Xmas and New Year for me brings a forced break from what can feel like the daily grind, and with this a chance to step back and look at things from a more objective perspective. I never fail to find some small revelation as each year goes by. I notice how I appreciate my kids more and more, and also how grateful I am that I can make a small income from work that I love doing. I would prefer a full time income of course, but none the less Im grateful. As the saying goes, “do a job you love and you will never have to work another day in your life”. When we are passionate about something it tends to be infectious and others can 'catch' it by osmosis. Incidentally an anagram of the word passion is 'I pass on'. Although some are inspired when they are hit by a dose of passion and enthusiasm, a large amount of people are secretly threatened by it. Whilst they would never admit to it their actions speak loudly as they resist and fight it. Some will even try and destroy passion in others if given the opportunity. For me it's not rocket science to understand that we can achieve so much more when we work collectively. i.e. increase individual well being and it increases the well being of the community/society – and vice versa..Maybe I'm a freak of nature with that philosophy, but that's how I am. As a health promotor this kaupapa is at the heart of all that I do and it's easy to apply with simple mindfulness; manners; and the desire to respect but overlook difference to find the common connection. Sometimes this is not possible but many times it is. It is vitally important for people to walk into any one of my group fitness classes, or visit me for coaching, and feel a sense of belonging, and comfortability. Whilst this can't be forced or manufactured, the scene can be encouraged with a simple smile, a welcoming word or a gesture of gratitude. Of course I don't want to negate the fact that leadership is often required which is why Im equally passionate about skill levels and the need to increase these wherever possible. As a group fitness provider I ensure that I keep my registration current through REPS which requires me to meet a certain level of competency and ongoing professional development. Surprisingly registration is not compulsory in the fitness industry, it's a choice. When it comes to people's health I don't believe there is room for thinking we know it all. One of my fav sayings is “the minute we think we know enough, is the minute we know nothing” I believe our lives are all about learning which will never stop. I want my clients and participants to feel secure in knowing that Im there to keep them as safe as I can with the knowledge that I have. However I also believe that people are the experts in their own lives and with that comes personal responsibility. I endeavour to assist my clients so that they can feel their own strength and aliveness with an increased sense of self efficacy and confidence. So often people get caught up in social messages of health that are nothing more than gimmicks. Despite having more tools, apps, products and programs, adverse health issues are on the increase. Someone needs to start asking why. My take is really simple and that at some point we need to go back to basics and start with some fundamental answers that lie in ourselves. As a facilitator of lifestyle management I provide the opportunity for my clients to find out what it is that really matters to them which becomes the foundation of all future decisions. Finding meaning is not about quitting your day job and going on some soul searching pilgrimage. It starts at home, inside of us, with an examination of what is meaningful both in the past and aspects of life now, in dreams and ideals. Once we have found what is meaningful we look at what purpose this guides us to. Of course this takes time, self-exploration and regular reflection. Too often people are lost in a sea of other's expectations and ideals and have lost sight of who they are and what it is they really want. Perhaps the goal for the New Year should be simply discover, or re-discover your passion, take some steps to make it happen, and watch the transformation.
Carla is a lifestyle management facilitator www.carlascoachingforhealth.com
Carla is a lifestyle management facilitator www.carlascoachingforhealth.com
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