Remember your Passions

Photo is my electronic drum set, the stool was handmade by my grandfather and it's over 100 years old!

I know I'm behind for talking about New Years Resolutions, but I'm not a fan of making them, therefore I don't.  I prefer to make goals, so I create a list every year for myself.  Some goals are bigger than others.  I try and stay away from material goals and focus more on things that I know will make life throughout this year more enjoyable for myself.

One of my goals this year is to get back to being creative and to not forget all of the things I loved to do growing up.  As a kid I LOVED the outdoors and still do.  I loved having that sense of adventure and freedom to try anything and everything.  As an adult, I've started to forget about that tomboy in me because I get so caught up in every day life and work.

This last week I started to reflect back on the things I loved doing and wanted to make more time for again.  Anything that allows me to be creative and open minded gives me a chance to refocus.  I enjoy music and listening to various instruments and beats and I began to realize how much I miss playing percussion.  (Although I'm sure my family doesn't miss all of the chaos and noise I provided throughout the house growing up).  So I decided that one of the many things I have planned for this year is to pick up those drumsticks and let myself get back into the creative mindset.

It's so easy to forget about that little kid and the spontaneity we all had growing up.  I want to get back to enjoying some of the simple things.  What are some of your passions?

The Beginning of Can Do Fitness

This past week on my personal Facebook page, I announced that I officially have started Can Do Fitness LLC and the support I received from everyone was incredible.  Owning my own business has been something I've always wanted to do, but I was never quite sure what kind of business I would want to have.  I've always loved the idea of being an entrepreneur, but never knew where to start.

Over the last 8 years my passion for health and fitness has grown.  Going to the gym was the only way I could/can alleviate ongoing stress.  I like being challenged to see how much I can lift and there's no better competitor than me, myself and I.  While being on a trip to Arizona this past summer, I knew I wanted and needed to change things from myself, I wasn't putting my own happiness first.  The minute I got back home, I threw myself into school.

This past weekend I received so much support from everyone and it meant a great deal to me.  Several people have asked why I decided on Can Do Fitness.  That answer to me is simple.  Living and growing up with Cerebral Palsy has had it's challenges and I will continue to face those challenges as they come.  What I've refused to do is let this disability define me.  My parents were told early on that I may not walk, talk or I could have a learning disability.  One of those three scenarios was true.  I never let a physician or physical therapist set limitations for me.  If someone told me I couldn't do something, that was enough to fuel the fire and I would purposely do the very thing they said I couldn't, just because I didn't like being told "you can't."  I may not have been able to do things the exact same way as my peers, but I always found a way to work around my "limitations."  My parents always encouraged me to try anything I was curious about, so my nickname from my parents became our "can do kid."

As a trainer, I want to work with individuals who are coming back from injuries or are facing their own disabilities.  I want every client I work with to feel like they CAN accomplish every goal they set for themselves, we just might have to work around certain situations to reach the overall goal.  I never want someone I work with to set limitations for themselves just because of their own circumstances.

There has never been a single person in this world that has never been told "you can't."  We all face challenges, but it's how you deal with them that make or break you.  You don't always overcome every obstacle that comes at you, but you can find ways to work around them and I will strive to help each person see their unlimited potential.  My favorite saying is from Henry Ford, "whether you think you can or can't, either way you are right."

New Beginnings

I haven't posted in SO long.  Why?  Because for the last couple of years has had a lot of low low's and very little "highs" in my life.  I've struggled to find what my purpose is, where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do once I got there.  I felt like I had nothing to talk about or didn't provide much value to inspire someone when I was struggling with a lot of heartache and frustration.

At 29 years old, I finally have a direction and going after it has been an exciting challenge.  With that being said, I'm going to try and at least blog once a month as I start a new chapter.  I'm remaining open minded to new opportunities no matter where it takes me.

Athlete First Model Second

When you think of an athlete you think of someone who is strong and committed to a passion. They are driven to succeed to become the best in their performance. Whether they're a dancer, soccer player, football player etc. They strive to be the strongest, fastest or most coordinated person in their profession.

