why summer 2016 was the best yet

I promise to update you on our Summer Bucket List next week, but technically I still have a few more days left of summer (even though I've actually been working a little bit this week).  Even so, I can absolutely say that this was probably one of the best summers I have ever had.  And it might surprise you as to why...I can probably count on one hand the number of summer I've actually, truly enjoyed.  You'd think that as a teacher, every summer is the "best ever".  But, for me, it's been everything but.  That is, until this summer.  The last summer I can remember being one of the best summers ever was in 2009.  I quit my job at the physical therapy company I was working at as a strength and conditioning specialist (I had actually just gotten "laid off" as a CSCS and was moved to an office position that I HATED) in order to prepare myself for my student teaching in the fall.  I was able to spend the summer working with my hubby's cross country team as a strength coach and spend the entire summer with my hubby, traveling and just enjoying our time together.  It was pre-kids, so we really enjoyed our summer.I think the only other summer I can ever really remember enjoying before that was the summer we got married (2007).  I was working a job that I LOVED at a corporate fitness center (I was subbing for a girl on maternity leave) and planning my wedding.  It was an amazing summer, as expected.Every summer since then and in between, I can remember not living up to the hype of the summer.  The time off just wasn't as great as I expected and I just didn't enjoy it.  The past 2 summers, I have taken 3 classes in order to finish my master's in 2 years, as well as coaching volleyball and trying to care for my kids.  I was stressed out and unhappy.  Vacations helped, but I never felt like I fully could enjoy them since I had SO much school work to do.  (Oh, thank goodness I am done with my master's since MacKenna is not taking naps anymore.)Honestly, it sort of surprised me that I enjoyed this summer so much.  But, I am happier than I have ever been in my life!  I am going into the school year with a positive attitude and looking forward to what is to come in the months ahead.There are 2 reasons why I believe this is the best summer yet:It's been ONE YEAR since my Postpartum Depression diagnosis.  Last year should have been a great summer, but I spent the entire summer depressed and angry.  I wasn't happy and finally hit my breaking point last July, and got the help that I needed.  I've had a few set backs in the past year, where I've felt that loneliness I felt in my darkest days, but I can say that I've never felt happier.  I'm enjoying my kids more, I'm loving my husband more, and I no longer feel sad or alone.  I look forward to waking up every day and was able to enjoy summer to the fullest.  It's been a great year and I don't think I've ever really been happier in my life.On that same note, part of that is because I finally feel like I've found my calling.  At the beginning of the summer, I joined up with Team INSPIRE to start building earning some extra money on the side.  What started as just a partnership and a way to help support my family has morphed into a full-on, passion driven side gig.  I've launched my run coaching business, have had one successful bootcamp, started coaching some VIP clients, and have learned a TON about marketing, sales, and building this business that I LOVE.  While family will always fill my heart, I've never been more fulfilled than I feel now doing something I feel so passionately about.I am now looking ahead, finding ways to build this business into more than just a side-gig in order to have the opportunity to spend even MORE time with my family, whether that's earning enough money for an extra vacation, saving enough to retire a few years earlier than expected, or maybe make this into more than just a side job.  Whatever it is, I know that it is what I am supposed to be doing and am loving every second of it!  It's a great feeling to think that I am helping support my family while helping others live healthier lives, achieve their goals, and fit fitness into their busy schedules.I've never been happier in my life.  While I truly don't want summer to end, I can't wait to see what the future holds for my family + my business.

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Are you wanting to learn more about how you can help people live healthier + achieve their fitness goals, while helping to support your family?  I'd love for you to join our team!  You can fill out the application below for Team INSPIRE, send me a quick email (info@theconcreterunner.com), or schedule a FREE, 15-minute, no-strings-attached call to talk more about how I can help this become a reality for you too![gravityform id="1" title="false" description="true"]