Thoughts on a Friday

With my constant flurry of activity, I relish in the moments when I can sit (or chill in the hammock) and ponder ideas. Sometimes, by myself, other times with Shane, who is the absolute best person to have around when considering ideas and stories. I think it’s because he’s a great listener.

Anyway, I have several thoughts rolling around, but here are a few that keep coming up over and over again.

Contracts. I think about these all the time, in terms of ownership–of time, land, money (which is really just time), and even people. Why is it that most of our most cherished “life moments” are the result of a contractual obligation? (birth, marriage, work/career) If it were up to me, I’d have zero contracts, just developed relationships and trust.

I think about this a lot now, since I have to charge individuals a set rate to host fitness classes in the summertime. Charging a fee for class is a contract. People pay for an understood agreement to workout/burn calories/stay fit. If I didn’t have contracts of my own to pay (student loans, house purchases, monthly bills), I’d prefer to barter. In fact, I’ve offered that opportunity to a few people who come regularly to my classes. It hasn’t quite caught on yet, but I’m excited to see where it can go. Your skills for my skills, no paper to sign, just a handshake or hi-five.

Running. I’m ready to take running to a new level. I’m very comfortable with my running self, ready for something more challenging — perhaps the addition of sprint drills to increase my short distance time, or perhaps a longer race {maybe the half marathon in Chestertown this September}. I ran this race two years ago (it was my very first race), but am much more prepared for it now.

Fitness. This year, I’ve branched out to learn two new styles of group fitness, both under the Powder Blue Productions umbrella. This has done wonders for my teaching abilities, and I’ve learned so much about myself as an instructor. My style is silly, we giggle, and I love pushing people to reach that higher level. So…what’s next? I’m always on the lookout for new fitness opportunities, and I think all signs are pointing to me getting group fitness certified. This will challenge me to think even more about safety, form, alignment, and I’ll be able to offer a range of different types of classes. Beyond that…I’m also interested in personal training. I love the energy from the large classes, but I also enjoy helping individuals pursue their goals. I know the personal satisfaction from reaching fitness goals, and I want to share that with others. I’m adding group fitness certification to 2012 goals and personal trainer certification to my 2013 goals.

Segmentation. In the past year or so, I’ve started being me 100% of the time, silly jokes and all. No more “work Aundra” vs “instructor Aundra” vs “home Aundra;” I am always me, not segmented based on where I am/who I’m with at the moment. The results? I’m happier, have awesome working relationships, can relax more, and the creative juices have never been stronger. I’m always “on.”

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, because I’ve decided to start a new blog! I’ll still have this one, but my new blog (under the name “A Millennial Girl”) will be much more professional-focused. I’m heading into year 5 with higher ed, and am at the point where I’m directing more and I’m able to make strong, strategic impacts in the world via my job. It’s an exciting place.

However, it’s taken me awhile to make the decision to separate. I don’t write a lot (or really at all) about higher ed here, but it’s part of me. I’ve noticed in the past couple of years that pulling all of my strengths and interests together under one roof has given some amazing results. I’m nervous to segment myself, but I think with the online community, I’ll be able to speak more to health/wellness/fitness/local living here and my professional hat on the new blog. Stay tuned! I plan to launch the new site in August.

Community. This is always on my mind. I’ve been able to build an amazing community of healthy living/wellness friends and advocates online, via twitter and blogs. I’m excited to meet these people IRL at the Healthy Living Summit in August!

My biggest strength with building community lies around my fitness classes! I’m amazed at the individuals who keep coming back for more, even trying strange, new classes with me. My absolute favorite part is arriving early to class and hearing {and joining in} the fun conversations these individuals have, and the excitement that extends beyond the actual fitness class itself.

The people who come to classes are the reason I continue to teach–I love being part of their individual stories and lifestyles. I love giggling in class, hearing about life events, and seeing the guests they bring with them when friends and family are visiting town. Fitness class people rock!

Just some stuff on my mind right now, perfect for end-of-the-week musings. Have a happy Friday and a super fabulous weekend!!