Falling apart is how you learn to keep it together: Lessons from a paddleboard. 🏄‍♀️

Hey ,

I told myself that I would get out on lake Michigan at least once this summer. But the summer weekends have seemed to fly by so fast that I found myself staring at the end of August with dwindling time and a goal unrealized. Then I remembered: One of the best ways to realize a goal is to get some support.

The support I needed was getting the damn paddleboard strapped on top of the car so I would have no excuses. Always up for a project, I turned to my husband, Josh and before I knew it, I was off to the lake to fulfill my intentions.

Some of you who have been with me for years remember that I was one of the first maniacs to teach Pilates on the paddleboard way back in 2011. Teaching on the lake is truly no joke. There are currents to contend with, novice paddlers and often lots of waves. While I treasure the memories of wrangling corporate team members from unplanned trips to Michigan, I prefer to paddle for myself these days - just me and the lake.

I was supposed to write to you today about picking up kernels of wisdom as you age. But as I was out there on the lake this morning, bobbing up and down on the rolling hills of water, I realized there was another message I was supposed to share:

Notes About Midlife (From A Stand Up Paddle Board)

You may wonder if you're actually ready for this new endeavor. It will seem strange, like it looks easier for other people. You'll wonder how they're keeping it together. Maybe they have a secret you don't have. Maybe you can buy an accessory to help.

You'll also see some people who are absolutely falling apart. It will feel reasonable to want to stay away from those people for fear that you might get pulled into the water with them. What you don't realize is that in their willingness to embrace imperfection, they often enjoy more fun along the way. Remember that it's ok to get wet.

As you learn to get your footing, there will be unexpected tests of your balance. Some will make you dizzy and nauseous, others will test your ability to stay grounded. These tests are not about avoidance, instead they are to help you build a "righting reflex." A mechanism that helps you navigate each temporary setback like a wave. You may feel it's influence, but the righting reflex will help you come home in your body every time.

There will be some waves that bring you to your knees.

Breathe.

Regroup.

And look for the sparkle of the sun to help you get back up again.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

And that's what I got out of my excursion this morning. I guess I could have told you I closed my exercise ring, but this felt more interesting. I hope it did for you as well.

For those of you enjoying a long weekend. I encourage you to spend some time in nature, listening. You might be surprised at what you hear.

Living Well With You, Not At You,

Coach JZ (Jenna)

P.S.

Fall health coaching spots are opening soon. If you've been considering working with me, hit reply and let's chat. I'll be opening 3 weekly/bi-weekly spaces (high support) and will have more info about a new (very affordable) 6- month accountability coaching program coming soon!

Save The Dates:

Group Pilates & Fitness Classes at It's Lit Studio:

September Schedule:

Mondays - 6pm: Sweat and Shine

7:30pm: Weekly Reset Pilates - all levels (this is a postural reset class with a special meditation at the end)

Wednesdays - 6pm: Step and Stretch (step aerobics)

Thursdays - 6pm: Inner Circle Pilates ( a magic-circle-based, inclusive class with lots of variations)

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