Hey… Remember last week? Yah, last week. Week 5 of #DADDYRICHTAKEOVER. The week we wore green, did Leprechaun Leaps, Wheelbarrow Squats and stroked each others existing/non existing beards? The music brought you back to the days of going to Kelly O’Brien’s on your birthday for your free dinner… Is that a small city thing? … Kelowna…?
Last week brought a spit fire of a gal … Let me introduce you…
Her name, like mine, means honey in Greek;
And as far as I know, she works out 6 days a week.
She dabbles in running, but prefers to lift;
She made me dinner which is my favourite gift.
She loves to dance, but isn’t a ballerina;
Today your guest leader is little miss Melina.
Photo Credit: Thai Truong
“A little bit about me and why I love NP.
Let’s start at grade school. Funny it’s called that as no one really cared about your grades whatsoever back then. Teachers didn’t even start dishing them out until grade four. Elementary school was a time where friendship building was the forefront of everyone’s priority list. Inclusion in games and activities of every student was second nature to almost ever child and recess was the most valued 15 minutes in the day. Cliques weren’t strong yet, and there was a sense of adventure and exploration. I think that’s why I reflect back and love elementary school the most out of all my schooling, and why I look forward to Wednesday morning more than any other day of the week. November Project is recess for me. It’s a time to return to child and run free and wild with the most amazing group of people in Vancouver. At NP everyone is included. Everyone has a goal, a pace, a challenge, an adventure and a community of likeminded people who show up to support and run along for the ride.
About three years ago, I struggled greatly with balance. I was so extreme at trying to accomplish thoughts or ideas that I often couldn’t keep up the pace, or intensity, and would crash and burn destroying all the hard work I put in to my desired achievements. I was unsure of the life I had built for myself. What was the purpose? What were my goals? I didn’t write them down so there was no reference point. I couldn’t visually see any progress because I had never set a benchmark, or a stake in the ground. That’s when I made the decision to change the way I was doing things and write down some targets. Part of one of my goals was to create an Instagram page about health and fitness. At first I was going to make it private. I was nervous for others to read my vulnerable journey. Then I thought to myself… no. If there is even one other person that feels defeated out there, or needs some additional encouragement, and can gain something from my experiences then why wouldn’t I make that information available to them? So I posted my first post, nervous as can be, and put myself out there. For the first year I avoided telling people I knew well about this page. When acquaintances or friends discovered it and ‘followed me’ I was always concerned or embarrassed. What would they think? This page wasn’t for them. They didn’t have these issues (errr wrong, we all have our struggles). It was meant for me, and others battling healthy balance out there in the world. What were they going to think of my weaknesses? Would they judge my thoughts? Then, at some point in 2016, I really just stopped caring all together. I was stoked to tell the world. I stopped using my insecurities as a crutch and began to open up to my friends, the public, and this community. What I noticed was that everyone was supportive. Friends I would see at the grocery store or events would say, “Hey, I saw your post last week and it really related to something I am going through. Thanks for the extra encouragement!” Wow. Maybe, just maybe, I was achieving these goals.
In September of 2016 I was introduced by a friend to November Project (thanks Tierra) and decided that any insecurities I had in the past were null in void from that day forward. I was going to be loud, proud and 100% Mélina. I started setting new goals, voicing those goals out to the public, and believing in myself whole-heartedly. I set a goal to become a group fitness instructor in 2017 and believe it or not, within only a couple weeks of setting this goal, I was asked to co-lead my very first work out ever! It was a complete honour to be thought of for this #DaddyRichTakeover. I did not take it for granted. Rather, I reverted back to grade school. When recess was the best part of the day.
Wednesday March 15th may have been an awesome St. Patrick’s Day workout for some, but for me it was a full circle realization that I have gritted through the toughest years of insecurities, self doubt and defeat and have fully returned to child. I am completely appreciative for this community that I am a part of, where everyone is welcome. Everyone is included. And everyone just shows up for recess.
ROAR!
Mélina
@This1sBalanced”
#melinaisyoursister
This chica SHAMROCKED this workout!! She had great energy, workout and was all around RAD!
Mel G
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