Never underestimate what YOUR actions can do. The power of you just being you. Your drive, no matter where you're at, is valuable and important. Let your light shine.
When I began my journey toward self-improvement, I craved that light. I looked for it everywhere. I sought out pictures, read articles, talked to people; anything that embodied where I wanted to be. I was *here*...they were *elevated*. And I wanted to grow too. And it could have been anything... a single comment from someone I respected which made me think outside of where I was. One motivational quote coming across my feed at the right time. Finding a super cute pair of workout leggings on clearance that fit perfectly! I used EVERYthing to help propell me forward.
Rarely rarely rarely is something ever accomplished that is completely of one singluar individual's accord. We hardly ever truly do things entirely by ourselves - we don't live in a vacuum. We are all influenced by something. Helped somewhere. Lifted by moments - big ones and tiny ones. It all matters.
So when you post something motivational online and two people like it...? Don't forget that 10 other people saw it, said nothing, but it gave them the push they needed to make something better in their life that day.
You held the door for someone and they smiled? Three other people saw that interaction and you elevated their moods too.
You took that sweaty workout picture you were self-conscious about but posted anyway? You just inspired your friend to take their first step toward a new healthy lifestyle because of your confidence.
One of the biggest rewards of this career, for me, is the priviledge to be part of someone's path to becoming greater than they were. It is always their own hard work and drive for self-improvment that makes it happen of course. But sometimes they just don't know the way to get there. That's all I do. I just help people take the right steps until they can run on their own. It's one way that I can let my light shine for others and I love what I do. It's an amazing process. Inspiring and humbling for me every single time.
And the reason I wanted to write this blog today was because, so frequently, just in my daily routines, I'll do something - give a high five, send a message, post a picture, whatever - and weeks later (or even longer!) that person will say how much it meant to them when I didn't even realize it had an impact at all. I think we forget that. So I try to really reflect on this concept on a regular basis and to fully realize how important each of us is to those around us. And I wanted to remind you too. Your light and your vibe send neverending waves of impact. Never underestimate that. Shine on.
Cassandra R. Bradin is a certified personal trainer who is passionate about the essential idea of longevity in training, creating programs that enhance function, mobility, strength and internal well-being. She specializes in weight loss, Olympic weightlifting, nutrition, and fitness for seniors. With a full-time career in fitness, when she's not working with clients in her studio or coaching, Cassandra enjoys spending time on her mini farm in Oakland, MI.