Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 2

eathe
clarity
nutrition
flexibility
both strong and experience weak moments.
I feel weak when I experience something new or when
I’m in a situation where I feel unqualified. When I’m not
practicing positive self-talk (which requires a great deal
of strength), I am quick to stop myself or give myself a
bailout plan before I even try. I know I have the strength
to do hard things and yet, the reality that I could fail
cripples me from starting. Ever been there?
I feel weak on days at the gym when I can’t lift as much
weight as I would like or even on the days when getting
to the gym seems impossible. I am not always in control
of my food choices and slip into old, bad habits. I
experience times where meeting the expectations of
others leads me into areas that are not good for me. I
feel incredibly weak when I do not keep the promises I
made to myself.
One area that I know feels weak at the moment but
requires a great deal of strength is vulnerability. It is
challenging to show the world my imperfections and
insecurities. However, I know it is in our vulnerability
that we connect with others and prove our authenticity.
With vulnerability comes true connection and with true
connection, growth is possible.
Strength is grown and it is grown on a lifelong journey.
How do I grow stronger?
Physically
Make a commitment to yourself to move your body and
elevate your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, every
single day. You don’t need to run a marathon or climb
a mountain every day, but you do need to move. Your
body was designed for healthy movement.
Set yourself up with a workout plan that will help
you achieve your goals. This could mean seeking
support from someone to design a lifting plan for
you, downloading an app, or purchasing a gym
membership, or fitness equipment for home use.
Plan a schedule and block out the appointments
in your calendar for when you will exercise. Set a
realistic commitment for yourself and show up for your
appointments. You wouldn’t cancel on a good friend –
don’t cancel on yourself.
Eat food that nourishes your body with key vitamins
and minerals. Remember, food is fuel for you – it’s gas
in the tank. You wouldn’t put cheap, inefficient gasoline
in your vehicle so choose to replenish your body with
rich nutrients that bless your body.
Physical Strength.
Mentally, Emotionally & Spiritually
Spend time with people who are good for your soul. We
greatly underestimate the weight of which our surroundings
play into our emotional and mental well-being. You need to
find people that want to climb the mountain with you!
This might mean using the Unfollow button on social
media, stopping outings with a crowd of people that
leaves you feeling run down or unhealthy, or connecting
with positive groups both in-person and online that share
common interests. Establish these connections to occur
regularly in your routine. Showing up for these events is just
as important for your growth as showing up to the gym.
Learn from encouraging, growth-minded mentors. There are
countless influencers providing information about how they
achieved what you’re dying to do. Utilize podcasts, YouTube
videos, books, and other resources like this to lead yourself
in the direction of your goals. By empowering yourself, you
give yourself the necessary tools to be successful. As your
confidence in these areas grows, your mind and emotional
endurance will grow stronger.
Remember this: You are strong. You are stronger than you
realize and you have everything in you that you need to be
successful. Embrace the journey and you will grow stronger
every day.
Erin Bahrenfuss, Owner STRIVE Health + Wellness &
Independent Certified OPTAVIA Coach
Photos Contributed by Erin Bahrenfuss.