Harnessing Inner Strength: Unleashing the Power Within
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Harnessing Inner Strength: Unleashing the Power Within
When life throws us curveballs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even defeated. But what if I told you that within every challenge lies an opportunity to uncover a strength you never knew you had? That’s the foundation of my book, The Power Within: My Story of Overcoming Adversity with a Positive Mindset, and it’s the heart of everything I do today.
Discovering Your Power Within
For me, the journey started with years of struggling with Ulcerative Colitis, a diagnosis that shifted my world. For over 17 years, I wrestled with symptoms that drained my energy and joy, often feeling like my body was working against me. The turning point came when I realized that I could no longer live a life defined by limits. At 37, my husband and I joined a gym to reclaim our health, and what started as small steps blossomed into a complete transformation of body, mind, and spirit.
This realization wasn’t just about fitness; it was about finding purpose, taking control, and believing in possibilities.
Turning Setbacks Into Stepping Stones
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that setbacks are part of life’s natural rhythm. Surgeries, a cancer diagnosis, and even complications from hernias were some of the most challenging moments I’ve faced. Yet, each one taught me something invaluable: resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about how you rise after falling.
In the chapter Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones: Turning Health Setbacks Into Strength, I share how I leaned on gratitude, breathing techniques, and my supportive community to navigate these obstacles. It’s these tools that helped me reframe pain and fear into growth and courage.
Embracing Your New Chapter
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that change often leads to a new chapter filled with opportunity. Leaving a 25-year career in retail to become a personal trainer and health coach was one of the scariest—and best—decisions I’ve ever made. It aligned my work with my values and allowed me to help others discover their power within, just as I had.
Whether you’re considering a career change, starting a fitness journey, or taking control of your health, remember that every big transformation begins with a single, small step.
Tools to Help You Tap Into Your Strength
1. Start Small: Focus on One Habit at a Time
When we’re excited to make changes, it’s tempting to overhaul everything all at once—diet, exercise, mindset, and more. But I’ve learned that starting small is the most effective way to build habits that stick.
For instance, when I began my fitness journey, I didn’t try to lift heavy weights or run marathons right away. I started with short walks and manageable strength exercises, gradually building my endurance and confidence. Maybe for you, it’s committing to drinking an extra glass of water each day or swapping out one unhealthy snack for something nourishing.
Small changes, done consistently, create momentum. Once you’ve mastered one habit, add another. Over time, those small wins snowball into lasting transformation.
2. Reframe Your Mindset: Focus on Possibilities
It’s easy to focus on limitations, especially when facing health challenges or life obstacles. I used to say, “I can’t do that,” especially during the height of my Ulcerative Colitis struggles. But reframing my mindset changed everything.
Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I started asking, “What can I do today?” Maybe I couldn’t run, but I could walk. Maybe I couldn’t eat certain foods, but I could focus on the ones that nourished me.
Reframing is a powerful tool. For example:
Instead of: “I’m too tired to exercise.”
Try: “I’ll stretch for five minutes or do a short yoga flow.”
Instead of: “I’ve fallen off track.”
Try: “Tomorrow is a fresh start. I’ll pick one thing to focus on.”
By shifting your focus to possibilities, you’ll feel more empowered and less overwhelmed.
3. Lean on Your Support Network
No one should face challenges alone. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of community and support. During my health journey, my husband, family, and friends were my anchors. Whether it was my husband joining me at the gym or my family making dietary changes to accommodate my needs, their support made all the difference.
If you don’t have a strong network yet, seek one out. Join an online group, connect with others who share similar goals, or find a mentor or coach who understands your challenges. For me, joining Crohn's and Colitis Canada’s support group was a game-changer—I met people who truly understood what I was going through.
Surround yourself with people who inspire, uplift, and hold you accountable. They’ll remind you that you’re not alone on your journey.
4. Celebrate Progress
Too often, we focus on what we haven’t achieved rather than celebrating how far we’ve come. I used to get frustrated when my progress felt slow—especially after surgeries or setbacks. But over time, I realized that every step forward, no matter how small, was worth celebrating.
Here’s how you can celebrate progress:
Keep a journal of your wins, no matter how small.
Reward yourself for milestones—buy a new book, treat yourself to a fun experience, or enjoy a relaxing evening.
Reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe it’s lifting a heavier weight, completing a longer walk, or simply feeling more energetic.
When I trained for my marathon, I celebrated every milestone: running 5K without stopping, increasing my pace, and crossing the finish line. Those moments kept me motivated and reminded me that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters.
A Message of Hope
I wrote The Power Within to remind anyone facing adversity that strength comes from within. No matter what you’re going through, there’s hope, and there’s always a way forward. It starts with believing in yourself and taking the first step toward the life you deserve.
If you’re ready to unleash your power within, I’d love to hear from you! Share your journey, your goals, or even the small victories that make you feel strong. Together, we can celebrate what it means to rise, thrive, and live with purpose.
Call to Action
Check out my book, The Power Within: My Story of Overcoming Adversity with a Positive Mindset, for more stories and practical tools to help you find your strength.
Visit my website for programs, guides, and resources to help you take small steps toward big results.
Let’s keep moving forward—one step, one win, and one powerful moment at a time.