When you think of a model, you think of the glitz and glamour. You think, hair, makeup, gorgeous photos, beautiful clothes and runways.

When I first got into modeling, I felt as though I was in the second category; a model. I had photographers that wanted that "sexy" image. Pulling on my bikini in photos, trying to give that look that the photographer wanted. I realized after two years of working with photographers and getting emails about doing shots like Maxim Magazine and various other types of risque work, that I wasn't in my element. I felt out of place and that I was trying to portray someone I just wasn't. So I walked away and let my dream fade.

Two years later I was inspired by someone who was doing fitness modeling. She said sexy is a state of mind. She was athletic and had morals and standards I could relate to. I realized I was just as capable of doing fitness as she was. After all, I was a Montana girl. Being outdoors and sports oriented was second nature to me.

I took the first step I needed to find the right people to work with and attended FMI "Fitness Model International." For the first time in my life I felt like I was in the right place and the right time and I had surrounded myself with the right people. I was at a workshop and business event made for athletes. People who had worked hard for their physiques and were as ambitious as what I was, trying to turn their passion and love of fitness into a business opportunity.

Fitness has given me strength and has allowed me to grow as a person. Modeling gave me the opportunity to be comfortable in my skin, but fitness has given me an identity I didn't know I had or was capable of having.

No matter where this life is about to lead me, I know that I am an athlete first and will continue to stick to my Montana roots.

Products I Love: Lululemon

So I had the urge to do some retail therapy this past Sunday and wanted to check out Lululemon. I've heard their athletic gear was great from friends and I have visited their website many times. I liked the detail on their yoga tops, but I had never actually stepped foot in their store or tried on anything.

I went to their show room up in North Seattle. What I loved about the store is the employees were all very personable and willing to help and answer questions without trying to sell you anything. Now I'm not a big fan of trying anything on, but I thought it would be best to at least try on a few things before I left the store. I was immediately sold when I tried on one of their yoga tops. It was comfortable and the material lets your skin breathe even after a hard workout. The backs on their tops are open so instead of feeling "sticky" at the end of a workout, I felt almost refreshed in a way. The spandex material lets air move through the top and doesn't stick to your skin.

I'm definitely sold on their comfort and willing to continue to be a repeat customer. YES it's some what expensive, but the products will last you a LONG time. I encourage all women to at least purchase one item. I promise you won't regret it.

A New Opportunity

For the last 2 months I have focused on a contest for Men's Health and Women's Health called "Fittest Friends." After starting late in the contest I made the top 5. In all honestly I was pleasantly surprised. The amount of support I received from friends, family and people around the world, I am truly in awe.

I heard that I had people voting in Norway, London, Australia and even our troops in Afghanistan were voting for me as well. Now THAT is an honor. For everything our troops are doing for us overseas, it touched my heart.

Now I'm waiting for the results from the judges, but win or lose, I feel like I've accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. This contest made me realize how many people care about me and how many people believe in me. For those of you who are close to me and know some of the losses I've endured over the last three years, you know I've struggled emotionally. My health, fitness, living an active lifestyle has continued to push me. I used the gym as a way to alleviate my stress and as a result changed my physical appearance in a way I didn't know I was capable of.

I want people to know that I will continue to strive to live an active lifestyle because I choose to and not because I feel I have to live up to anyone's expectations. It's important for me to be a positive role model and to be the best version of ME that I can. Where ever this opportunity takes me from here on out, I want to say Thank YOU for believing in me one more time.

"The rest is still unwritten." - Natasha Bedingfield.

Favorite Products: Propel Zero

Most of you have heard me in the past say how much I LOVE Vitamin Water Zero and I do, but I may have found a new favorite. Propel Zero has just come out and this has NO SUGAR. Vitamin Water Zero has 4 grams of sugar total.

Now both are good products, but having no sugar in a product is an added plus for me. Try Propel Zero, my favorite so far is Berry. YUM! It's a great new product to try with summer officially here and a new way to keep hydrated.

Sarah Laursen

www.twitter.com/s_laursen