Younger me would be amazed that my work as an artist/photographer has been included in the Library of Congress as part of a covid documentary collection. I mean, lots and lots of things go into the library of Congress but for younger, very civic minded Amanda, this would be unbelievable. Grateful for this life journey.. and loving reading all of your achievements Fam 💜
I would say: “You are doing amazing! Keep believing in yourself and your dreams!” I would also say, “Keep connected to your knowing and intuition. They are powerful.” These statements apply not only to academic path, career path, health, romance, future parenthood, but most of all to how I was navigating my interactions with my family of origin. I am extremely proud of how I have handled myself, and I would want to let that badass girl know she is smart, savvy and oh so resourceful!
I think that my younger self would be shocked at where my career ended up! Up until college I hated working out/fitness so much that my mom would write me notes to get me out of PE. I had zero confidence and still remember dreading days we’d have to play volleyball or softball because I’d always get picked last. I found my love of fitness in college and ended up working for Nike where now I’m in one of the highest digital positions you can be in for my skill set and I now get to help set a strategy to help get kids into sports. Sometimes I want to pinch myself that the girl who was picked last now gets to try and change that for generations of kids!!
You’ll I am going to get real personal. I would tell my younger self you will be okay. You can be happy and find someone to love and have kids and dogs and a family. Because when I was young I knew I was different. I did not have the exact words. But I was “gay” and wanted to be in a same sex relationship. But I always worried if I came out to my family they would not be supportive. I was right. They were not. But I built a life full of so much love and support. I found my person. I married her first under Jewish law then eventually legally. I had fertility issues and was not able to have kids on my own but my wife had these two amazing kiddos and I was lucky enough to legally adopt them. And I would just tell my younger self it will be okay. You will have the love and support. And I want to thank this community for giving me the unconditional love to share this personal story. Love you all. Thank you Marnie Danni and team for creating this global fam.
I've had to take nearly all of the last two weeks off due to working extended hours and then (unsurprisingly) getting sick after working those late nights and early mornings. Here's to the rest of the challenge though!
I started M/body online in April of 2020 and I worked out Every. Single. Day. I re-did those early videos so many times while I waited for the new lives every week (remember the Instagram lives?!). I’m certain that doing M/body everyday is what kept me sane in the first year of the pandemic and working from home made it possible! But as I’ve started going into the office more and more (now I’m back in everyday), it’s way harder to fit in those lunch time workouts. I’ve been battling some negative self-talk and guilt because I’m not making it to the mat everyday. But the thing I realized today (after I just finished an M<20 at 8pm!) is that I freaking love working out with M/body. It makes my body and my soul feel good. This is a new season with a different rhythm and a different pace and so my workout schedule looks different. DUH. But these workouts and this community still brings light to my life. Whether it’s everyday or 3x/week.
Every challenge I have done I set my goal for the full 60 days. This challenge has been very challenging for me in ways I was not able to control, such as getting sick twice and an injury. I have been debating for a while now to change my goals and listen to what my body is telling me. Last week, while sick on the couch I was writing in my journal and I came to the realization that my challenge needs to be about slowing down and managing what I can control. I know that I can complete 60 days, I have done it before (more than a few times😉)! What I need to focus on is showing up to the mat each and every time my body allows me to, and to honor the days I need to rest or slow down even if it means to miss a live - I never like to miss a live, who does?
I will be shifting my goals from 60 days to 45+ and to move everyday I have the strength to. I will respect my body and serve it well because it is the only one I have!
Thanks for reading!💜
Added challenge is being quizzed about Pokémon characters your child drew while you’re getting your M/Body workout “me time” in. Whew! 🤪😂💪🎨 (I don’t post about Eli on IG, but he is often in the background and sometimes trying the choreography and cool down stretches with me).
I reached my personal goal of 30 workouts! In fact I’ve done 33 so far (don’t mind me being rebellious and doing a workout meant for May 1st).
My next goal for this challenge is 40 workouts.
My absolutely FAVE part of these challenges is rediscovering old workouts, because I tend to circulate the same 10 over and over hehe.
I’ve enjoyed this challenge far more than precious ones, because I didn’t push myself beyond my energy levels and just did what I felt like really!
Sending you all SO much love!!!!!!!
Xxx
