A new Mandy evolving

This weekend was one of the most inspirational weekends ever! I had the opportunity to be a part of something I never saw myself doing. I got to partake in SCW MANIA.What is this? It is a 4 day workout convention jam packed with many different types of exercise classes geared at instructors for their certifications (what they need to have to teach lay men like you and me) as well as classes to demonstrate the next up and coming things. My mom has been a fitness instructor for more than 30 years now so she annually attends these conventions to maintain her certs. She meets up with a few of her old friends she used to teach with. 

She invited Dominic and I to join her and my dad for the weekend at the Westin Inn O’Hare where it was taking place. Anyone who has run in to me lately knows I can not stop gabbing about Cardio Drumming. It’s super empowering and really gives you a total body workout. My mom has signed up to take a similar class, which is actually the mother of where cardio drumming began called Pound Fit. She asked if I wanted to join her and I was absolutely thrilled! We got her schedule changed to accommodate my joining and off to registration I went! I got a wristband put on which made me official. I was now a part of this huge convention. 

The people that attend this thing are basically super fit. Not one time during my stay here did I even think I didn’t belong there. It never crossed my mind, at least not until now. My sister Ashley joined in on the fun and signed up for our class as well. So here we were, the 3 of us. My mom, me, and one of my sisters. 

 

My mom cried, tears of joy I’m assuming, and reflecting back on how she used to, in our words, drag us to these things our whole lives. This time was totally different. It was surreal to have my own child there with us. He made lots of friends with all the lady vendors.  I was there on my own free will and felt super inspired by my mom and all these other amazing warrior women who were taking class after class after class. Most could barely walk with soreness after all the exertion. None of them, including my own mother knew realized at the time what I was also conquering while I was there...my addiction 

I have fallen a few times, but not again. No looking back!

proving further more that it no longer defines who I am. I took the almost 2 hour long class with my family. I learned I am capable, physically and mentally of so much more than I’ve been giving myself credit for. My body didn’t fail me at all this weekend. My arthritis didn’t even show itself this weekend. I felt stronger than I’ve ever felt, inspired to look at this as an option for my future. To be an instructor just like my mom. And if not that, at least be more fit. After the pound fit class I took another class and it too was amazing! It was another full 2 hours of exercise, this time using my own body as the tools. It took me places and had me moving in ways I never thought I could. I pushed myself hard and loved every single minute of it. 

My face AFTER hour number 4 of working out! 

This weekend I became one of them and learned that I am so much more than just a stay at home mom who is battling Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and happens to be a recovering addict. I AM A WARRIOR WOMAN! I am a woman that isn’t afraid to go for it, to push hard, to take charge and to see it thru. I am beyond grateful for the experience and feel totally re-energized! I will be attending next year, maybe as part of a fitness team. Maybe as an independent instructor. Maybe just as a fitter better me. Time will tell. But this is a new start for me. The courage and strength I’ve been praying to God for, it’s been here all along, right inside me, and alongside me! I am so grateful to have the support of my family! Nothing will stop me from living my best life. If I can make a change, so can you. 

The reason for me still being here, me, and my bro! 

after the Pound Fit class.
Ashley, Mom, & Me. Waiting for our other sister Melinda to join us someday lol.