Inspiring Women Magazine May 2021

During this time, I completed two health
certifications in health coaching and primal
nutrition. I became a Reiki Master and took
courses in intuition and hypnotherapy. And, after
the many years of hands-on work in the Pilates
studio that took me from tears to gracefully
touching my toes again, I became certified as a
Power Pilates trainer.
Our bodies are amazing. I am in complete awe of
how we are able to heal ourselves if we only do
the work and give the body, mind and soul what it
needs to thrive. Once I embraced the power
within, things started to change. I still have days
when I wake up and can’t touch my toes, and even
seasons when my back goes into spasm and
keeps me down for days, but I no longer live in the
suffering. I know that I will be able to move again
if I only I rest and give my body what it needs.
Jennifer Lapina was born and raised in rural
Pennsylvania. With two small children, she and her
husband began their expat adventure outside of
Frankfurt, Germany. Caught in a reassignment loop,
they relocated to the same area outside Frankfurt an
additional two times over 14 years. While living
abroad, Jennifer has been active with the American
International Women‘s Club of the Taunus and is now
a member of the American Women‘s Club of Zurich in
anticipation of a summer relocation and new
adventure. She is a Pilates instructor and nutrition
advocate who enjoys conversational German and
being in nature.
This year, I am rediscovering meditation. I have
always felt that there was a final piece missing to
get beyond the experiences of the past. I have
found it, and I am all in. I know that if I do the
work, showing up daily and sitting in pure
awareness within, things will continue to change
for the better. I am learning to let go of the
emotions of the past that keep replaying in my
mind and holding me back from my true
potential. I am learning to step into a state of
wholeness, joy, and gratitude. I am fighting
through the discomfort and pressing on toward
the goal of getting beyond these final physical
limitations once and for all. And, I know, I will
get there.
Wellness is a way of living life in its fullest. It is not
just being free from illness; it takes mindfulness in
every choice we make. It is the food we eat, the
way we move our bodies, the restful sleep each
night, and the thoughts and feelings that we
nourish our minds with each day. Wellness is
treating your body with the love and respect that
it deserves daily in order for it to thrive. So, I
encourage you to listen to yours.
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