We are back on the #WellnessWomen train, but before I jump into this week’s feature, I wanted to write a quick note on giving yourself permission.
If you are a recovering people-pleaser like me, you might find it hard to speak up for yourself, share your honest thoughts, and live out your truth for fear of disappointing others.
I get it. You are the peacemaker. You want to maintain a level of ease in your surroundings, and more often than not, that means sacrificing parts of YOU.
I remember one time in junior high and high school, I was invited by both my boyfriend at the time and a group of my really close friends to hang out. And for fear of choosing one over the other, and causing (imagined, on my part) upset, I would end up just sacrificing my social life and staying home instead. WHAT THE WHAT?! Don’t ask me why I thought this was the only solution. I have no freaking clue. Haha.
I’ve gotten much better these days, but often find myself still having to learn the lesson the hard way. If you are like me, you seek permission to do the things you want, to test the waters, to make sure you aren’t crazy, to see if it’s worth pursuing, to get approval.
When really, the only approval you need is from yourself.
If you want something–anything–go after it!
That course you want to take? That fitness routine you want to try? That goal you want to chase? That crush you’ve been dying to talk to? That business you’ve been dreaming of starting? That life you want to start living?
DO IT.
Don’t wait for someone to give you the permission, the go-ahead, the ok, the approval, the thumbs up, or the a-okay to go after what you want in this life.
You are deserving of everything you desire for yourself right here, right now, in this moment, just as you are.
The more I am learning to navigate this life (entrepreneur + otherwise) the more I realize I am the only one holding myself back from my dreams by doubting myself, fearing failure, and wondering what other people might think.
At the end of the day, those are a lot of imagined “what-if’s” that just get in the way of me giving myself permission. And if you can’t give yourself permission, then why are you seeking it from others?
As you laser in on your focus, lay out your roadmap, and build your backbone to have the courage to chase after what you want, here are a few ways to honor + give yourself permission:
- speak your truth
- follow your gut
- listen to your intuition
- trust your instincts
- hone your inner wisdom
- take up space
- know your worth
- find your voice
- walk your path
Interesting how all of those things involve turning inward, rather than seeking external validation, huh?
I promise the more you seek + listen to the answers inside yourself, the more things work out in your favor!
Alright, onto an inspiring Instagram-turned-real-life friend who exemplifies what it means to give yourself permission to go after what you want!
MEET KELLY
My name is Kelly Nardo and I’m a food and fitness fanatic. I’m originally from outside Philadelphia, PA, but now live in Austin, TX where I run Eat the Gains, food and fitness blog, am a nutrition coach, have a meal prep delivery service, and coach CrossFit classes. I love any kind of high-intensity workouts, CrossFit being my favorite, and am also a runner and qualified for the Boston Marathon a couple years ago. I’ve never met a veggie I didn’t like, but believe in moderation and balance in your diet, which includes a spicy margarita every so often!
FAVORITE FOOD, TREAT OR INDULGENCE?
Kind of lame, but I really love vegetables. It’s hard to pick one, but a few favorites are probably sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. If I had to pick a favorite meal, it would be curry. I also love chips and dip and a good margarita!
MUST HAVE SELF-CARE ITEM?
Sleep/rest. Sleep is so underrated and is so important for so many reasons – metabolism and weight management, mood, memory, cardiovascular health, immune function, inflammation, and athletic performance. Our society is so go-go-go, it’s often overlooked. Sleep and recovery are especially important if you are physically active – you need to give your body time to repair and strengthen itself between training sessions.
WHAT TYPE OF MOVEMENT BRINGS YOU JOY?
I really love CrossFit and a good sweat, but recently I’ve been taking long walks and have been loving the time to myself where I’m moving my body in a fun and relaxing way.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH JOURNEY:
My diet and eating habits have changed drastically over the past decade of my life. From the typical teenager diet (plus veggies because my parents were good about that), to pescetarianism and over exercising/under-eating/restricting and binging in college, to hearing about paleo when I started CrossFit 6 years ago. I went from not eating meat to doing my first Whole30 in February 2014, and quickly came to realize how fueling my body with whole nutrient dense food made me feel. I eat to help my body thrive, but I’m also a big advocate of finding what works for you to make you feel your best.
IF YOU WORK IN THE HEALTH REALM, WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
I am a nutrition coach and also a CrossFit coach. I love working with people to help them find their optimal health. Whether that be one-on-one or creating a recipe from my blog, my goal is to help inspire and help others feel their best. I also specialize in meal prep and teach/show people how they can prepare easy meals to set them up for success during the week.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY TO OTHER WOMEN SEEKING OPTIMAL HEALTH?
Life is meant to be enjoyed and optimal health shouldn’t be a burden to try to achieve. We are all on our own journeys and try not to get too caught up in trying to eat the best diet or have the hardest workout that you aren’t enjoying yourself.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE TIP TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THEIR HEALTH JOURNEY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t try to do it all at once. There are 100s of different messages out there saying to try this supplement or eat this ‘superfood’. Start simple and find things that are going to work for you. If could be as simple as switching your diet soda for water. Starting your health journey means you are starting to invest in yourself, and you want to set yourself up for success and sustainability.
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.
Currently reading “You Are A Badass” and it’s a great source of inspiration. Pretty much it tells you that you are in charge of your future and to go out and be the f*cking badass that you are. Highly recommend!
HOW CAN SOMEONE REACH OUT TO CONNECT WITH YOU?
You can find me on my blog, Eat The Gains at https://eatthegains.com/ – and on social media @eattthegains
IF YOU COULD PICK TWO WORDS TO REPRESENT YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
DRIVEN + BALANCE.
Driven – trying to do big things this year and I am super motivated (most days haha) to get shit done Balance – as much as I want to do amazing things with my business, last year I was way too stressed out. I am more aware of balancing work and play and making sure I achieve both of them.
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Thank you for sharing with us, Kelly!
Tune in next week to see the next #WellnessWomen feature, and if you or someone you know should be featured, email us and tell us a little more about you! 😉
The intro? YASSS. So much truth and alignment with where I have been. I think along with the people-pleasing can come this idea of perfection and/or control, and that buries us deeper from our intuition and the ability to tune in to our highest truth. Totally tagging this post to read that again and again.
And Kelly?! She sounds so amazing and I can tell from her story she is living her truth each and every day. These features just fill up my heart so much!
Gah, thank you friend. OMG perfection/control are so hard to let go of as we try to listen to and follow our intuition. I am right there with you. Always.
I am so glad you are enjoying these!! It’s been fun to connect women together! (I hope you’ll be one among the many I hope to feature one day!!)