Category: Personal growth

Why It’s Important To Embrace Change

The Power of Embracing Change
Change is something many people will try to avoid  because it can seem overwhelming and even scary.  While it’s true that change can be difficult at times, it can also open doors to new opportunities and experiences that help you grow and get you to where you want to be.

Often times, change is brought on by a desire to want something different or better in your life.  The path isn’t always easy, but it’s usually worth it.

My husband and I are currently in the process of moving to another county.  We are moving to be closer to family and improve my husband’s commute.  Our friends and family are super supportive of our move and cheering us on.   What’s interesting is while discussing our move with friends a few have shared that  they don’t like change and one person admitted she would be too “chicken” to do what we are doing.  Her reaction is totally normal.

It’s important to note that just because I’m willing to make a major change doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of fear.  There were nights that I would freak out with worry about how we were logistically going to make things happen for us and our three dogs.  The two major things that helped me and continue to help me overcome the fear and the worry are my faith in God and my strong desire to achieve the end result.  I want the change way more than I want things to stay the way they are.

For new things to happen, change needs to occur.  Sometimes we need a little nudge to fly out of our nest so I recently did a live Facebook video to help encourage anyone that has a strong desire to make a change or may be walking through a season of change in their life right now.

No matter where you are at with change in your life I recommend that you take a moment and watch this short video.  Change helps us to walk toward our destiny and it gets a whole lot easier and more rewarding when we start to embrace it.

Here’s to positive change!

Enjoy the video and have a blessed week!
Jennifer

Why It’s Important To Embrace Change

 

 

Two Reasons I’m Glad I Stopped Dieting And Started Living

Start Living - Certified Personal Trainer Jennifer Ledford

Whether you’ve been on a health and fitness journey for some time now or you’re just getting started, you may have noticed that there is a very superficial and, at times, even judgmental side to the fitness industry.  Lofty, unrealistic goals, low-calorie restrictive diets, before and after pictures, and peer pressure can result in causing people to live a life that steals their happiness.

A happy and healthy lifestyle is SO much more than how you look on the outside. It’s a total package that includes things like having healthy relationships, working with purpose, exercising or participating in physical activity you enjoy, having enough energy, eating well and dining with the ones you love, having fun, loving yourself and the people around you, eliminating unnecessary stress, getting good rest, drinking lots of water, getting good check ups at the doctor’s office, growing spiritually and emotionally, and having self-confidence in who you were designed to be.

Living Your Life To The Fullest

In today’s video I share the importance of living your life to the fullest.  I first shared it on Facebook Live last week and, after watching it, I decided to post it to my blog and send it to you because I didn’t want you to miss it.  It’s that important!

Enjoy the video and have a wonderful week!

Shared with Love,
Jennifer

How To Feel Less Self-Conscious At The Beach

"How To Feel Less Self-Conscious At The Beach" and "How Being Grateful Leads To Weight Loss And More" by Jennifer Ledford - Certified Personal Trainer - ledford0716-8084

Summer is on its way and I’m already seeing the funny videos on social media regarding getting back into shape.  While the videos are humorous, and I don’t necessarily have a problem with them, they do make me concerned that some people think they have to “get in shape” before they can wear a pair of shorts, tank top, or swimsuit.

For years, the fitness and diet industry has capitalized on this time of year to try to convince you that before you go out into public with part of your body showing you need to buy into the latest and greatest workout, diet, or shake.  The truth is you don’t.  The only thing you have to do to be ready to wear a tank top is pick one out and put it on your body.  🙂

Please understand, I’m not saying it’s wrong to want to look more toned and shed extra pounds that are not serving you well.  It’s totally normal and healthy to want to look good in your summer clothes and I encourage you to strength train at a level that is right for you.  I also think it’s a great idea to eat whole foods that serve your body well.

How To Feel Less Self-Conscious At The Beach

However, your self-esteem and whether or not you are willing to hit the beach or hang by the pool in your bathing suit this summer should not be based on whether or not you look like a fitness model in a magazine.  Bodies come in all shapes and sizes which is why we should always avoid comparison.  If you wait until you look like someone else before you will wear your summer clothes, you could be waiting a very long time and missing out on a whole lot of fun.  Life is WAY to short for that!

Even if you are totally at a peace with finding your natural set point and are currently losing weight without dieting, I want you to know that you don’t have to wait until you lose weight to put on a bathing suit or any other item of clothing.  Don’t ever allow the pressures of the diet culture or fitness industry to cause you to miss out on having fun.  Live in the moment and love yourself no matter what size your bathing suit is.  That, my friend, is total freedom!

Shared with love!
Jennifer