Human beings are social creatures, and extremely affected by the
individuals who surround them in their lives... family members,
relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbours, peers. We all know the old
adage, "you are who you hang around with". I happen to believe this
statement to be very true. The moods, habits, lifestyles, attitudes, and
outlooks of the people we spend the most time with have a profound
effect on our choices and abilities to be ourselves, or be who others
would like us to be; to resonate in general with a more positive outlook
instead of a negative one, regardless of the situation; to be in a
state of growth, adaptation and to strive to be better for everything
that we go through, instead of going months or years without really
having changed for the better at all. It is important to me to hold on
to those individuals who are a positive influence in my life and in my
inner circle, but it is even MORE important to know how to attract
positive people to me as I go along as well; for diversity in the realm
of positive influence can serve to help me be a diversely positive
person who is relatable and open to anyone who has the right attitude.
Today I write a little bit about the type of individuals that I am
looking for; the kind of people I could say I am proud to have contact
with and to know.
I'm looking for people who have a DREAM, and who
are active and willing to take steps to make their dreams a reality. I'm
looking for people who know that no matter who you are and what you do,
every single day you need to have a drive to build yourself, and
maintain the ability to stretch your mind past whatever it is you
currently believe. I seek those who seek opportunities in everything! I
am looking for people who care more about learning than about arguing,
who strive to enlighten others instead of just prove a point. I am
looking for people who strive to live every single day with purpose, and
to strive to learn how to stay in love with every single moment, if
they haven't already figured out how to do it :) I am looking for people
who are inspired, and if they aren't inspired yet, I am looking for
those who are INSPIRABLE. People who are capable of making their cup so
full every day that they could die tomorrow and they wouldn't have
regrets because they always strove to make each moment count for so much.
I am looking for people who aren't afraid of a little bit of
dedication, hard work, and discipline to succeed, people who don't have
the word "quit" in their vocabulary when it comes to things that matter.
I am looking for people who can distinguish between the things that
matter most in life, and the things that really don't. I am looking for
people who are sincere in their offerings. I am looking for people that
SMILE. I am looking for people that say, I want to be with you for WHO
YOU ARE, not for what you have. I'm looking for people who aren't afraid
to take responsibility for things when they should. I am looking for
people who know that a positive attitude counts EVERYWHERE, not just in
certain places. I care more about the people who show how much they
care, instead of just showing how much they know. I am looking for
people who's word is their worth and their worth is their word. I am
looking for people who can laugh at anything! Who get giddy when
situations get crazy, who can laugh at the most challenging of
circumstances in life, and who know that sometimes you get a little
messed up before you can step up. I am looking for people who have the
ability to be an insincere pleasant person if that's what it takes not
to be a sincere grump! I am looking for people who are willing to get
out of their comfort zone, who have something of worth to say and the
courage to say it. I am looking for people who aren't doing the people
watching... but are one of the people doing something worthy of
watching. I'm looking for people who say age is just a number, who don't
put limitations on themselves or others because of phrases like "too
young" or "too old". Muscles don't know age and our minds don't have to
either... I am looking for people who are capable of finding a treasure
in anyone they meet... people who know that every person, in one way
shape or form, has redeeming qualities. I am looking for people who
bring out the best qualities in others instead of their worst. I am
looking for people who know that no single person is too small or too
insignificant to make a difference in the rest of the world, who
understand that our consciousness as human beings CAN and WILL affect
our material reality, that all change stems from those who believe it
can come and not from people saying "can't" "wont" "never" "impossible".
I am looking for people who have long-term vision and are invested in
growth for the long haul, who understand that life is a lot more like a
marathon than a sprint, that in this marathon, it's what you invest your
time, energy and habits into EVERY SINGLE DAY that counts the most. I
am looking for people who are capable of TRUE LOVE... people who choose
to be at their best even when other people around them are not at
their best. I am looking for people who have ENTHUSIASM! So much of
life is made better by a little spice, pizazz, pinache... it's so much
easier to spend time with people who are excited about something....
