today is within me. The expectations on my personal abilities to be a good parent have changed me - and I am OK with that. I still push myself in all areas of my life and try not to compare myself to other more seemingly capable moms - but that can be challenging. The good news is that I am confident in myself to take on the experience. 

Reflection Work: 
What are the biggest challenges in your life? Have they changed? Have you changed as a result? Write them down and think about how you've grown as a person to get to where you are today.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

You'd think that because I've worked in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years that I'd be full-on into my workout routine 24-7. Well, think again. I find it tough to fit it in too! After altering career paths, changing houses, two kids, and dealing with a killer commute everyday, I'll admit my training regimen hasn't been up to snuff lately. Yikes!....... So there's no time like the present to get back on schedule — No more excuses!

4 tips to help you get into the swing of things:

1. Stop procrastinating! Working out and eating healthy are essentials to a good life. You have no one else to blame if you're not getting to the gym. Do your own groceries? Buy clean. Spend too much time at the shops or online? Pour that time into a workout or prepare your meals for the week. Don't allow your friends and family to have more energy than you.

2. Find a workout partner. If you're flying solo, no problem! Take up a Yoga or Pilates class with a friend or go for a fast walk three times a week with a neighbour.

3. Set a specific time to work out and stick to it. After the kids are in bed, after the lunches are made, after homework is done, after you've checked your email. Instead of watching the finals of your favourite reality show, DVR it and watch another time. Believe me, you'll probably lose interest anyways which means more time to exercise.

4. Have fun! Need I say more? If it's not fun then it's not going to last.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

One of our annual rituals at Life Class is to ring in the New Year by reflecting and sharing our lists of accomplishments and letdowns for the past year. Letting go of the past, celebrating all that we’ve done, and embracing new challenges for the future is so liberating. After we all had a chance to share, cry and inspire, we burned our coveted lists as a symbol of shedding the past and looking forward to what’s to come in 2014. 

Although we don’t know what will happen for sure (especially as many of us take on new adventures in amazing new places) we do know one thing, and that's that we’re all grateful for what we have and what we’ve done over the past 12 months. Therefore we will pull from that energy and look forward to what comes next. To be honest, all we really can hope for is peace and happiness, which is what I wish for you!

Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2014!

Kerrie-Lee 
xo