When I was little and learning to pray, I liked to put all of my requests, battles, petitions and thoughts of gratitude into a basket. Then I would tie on a ribbon attached to a balloon and watch it float up to the Heavens. Today, as I still come face to face with battles, I remain constant in my filling baskets.

Fitness became a life-line for me very quickly, when I realized how much it aided in lessening daily anxieties with motherhood stressors, social phobias and shyness. At each training session with my own trainer, Chad Austin of Priority Fitness, I found myself able to leave everything at the front door, answer only to myself, and simply beat sets. The peace that came from the physical win (and even a loss every now and then) transferred to mental and emotional strength beyond what I had ever known before. When I feel like I want to quit, I can fill my baskets right in the middle of a set, then win, making the suffering I endure that much more powerful. Full body connection from inside to outside.

Here’s what I know to be true: Our bodies are built so intricately and powerfully beyond our comprehension. They are meant to run efficiently, effectively and with joy. And we are given daily opportunities to encourage and inspire each other. Why not find out how strong you are? Why not chase after your possibilities, dreams, goals and wonders? And when you succeed, because you got this, go show somebody else and tell them they can do it, too. I’m convinced we are capable of so much more than we believe of ourselves. Come find your strength. You were built to elevate.

– Jesse Kepka: Owner, Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Nutrition Coach