anything. I am looking for people who understand we can't all change
overnight, but we can change direction overnight... I'm looking for
people who can reset their compass when they need to and stay on the
right path regardless of what life throws at them. We all step off the
path of our calling once in a while, but what matters most is that the
stepping back onto it, happens. I am looking for people who deal more in
possibilities than frustrations, who hand out pathways, not obstacles;
both to themselves and others. I am looking for people who want to
drive, not be driven. I am looking for people of sound mentality, who
are comfortable in their own skin despite being less than perfect, who
work at being healthy because it is healthy and wholesome to do so, who
look at their reflection in the mirror and love what's UNDERNEATH it
more, who cherish other people from the inside-out, not the outside-in. I
am looking for people who look forward to life, no matter WHAT it has
in store for them, because they foster the belief that they will always
be made better for everything that happens.... even if someone else
harms them, purposefully or not, they're BETTER for it... when they
have to step up and be selfless without gaining anything in return,
they're BETTER for it.... when they get sick or injured and face what
are seemingly insurmountable odds, they tackle them and come out BETTER
for it... yes... I am looking for people who know that whatever will
come, both good and bad, will pass.... and regardless of struggles or
successes.... they always remain BETTER for it.
It has been said
growth is the only evidence of life. I know that I do not have all or
perhaps even half of the qualities listed above.... but.... I'm working
on it. So long as you can resonate with, embrace, cherish, and strive
for that listed above, and be willing to work on whatever remains, and
even go beyond.... if you need a friend.... there will always be a seat
for you alongside me :)
Friday, September 13, 2013
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
On change and growth as we all aspire to a better wellbeing together
Today I have thought about how much being healthy means not just to as as individuals, but what it means to others in our lives who want the best for our well being as well. There's nothing harder than watching someone you care about make decisions that affect their health in a bad way, which impacts others who are concerned for the situation. I wanted to impart some insights on what has helped me through such times with people I care about, and who care about me.... as well as helped me deal with how clients approach their goals, and bringing about lasting change in their lifestyles for the better.
In relationships... be they with spouses, family, friends, coworkers, and clients... there is a tendency to try to get into power struggles, or manipulate others into reforming to one's own ideas of what "should" or "shouldn't" be. I once heard that every person in life presenting an issue to you is like a mirror. Whichever problems we initially feel are being caused by them, and affecting us, are in truth a mirror of an insight that we need to learn an important lesson for our own selves in order to continue to grow and evolve. We would not have opportunities for this growth if it weren't for our interactions with others, this is something I firmly believe. However... it is also critical to bear in mind that the only outcomes we really have direct control over are our own. We are only responsible for what we have control over... the choices, behavior, and actions of others are not things we have have the ability to directly control. Each person is ultimately responsible for their own destiny.
When it comes to wanting others to change their health, not only for their own good but for the ability to better serve those around them in life... we have a tendency to want to "break the bracket"... we try to force others into change because we've decided they need it, despite whether or not they are ready for it. Patience, my friends, will always achieve more than force. We must embrace the fact that you can never MAKE anyone change, that once you truly understand change and why it is important (on a physical level, or a spiritual or emotional one) you would never want to purposefully force it to come about in any living thing other than your own self. Change and growth is only rewarding because it's something we personally experience and persevere through, not because someone else came along and forced us to get off our keisters. What we CAN do is create an environment for change, and hope that it has a positive impact on those who choose to be a part of it. Remember that the choices of any person belong to them, and them alone. Truth is the only thing that makes a lasting impression on our souls; but sometimes people get discouraged if you slap them over the head with it. Not everyone has a thick skin, an iron will strong enough to lay on a bed of nails. Gently expose it to people. Deep down, they know they can't run from it forever. You cannot hide from it. You must simply be with it, and whatever decisions should possess the paths and hearts of others, so let it be. Set the example for how YOU want to live; and just maybe through your example, IF they choose, people you wish to influence will follow suit for their own betterment. But never can we force this choice upon another. Don't think too far ahead; the answers will come when they are meant to. Don't analyze too much with your mind. Feel with your heart and listen to your intuition. If we look ahead too much at what we yearn for, and behind too much at what has passed, we miss the beauty of the passing moment. When you operate out of this present, awake, aware, "now" frame of mind... you will more easily be able to detect when you might slip into power struggles with others, stop yourself, and determine what the right action is to take for the situation at hand. There are reactions to people and situations, and actions. If you are too caught up in past or future, you can't properly determine the right actions to take at the right time to make the most positive impact on others.
