Guest Blogger Jackie Ostick on her Game Changer!

Good morning! About a month ago, I challenged my readers (you, Hi) to Start a Fitness Routine Today! I said that if my words motivate just ONE person to make a change, I'll feel accomplished. Enter Jackie Ostick...

Jackie is a NYC-based musical theater actress and intenSati student. I had the pleasure of teaching her in Central Park, including the day I lead everybody in a Sati-inspired mindfulness walk, before she headed out of town to Pennsylvania's Pines Dinner Theater as a performer in All Shook Up.

Well, Jackie seized the day and embraced this challenge full on by deciding to commit to a daily fitness routine! She started emailing me each day to check in and for some added motivation. Her consistency and joy ended up inspiring me so much that I asked her to blog about the experience. Enjoy.

My Game Changer
By Jackie Ostick

On June 21st, Lindsay posted a challenge to all of her readers to do something fitness related everyday. Sitting in my bed, disappointed in myself that I wasn't exercising regularly, it was exactly what I needed to read. It was 8 AM and I immediately got out of my PJ's and hit the pavement for a brisk walk.

When I got back, invigorated and inspired, I wrote Lindsay an e-mail accepting the challenge. I was hooked. Since that day, I have either walked, done yoga, swam, or did intenSATI everyday, with one day of rest a week.

Now, of course this challenge wasn't always sunshine and flowers. I faced a couple of obstacles along the way. The first one was something that I needed to get over really quickly: Could I really do it? I mean, I am by no means a "fitness person." I enjoy working out but it wasn't something that I would look forward to, or even do, everyday. I always found myself making excuses. Luckily, Lindsay offered to be my contact person. I would write her an e-mail everyday to tell her what I had done. She also gave me some wonderful tips and suggested taking one day off a week. This helped it seem more do-able. I was also worried about getting bored with just walking, so I was glad that I found other ways to exercise, like swimming and my favorite, IntenSATI.

Another big obstacle I had to overcome was schedule changes. I am someone who likes to do things at the same time everyday. I started working out in the morning and I really enjoyed it at that time. However, when things came up, like doctors appointments or road trips, it was hard for me to workout at that time. I am so proud of myself because I found a way to make it work. There was no excuse why I couldn't do something fitness-related for 30 minutes. So, I did a quick yoga workout or I walked LATER in the day, or I swam in the ocean or pool. This was huge for me: I didn't let myself give up or make excuses.

Finally, the last obstacle is something I think everyone can relate to: being tired or sore. There were days when I was just exhausted and I couldn't fathom getting out of bed or tearing myself away from a book or TV show on Hulu. There were also a couple of days when my ankle was hurting me. I still did my daily workout though, because I made a promise to myself that I would. This challenge was something that I was doing for me. I deserved the chance to feel amazing and empowered, and that's what kept me going...along with lots of water!

30 days later, I am so grateful for the challenge and do you know what? I don't plan on stopping! I realized that there is always time to work out! You can make the time! Working out in the morning is such a great start to my day, and I feel better physically and mentally. I have never been so proud of my body. I can actually say that I LOVE the way I look! Imagine that! And the best bonus? I got a tan from exercising outside! So, thank you so much for the challenge, Lindsay! It's been a game changer in my life.

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Note: Jackie didn't stop and she continues to email me daily with her fitness accomplishment. :) It's a joy and all I can ask is Who's the next ONE? Email lindspiration@gmail.com if it's you.