Four years ago yesterday, I ended a chapter in my life that was long overdue.
You know how you hold onto things because they’re what you’ve always done? Because they’re comfortable? Because it’s what you know?
That’s what I had been doing. I didn’t see any other way of doing things. I didn’t see what could be different. And yes, I was scared.
You see, I had been through a major life changing event in 2017 and threw myself into coaching and fitness. I basically devoted my life to a business that wasn’t mine.
I didn’t see anything wrong with this because it’s part of what kept me sane. It helped me to focus on something other than what I was going through. And it wasn’t until things started evening out… you know, my life started getting back to normal, that I realized something was wrong.
I couldn’t see any other way of doing things though. I’d been doing the same thing for so long; it was basically my full time job. When talking with Nick about potentially leaving, the biggest fear of mine was how I was going to support myself.
But as time went by, I realized I was stuck in a go nowhere loop. I was putting my all into a job, a business, where I would never advance. And something had to change.
I knew I wanted more. I NEEDED more. But I didn’t know how to get it. I didn’t know what to do. But I knew something needed to change.
So I took a risk. I started making changes, slowly but surely. I gave up classes I was coaching. I gave up responsibilities I had taken on. And in February 2020, I coached my last class at the first gym I ever coached at.
It was hard. And it was scary. I cried. It had been my life for several years and many of those people had become my family.
But you know what else happened? I felt lighter than I had in a long time. It was like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t realize how much it had been weighing me down.
That’s how a lot of things in our life are. They weigh us down and no longer bring us peace or happiness. But we hold on to them because it’s what we know. And the unknown is scarier.
By freeing myself of what was weighing me down, though, it opened up so many other possibilities. Because 7 months later, Nick and I became owners of our own gym, CrossFit Chesapeake.
It’s crazy how life works. And it’s crazy how letting go of things helps open up so many other doors. Life… God… certainly has an awesome way of doing that.
It’s been a journey over the past several years, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so glad I took a risk and jumped, even when I had no idea where I was landing.
What are you holding on to? What are you afraid of letting go? Is there something you need to change?
Yes, it’s scary. Yes, there’s no way of knowing what will happen. But boy can it bring the best and biggest opportunity of your life.
So here’s to taking the leap, when you’re ready and when it makes sense. But I can tell you, you’re probably never going to feel ready. If it’s weighing you down, if it’s no longer making you happy… then you’re probably long overdue.
Have a fantastic week, my friends. And let go of what no longer serves you.
Whitney