Never miss an opportunity to encourage and also empower someone. Remember that people tend to learn best by doing, not by being told what to do. Instead of saying what must be done, think of a story, an example, an analogy behind the WHY of what you want to impress on the person.... then let the weight of the "what" they should do sink in, for them to put together on their own. Empowerment is the greatest tool we can use to bring about LASTING change for a person who makes a choice and comes to that choice from a place within their own selves, not from outside of themselves. We must master the art of bringing about self realization to those we interact with. If you don't feel that your intentions in a situation are being properly understood... it just means that they need to be asked different questions, or you do. This applies to our endeavors of encouraging others to attain better health and fitness. If we have a goal, or a goal we hope others to attain, but has not yet been attained, consider... what hasn't been tried? What has been ignored, misconstrued, negated, left out? What can factors can be controlled, what cannot? What can be learned from what has already been done, tried, and tested? The more we learn to react less, think critically, and observe without subjective illusion.... the more efficiently we are able to give valuable insights to others for their own growth.... and the better we grow ourselves.
In relationships... be they with spouses, family, friends, coworkers, and clients... there is a tendency to try to get into power struggles, or manipulate others into reforming to one's own ideas of what "should" or "shouldn't" be. I once heard that every person in life presenting an issue to you is like a mirror. Whichever problems we initially feel are being caused by them, and affecting us, are in truth a mirror of an insight that we need to learn an important lesson for our own selves in order to continue to grow and evolve. We would not have opportunities for this growth if it weren't for our interactions with others, this is something I firmly believe. However... it is also critical to bear in mind that the only outcomes we really have direct control over are our own. We are only responsible for what we have control over... the choices, behavior, and actions of others are not things we have have the ability to directly control. Each person is ultimately responsible for their own destiny.
When it comes to wanting others to change their health, not only for their own good but for the ability to better serve those around them in life... we have a tendency to want to "break the bracket"... we try to force others into change because we've decided they need it, despite whether or not they are ready for it. Patience, my friends, will always achieve more than force. We must embrace the fact that you can never MAKE anyone change, that once you truly understand change and why it is important (on a physical level, or a spiritual or emotional one) you would never want to purposefully force it to come about in any living thing other than your own self. Change and growth is only rewarding because it's something we personally experience and persevere through, not because someone else came along and forced us to get off our keisters. What we CAN do is create an environment for change, and hope that it has a positive impact on those who choose to be a part of it. Remember that the choices of any person belong to them, and them alone. Truth is the only thing that makes a lasting impression on our souls; but sometimes people get discouraged if you slap them over the head with it. Not everyone has a thick skin, an iron will strong enough to lay on a bed of nails. Gently expose it to people. Deep down, they know they can't run from it forever. You cannot hide from it. You must simply be with it, and whatever decisions should possess the paths and hearts of others, so let it be. Set the example for how YOU want to live; and just maybe through your example, IF they choose, people you wish to influence will follow suit for their own betterment. But never can we force this choice upon another. Don't think too far ahead; the answers will come when they are meant to. Don't analyze too much with your mind. Feel with your heart and listen to your intuition. If we look ahead too much at what we yearn for, and behind too much at what has passed, we miss the beauty of the passing moment. When you operate out of this present, awake, aware, "now" frame of mind... you will more easily be able to detect when you might slip into power struggles with others, stop yourself, and determine what the right action is to take for the situation at hand. There are reactions to people and situations, and actions. If you are too caught up in past or future, you can't properly determine the right actions to take at the right time to make the most positive impact on others.
Never miss an opportunity to encourage and also empower someone. Remember that people tend to learn best by doing, not by being told what to do. Instead of saying what must be done, think of a story, an example, an analogy behind the WHY of what you want to impress on the person.... then let the weight of the "what" they should do sink in, for them to put together on their own. Empowerment is the greatest tool we can use to bring about LASTING change for a person who makes a choice and comes to that choice from a place within their own selves, not from outside of themselves. We must master the art of bringing about self realization to those we interact with. If you don't feel that your intentions in a situation are being properly understood... it just means that they need to be asked different questions, or you do. This applies to our endeavors of encouraging others to attain better health and fitness. If we have a goal, or a goal we hope others to attain, but has not yet been attained, consider... what hasn't been tried? What has been ignored, misconstrued, negated, left out? What can factors can be controlled, what cannot? What can be learned from what has already been done, tried, and tested? The more we learn to react less, think critically, and observe without subjective illusion.... the more efficiently we are able to give valuable insights to others for their own growth.... and the better we grow ourselves.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Three Piece Snack!
