Where to start?

I could of course start with my childhood and how I made my way out of the previously mentioned small village. Talk about how, after a rather rocky career start, I ended up working for American Express in the headquarter in New York. There would certainly be some interesting stories there and I reserve the right to reference some episodes later.

But let’s face it, I am 44 years old and so starting in Ringstedt ( said village) would be a very long read. So we will save some of the childhood drama for later.

But let me share what I think got me here. With here being this blog, but also a place in my life where I am comfortable with putting myself out there. Showing vulnerability in the hopes that my journey might be of value for others.

Almost four years ago Sam was born and shortly after came into our lives – a life changing event for sure. And I am not referring to the potty and other basic command training period. Even though we almost did not make it through that – it’s tough!

But I am talking about something else. A high energy dog is, well, full of energy. Like a lot! Who knew? Ok, I should have but I saw the picture of this little guy and my brain was not in charge anymore. And that turned out to be one of the best things that have happened to me (after having met my soulmate 20 years ago of course).

The only problem with this was, I was the role model for a couch potato. Literally! Sure I went to work and traveled for work and all. But I could not wait to be back on my couch… I avoided stairs wherever possible and was not very eager to walk through Manhattan with my husband (or walk period). Imagine we lived so close. Central Park could have been our “private park” but walking? Thanks but no thanks!

You probably can imagine how long I was able to keep that habit. Right, as much as I tried to keep our dog walks as short as possible I learned the hard way what a fit and energetic puppy can do to an apartment. So either we walked off some of that energy or started saving for the replacement of the majority of our furniture. You guessed it – we chose the walking.

A year later for Christmas I got an Apple Watch (I am not associated with Apple my opinion is my own) and became somewhat competitive with myself to actually meet a certain amount of steps each day. Yes, me! Seriously – I could not believe it either.

Fast forward another five month and I finally realized that all my walking would be so much easier without the extra weight I had been carrying around for my entire adult life. I decided to lose it – for good! And I joined WW (I am also not associated with WW or paid by WW) and lost the excess weight. And I lost a lot…

…and I won so much more. First of all a healthy and active lifestyle. I can’t get enough from walking even in hot and humid Florida. Poor Sam, he would prefer to play in the yard instead. Secondly I gained confidence. I am not avoiding pictures anymore or hiding behind people or objects while in pictures. And I learned you can do a lot more than you think you can. Don’t wait, get started!

Sometimes the confidence only comes after you started, so if you do not get started, it might not come at all.

And while I have been mentoring colleagues before and I did have success at work and all – the little guy in the picture forced me to start walking, to take the first step. And I have never stopped moving ever since!

What about you? Where did you start? What first step have you taken? Have you found your “voice” through an unexpected ally? Has a small thing (literally or figuratively) changed your life?

Please share your story in the comments, I would love to hear it!