Most of us grew up with the idea that selfishness and self care are synonymous. We are taught that we should put other people before ourselves in order to remain humble and genuine; that if we put ourselves first, we are somehow becoming self absorbed, conceited, and self righteous. However, there is a deep truth about our self treatment that is life-changing. I suggest that if we invest in ourselves through Innovation, Intention and Integrity we will be the most valuable vessel for whatever and whoever we are intended.

Let’s say, for example, that you need a drink of water and I have an empty glass. I cannot give you a drink. It doesn’t matter how thirsty you are, how deeply I want to give you a drink, or whether or not I understand why you don’t have your own glass of water… my glass is empty. I don’t have anything to give you except an empty container. Your need to drink may be important to me and I have every desire to help you, but I’m simply not capable. So what's the fix? I have to fill my glass. The only way I can give you the water you need is if I also have water. THIS is self-care.  We give into ourselves in order for us to have anything of value to share.

Our personal care is not different than how we nurture those in our care. We feed them nourishing meals. We give them space to relax. We help them move. We allow for rest. We support their interests without judgment. We cheer for their success and love them through failure. We teach them to make good decisions, sometimes through mistakes. We show them that saying "no" is necessary in order to say "yes" to something better. We train through self control, patience and kindness. We are empathetic. So, why then, are we not also as generous with ourselves? Good question, but you have to find that answer for yourself, and probably through therapy.  But knowing that answer is not important.  Believing that YOU ARE IMPORTANT is what counts.

Even without knowing the answer, there are certain things you can start right away to begin your self-care resolution. Listed below are three purposeful ways that I will coach you to improve your effectiveness. KLivFit is a more than just my personal training brand. It's the conduit that allows me to help you see you. Yes, we do effective exercise and figure out great things to eat, but those actions are only the result of our work together to find the tools you need to create the most healthy existence possible. It's my hope that 2016 will be the year of “I” for you because you decide that in order to be able to serve other people, to make a lasting difference in this world, to parent, to work, to play, to give, you first have to care for yourself.

Innovation…using new tools and techniques to carve out smart and effective fitness that lasts.

Intention…staying focused and excited about learning and being well. 

Integrity…working from our truest selves through compassion and a graceful standard with others.

I hope you’ll join me as we start a new year, a new challenge, a new chance to be compassionate and true to yourself. Let’s take this year on.