So as some of you may well know, a fabulous website called www.whotrains.com posts weekly tidbits about nutrition, exercise, and motivational tips to help with anyone wishing to attain a higher standard of physical well-being. I have a few posts in their monthly newsletter, as well as this video <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VSNUtYAv3QM?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> where I give you a few pointers of my own to help with an average day in the life of being all you can be :)
Tune in to Train or Be Trained for more of my upcoming appearances!
Thank you Anthony for the honor of being a guest on this wonderful online health and wellness community.
Tune in to Train or Be Trained for more of my upcoming appearances!
Thank you Anthony for the honor of being a guest on this wonderful online health and wellness community.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
New Testimonials!
I have been blessed recently with three new testimonials from clients who've been working with me long term who are very dear to me. I feel so lucky to be doing what I do, and to be successful with making a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.
Here's to a brand new year full of dreams coming true! Check out the testimonial page to read all about what others have to say about their True Measures experience :)
Here's to a brand new year full of dreams coming true! Check out the testimonial page to read all about what others have to say about their True Measures experience :)
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Bio-pic on Prestigious Fitness Website, Train or be Trained!!!
Okay everyone... you all know that I only post unless I REALLY stand
behind what it is I am posting... so feast your eyes on this website,
WWW.WHOTRAINS.COM
It's one of the most, if not THE most, helpful websites around when it comes to providing the inquiring population with tips, tools, and need-to-know facts about the wide world of nutrition and physical wellness. Not only is it an endless resource of information with new professionals bringing you their unique perspectives monthly, but... I'm being featured in this month's segment of TRAIN OR BE TRAINED!
It's one of the most, if not THE most, helpful websites around when it comes to providing the inquiring population with tips, tools, and need-to-know facts about the wide world of nutrition and physical wellness. Not only is it an endless resource of information with new professionals bringing you their unique perspectives monthly, but... I'm being featured in this month's segment of TRAIN OR BE TRAINED!
Soooo... swing by the link and see what it's all about... and don't forget to vote for yours truly :)
http://www.whotrains.com/viewnvote.php
Train or be Trained
WWW.WHOTRAINS.COM
Official website for Train or be Trained - view, vote and join us as we resurge an industry!
http://www.whotrains.com/viewnvote.php
Train or be Trained
WWW.WHOTRAINS.COM
Official website for Train or be Trained - view, vote and join us as we resurge an industry!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Train or Be Trained Debut
I have the wonderful privilege of being featured on a new segment in Train or Be Trained, an amazing online compilation of the experiential knowledge, insights, and garnered fitness related wisdom of the most highly recommended personal trainers and wellness professionals in the Toronto and surrounding area. It's an honor to become affiliated with this fitness education and awareness phenomenon because it has a reputation for providing the most tried, tested and true perspectives on what to do and what not to do when pursuing your optimal measure of health and wellness. There's a little something for everyone in the Train or Be Trained archives... and now, a sneak peak into my philosophy and feeling behind what I do and why is a part of it!
Check out my segment by clicking the link below, hope you enjoy.... please share with all who could relate to my message!
Check out my segment by clicking the link below, hope you enjoy.... please share with all who could relate to my message!
Monday, November 21, 2011
To my future students in the pursuit of sound and balanced health
Again I return to the confines of this blog to share with whomever may stumble across it the meaning behind the True Measures name. Today I hope to reveal more about my passion and what sets me apart from others one might encounter in my field.
