Hmmm?

I've been thinking about my future. A lot. I'm kind of at a crossroads. Especially with our upcoming move, I feel like this is the best time to make a change in my life if I so desire. I've had two full time teaching experiences, both very different, neither wildly incredible to be perfectly honest. But what do I do? Do I abandon my passion to teach for something totally different? Like...retail? Or business? Yuck. No, thanks. Do I abandon my love for children to work with...*gulp*...adults?! Do I go back to school to figure out what I wanna do when I grow up? Crap! I am a grown-up!!

Several months back I was really unhappy. I didn't enjoy my days. Friday was bad because that meant Monday was around the corner. Couldn't enjoy weekends, because that meant I had a full week ahead of me in a day or two. I didn't really like holidays because they are so short-lived and I usually spent them dreading the next work day. How ridiculous is that?!

I had been praying about my future and came up with this: what about personal training? My mom even confirmed that idea without knowing that I had thought of it before. She said that she and my sister were talking about how I'd be a great personal trainer because I love people, relationships and working out. Perfect!

I love teaching, and personal training involves teaching someone how to work out and eat properly. I love to work out, and I'd be a full time worker-outer as a personal trainer, would I not? And here's the thing, I love kids. I love working with kids and I feel as though I've been given a gift to work with children. I do not want to abandon that. I have a passion for children who battle obesity. I think it is a tragic epidemic that the United States has casually adopted into everyday life...obese kids. It's no big deal anymore to send Oreos and a Dr. Pepper to school with your child in their lunch box. It's no big deal to accept the fact that your child wants to sit at home and play video games and not get involved in sports or anything athletic for that matter. It's become all to common to have overweight children, hoping that they'll "just grow out of it." Well...if you as the parent are not willing to help your child grow out of it, then they will continue to grow and grow...and grow.

All this to say, this is the first time that I've gotten really excited about my potential future! I think I'd be a great teacher for children battling weight issues. Heck! I think I'd be a great teacher for kids who just want to have fun and be active!

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When I grew up, I was really involved in dance. I was a cheerleader and on the pom squad starting in elementary school. I've been dancing since I was two years old. That never seemed like a workout to me because it was fun! I played tennis for several years, and that too never seemed like a workout because we played games. My coach made it fun for us. That's what I want to do. I want to show kids that exercise isn't just running. It's not just signing up for soccer and kicking a ball around. It's not just lifting weights. It's a lifestyle. Exercise is fun. Exercise is awesome for your body. Exercise is a mindset. Exercise is versatile. That's what I want to teach children!

Another reason I think I'd be a good personal trainer for kids is because I truly do have a compassion for people of all ages regarding weight issues. But especially children. I am patient and encouraging and have a desire to teach kids that they are a child from God and that their bodies can do amazing things!

I also don't want this to be an issue:
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It's so true and all of you know it! I know I've stepped on that stupid scale and cried big crocodile tears! Stupid. I also remember being in 3rd grade PE, whenever they start weighing you. I was one of the heaviest girls and I was devastated. That was like 16 years ago and I still remember it!

I want to teach kids that their bodies are created individually by God and that you shouldn't compare yourself to others. Never ever! I have a cousin who is one year younger than me but she has always been soooo teensy tiny! Just one year younger and her body is totally different than mine? I always looked like such a neanderthal standing next to her! KK, I love you, but you have always been so miniature! And still are! It used to bother me so much because of how itsy bitsy she was, but I've just come to the conclusion that God made me to look just how I am supposed to look. And she is supposed to be ittle-bitty! (Brat) :)

I want to instill a positive image in kids' minds and give them the motivation to be the best that they can be physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually! That's why I want to be a personal trainer for kids.

I hope that you all can partner with me in prayer, asking that the Lord will either confirm or deny this thought that has crossed my mind many times. I pray that he gives me a very clear yes or no and that I can feel confident about where my future leads me!

Thank you for your prayers! Love y'all!