Finally got around to putting our pics and video clips together.  I’m still learning and figuring out iMovie, but it’s pretty cool.  Not sure why I didn’t ever try it before?!  I think sometimes we take on so many new things that we get overwhelmed and adding one more thing seems daunting.

One of those was becoming a coach 3 years ago.  It’s a whole new learning curve, especially if you really get into it and want to help people lead more fulfilling lives.  I’ve grown so much over the last 3 years and honestly can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t taken that jump and just went for it.  I was super scared, thinking it wouldn’t work or what if I failed yet again…but I saw my coach doing it and knew if she could I could, and if I learned what she told me, what she was doing…I would succeed too.

One of the perks to being a coach is by helping 3 – 5 people get started each month, we are eligible to earn a paid all inclusive trip.  Last year it was a Caribbean cruise and I took one of my coaches that has done a great job of helping others herself and building a business.  This year I took my husband and we were so super excited to head to the Dominican Republic to a 5 star resort for 5 days.

We ended up extended the trip for a few days on the front end and one on the back.  It had been over 15 years since we had gotten away for a big vacation on our own without kids.  Crazy!  Yes, 15 years.  My oldest is 15 and the last time was when I was just 3 – 4 months pregnant with him.  Wow.  My how time flies.

A little back story on that…we had 5 babies in 7 years!  My 2nd son was born sick with a genetic defect, in and out of the hospital, and passed away at a year, 3 1/2 months old.  Then we had 3 more babies back to back after that.  All the while struggling through grief, depression, anxiety, financial loss, marital struggles… and taking care of young children.  I honestly lost myself for a while.  It took me years to find myself again and the meaning of life.  After the loss of a child or anyone close to you, it really makes you see life in a whole different way.  My life will never be the same, but I’m so grateful for it.  I would do it all over again, knowing the outcome.

It took us a long to rebuild our lives after that, thankful that we are finally on the other side and living to show others the hope and beauty in life despite circumstances, despite going through tragedy or other struggles.

That’s a big part of my motivation, my ‘why’ for doing what I do and for why I live each day to share my story and put my best foot forward.  We’re not promised tomorrow, not even the rest of today…and I want to get to those pearly gates and have my Father in Heaven say ‘well done good and faithful servant, with you I am well pleased.’

…okay, so back to our trip.  ;-)  If you know me and have been following for a bit, you’ll know I’m a talker and I’ve got a lot to share.  It’s been a while since I’ve blogged though, so I’m just getting started.  =)  So this trip was a long time coming!  Over 15 years long!  So those few extra days making it an 8 day trip were well worth it.  And I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself for taking my hubs on this trip.  If I hadn’t earned it, I’m not sure if we would’ve gone on it.

You know the deal…or maybe you do, you’ve got 4 kids, their stuff, your family bills and things all come first before a trip for you 2 alone.  We’ve taken many trips with the whole family or for a weekend, but not like this.  Bonus, next year we’re going to Mexico to the Rivera Maya.  I’m already halfway to earning that trip.  =)  Yay!

So here’s some clips from the trip.  DR is beautiful!  Highly recommend it.  We stayed at a little bed and breakfast right on the beach for the extra days.  It was awesome!  Such a different pace from the fancy Hard Rock Punta Cana where the Team Beachbody part of the trip was.  Both great in their own ways.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a coach or wonder how you can earn trips like this too, feel free to reach out to me at fitfullcircle@gmail.com  So worth it, not just for the trips but for the people you meet, the life you are able to lead and experience.  Like I said, I honestly can’t imagine my life without Beachbody.  It’s made me a better person in every area, and the people I’ve helped transform their lives, priceless!  <3