I truly care about the welfare of others. Every single human life is precious beyond all expression. What I want from life is to succeed in the endeavor of empowering people to reach their fitness goals and beyond, to manage a balanced lifestyle, for others to become inspired to CHANGE all about ones habits and choices they have deemed need changing. I believe a balanced mind and body is a gift that everyone should carry the esteem to give to themselves, and my ultimate goal is to help make it as accessible as possible to those who may have convinced themselves they can't have it, aren't worth it, don't need or want it, or can't feasibly afford it. Sometimes all one needs is a little spark to light the flame of value in the pursuit of feeling the best physically that you can...
As you come to appreciate true mind-body awareness and gain a higher sense of it; how you eat, how you move throughout your day to day activities; the taste of it is something rarely forgotten. We all remember a time in our lives where at one point we felt really good. If it didn't last... it doesn't mean it wasn't meant to... it just means the daily choices you made to attain it at the time didn't make it far enough into the forefront of your consciousness to allow you to keep making it a priority. Whatever the reason we decide to value our physical wellbeing - injury - weight gain - lack of energy - unhappiness toward outside appearance - this aspect does not matter as much as just finding enough motivation to get started. Making the decision and following through with it with all the initial phases that follow suit is the hardest part of the battle. It only gets easier after a certain point, and the physicality you begin to attain will be valuable enough to you to motivate you to maintain it all on it's own. Timelines for reaching that stage vary between person to person.... there are many highs and lows to encounter until it is has been reached.... we are all human and need to remember this kind of struggle is not only something we all go through at some point, even the most motivated of us.... it is be expected.
That is what I am here for. To take you through all those preliminary stages where most come partway through, and invariably give up and fall off the path because of frustration, not knowing what to do next, or losing the motivation that was keeping them going. So often we decide to let go of our efforts when that feeling of success or progress was in reality just around the corner. We need to remember that nothing truly worth having ever came easily; each individual workout, each and every time you choose to move your body for the good of your health and well-being, is a stepping stone toward that day where the choice and execution become almost effortless. Foundational building is what I teach, and it is the key to making the difference between getting fit for a period of a few months then falling off the wagon for a year or more -- and staying on track permanently, without ever looking back, for the rest of your life. It takes time to pull off the control and strength necessary to train at a high level... most have expectations for miracles overnight... if this was the way of things, health would not be such a profound issue in our society today! Progression must be taken one workout at a time, always with holistic and long-term benefits in mind.
I view my role as a trainer very simply. I am not here to give orders and get people to just "do". I am an educator, a teacher molded by my own experience and the experiences of many many others I have helped, here to empower those who want the fundamental knowledge and motivation to "do" for themselves, as well as show them the why behind what they are learning to do. When I train with people, I consider it a goal with every client to help them develop independence in their ability to train through educating them in each session. I make it a priority to have them walk away from as many workouts as possible having been made more educated about their body and how to make the most of using it by doing as little harm as possible in the process. I strive to hold my clients accountable to the knowledge I am passing on so it will stay with them not just for the term they train with me, but for ever on afterwards. There is no use investing in someone who doesn't want to help enhance what you know so you can continue to grow and build upon all you are learning. A client deserves their trainers complete care, attention and focus; and a trainer deserves to aspire to work only with those who have a true desire to make a change from within, those who want to hold themselves accountable for their own success, and merely need someone to show them the way they can effectively do so. There are no quick fixes and no one can do the work for you... I am here to provide the tools you need, the modifications necessary to be made along the way....but you must be hungry to put them to use.
If there is anything in particular I wish to convey as a result of what I have learned as part of the priviledge of working with all the special people that I have...it is the message that anyone, at any time in their life, can embark on the path to a building a better body for living in; it is never too late. Muscles do not know age. Only the limits you put upon yourself in your own mind can stop you from achieving success, not only in the endeavor of making a physiological transformation, but in anything in life. If you want to inherit a new lifestyle dedicated to being healthy, strong, and capable of doing everything you wish to do for as long as you are alive.... step out on a limb, make a new set of priorities.... challenge yourself.... choose a worthy mentor of such a way of living.... and make the choice to live well, permanently. To have the best of health truly defines the term wealth.
I am here, ready and waiting... and truly honored at every opportunity to be a part of that journey in someone's life.
"As within, so without"
Come on people.......... let's build!
