Today I showed up at my training facility like I do many mornings. Instead of leading a class, training a client, or knocking out the programming my coach gave me though…I was there to attend class. It’s been a long time (other than continuing education classes for certification) since I afforded myself that opportunity and I have to say I’m really pleased about it.
Those who know me well know I’ve had a pretty radical year. For those of you who don’t: I’ve changed jobs, had major changes within my organization since taking the new job, moved, and had some other pretty impactful personal life changes. While all of these decisions and changes have ultimately been for the best, they create a large amount of stress.
People all react to stress and major life changes differently. I have a close friend at work who regularly told me over the last year ‘I don’t know how you’re handling all of this so well’. The truth is I wasn’t necessarily (for me) but how I coped with the ‘stress’ might look different than how someone else does.
I utilized a number of ‘escapes’ to get me through the stress. Some of these weren’t the best choices for me:

-Drinking more than usual (and I’m a pretty regular drinker)

-Making consistently poor food choices and eating out a lot

-Not getting consistent, adequate sleep
Some were choices that tend to work well for me:

-Challenging myself and thriving at work

-Continuing to train/exercise (albeit not with the consistency or intensity I have in past years)

-Reconnecting with friends and family I had been isolating myself from
When faced with a stressful environment, situation, or transition, it can be easy to beat yourself up and feel like ‘everything has gone to hell, why even bother?’ I’m proud of myself for not allowing that to occur and for working through my stress and transitions in the way I did. I not only survived the transitions but I learned a lot and grew as a person as well.
I am valuable and worthy (regardless that I gained a few lbs and made some decisions that weren’t best for me). I’m compassionate enough to myself to know that I made some really good and hard decisions as well. I also know that as my stress level diminishes it will be easier for me to take better care of myself (Maslow’s hierarchy).
By attending class today, I was able to relax, learn, share in some camaraderie, and do something good for myself without the stress of figuring it out on my own or going it alone. I also have the experience to know that where I am isn’t a place I have to stay and that small, consistent changes over time really make a difference.
I encourage you all to do your version of attending class. Something good for you that feels reassuring. That reinforces you’re valuable and worthy. That helps remind you you’ve got a 100% success rate of waking up and making it through the day.