I truly care about the welfare of others. Every single human life is precious beyond all expression. What I want from life is to succeed in the endeavor of empowering people to reach their fitness goals and beyond, to manage a balanced lifestyle, for others to become inspired to CHANGE all about ones habits and choices they have deemed need changing. I believe a balanced mind and body is a gift that everyone should carry the esteem to give to themselves, and my ultimate goal is to help make it as accessible as possible to those who may have convinced themselves they can't have it, aren't worth it, don't need or want it, or can't feasibly afford it. Sometimes all one needs is a little spark to light the flame of value in the pursuit of feeling the best physically that you can...
As you come to appreciate true mind-body awareness and gain a higher sense of it; how you eat, how you move throughout your day to day activities; the taste of it is something rarely forgotten. We all remember a time in our lives where at one point we felt really good. If it didn't last... it doesn't mean it wasn't meant to... it just means the daily choices you made to attain it at the time didn't make it far enough into the forefront of your consciousness to allow you to keep making it a priority. Whatever the reason we decide to value our physical wellbeing - injury - weight gain - lack of energy - unhappiness toward outside appearance - this aspect does not matter as much as just finding enough motivation to get started. Making the decision and following through with it with all the initial phases that follow suit is the hardest part of the battle. It only gets easier after a certain point, and the physicality you begin to attain will be valuable enough to you to motivate you to maintain it all on it's own. Timelines for reaching that stage vary between person to person.... there are many highs and lows to encounter until it is has been reached.... we are all human and need to remember this kind of struggle is not only something we all go through at some point, even the most motivated of us.... it is be expected.
That is what I am here for. To take you through all those preliminary stages where most come partway through, and invariably give up and fall off the path because of frustration, not knowing what to do next, or losing the motivation that was keeping them going. So often we decide to let go of our efforts when that feeling of success or progress was in reality just around the corner. We need to remember that nothing truly worth having ever came easily; each individual workout, each and every time you choose to move your body for the good of your health and well-being, is a stepping stone toward that day where the choice and execution become almost effortless. Foundational building is what I teach, and it is the key to making the difference between getting fit for a period of a few months then falling off the wagon for a year or more -- and staying on track permanently, without ever looking back, for the rest of your life. It takes time to pull off the control and strength necessary to train at a high level... most have expectations for miracles overnight... if this was the way of things, health would not be such a profound issue in our society today! Progression must be taken one workout at a time, always with holistic and long-term benefits in mind.
I view my role as a trainer very simply. I am not here to give orders and get people to just "do". I am an educator, a teacher molded by my own experience and the experiences of many many others I have helped, here to empower those who want the fundamental knowledge and motivation to "do" for themselves, as well as show them the why behind what they are learning to do. When I train with people, I consider it a goal with every client to help them develop independence in their ability to train through educating them in each session. I make it a priority to have them walk away from as many workouts as possible having been made more educated about their body and how to make the most of using it by doing as little harm as possible in the process. I strive to hold my clients accountable to the knowledge I am passing on so it will stay with them not just for the term they train with me, but for ever on afterwards. There is no use investing in someone who doesn't want to help enhance what you know so you can continue to grow and build upon all you are learning. A client deserves their trainers complete care, attention and focus; and a trainer deserves to aspire to work only with those who have a true desire to make a change from within, those who want to hold themselves accountable for their own success, and merely need someone to show them the way they can effectively do so. There are no quick fixes and no one can do the work for you... I am here to provide the tools you need, the modifications necessary to be made along the way....but you must be hungry to put them to use.
If there is anything in particular I wish to convey as a result of what I have learned as part of the priviledge of working with all the special people that I have...it is the message that anyone, at any time in their life, can embark on the path to a building a better body for living in; it is never too late. Muscles do not know age. Only the limits you put upon yourself in your own mind can stop you from achieving success, not only in the endeavor of making a physiological transformation, but in anything in life. If you want to inherit a new lifestyle dedicated to being healthy, strong, and capable of doing everything you wish to do for as long as you are alive.... step out on a limb, make a new set of priorities.... challenge yourself.... choose a worthy mentor of such a way of living.... and make the choice to live well, permanently. To have the best of health truly defines the term wealth.
I am here, ready and waiting... and truly honored at every opportunity to be a part of that journey in someone's life.
"As within, so without"
Come on people.......... let's build!
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