As a coach I am blessed to wear many hats.  The Friend hat.  The Counselor hat.  The Life Coach hat.  The Relationship Coach hat.  The Let’s-Be-Realistic hat.  The We-Need-To-Cut-Back hat.  The last 2 are the hardest.  Because, let’s face it, we ALL believe we can do EVERYTHING.  The easy part is to add.  The harder part…to maintain.  And the still harder part…to recognize that to be our best self we must cut back.  The crazy part is that lessons are learned from cutting back.

This is why I’m highlighting Shelley Turner’s story.  In the last 6 months her life has dramatically changed.  And, as hard as it was to let go, she’s learned that there are incredible benefits to downsizing, cutting back, saying no (even to great things) & simplifying life.  Way to go, Shelley!  I am so proud of you!

In Shelley’s own words:

“Losing a job, ending a job, starting a new job, buying/selling a house & moving are in the Top 15 life stressors.  2023 was a year full of these stressors for me & Jason, my husband.

In March the chaos started when Jason was laid off.  In April I received a tentative job offer & then the summer really went crazy!  We sold our Mountain Home house & bought a new one…in Nebraska.  In August we moved & both started new job/careers.

Through all of this I was trying to train for Ironman 70.3 Oregon, Marine Corp Marathon & El Tour de Tuscon.  Despite my best efforts, my stress levels were getting so high that I started crying during one of my morning runs.  Something had to give.

After talking things over with Jason & Coach Michelle, I decided to drop Ironman Oregon 70.3.  Because of that we cut back on my training.  I naively thought that training would be easier once I started my new job.  Nope!!!  I then chose to cut out the marathon & do the 62-mi El Tour de Tucson (instead of the 100-mi).  Once again we downsized my training.

Suffice to say this has been a learning process.  Here’s what I’ve discovered:

1. I am NOT a race.  It’s OK to drop out of a race or change distances.  The race doesn’t define me as an athlete…the process does.
2. Breathe.  Life doesn’t end when you take a break from structured training.
3. Count my blessings.  I am so happy I am able to run for 30 min & go on a fun bike ride with my friends.
4. I cannot do it all.  Life changes made it necessary to adjust plans & refocus my energy.
5. Take the chance to discover new things.  I started Pilates…which I love!  It’s enhancing my training & my mobility is improving.
6. Give myself Grace!  It is important to give myself permission to do what is best for me mentally & physically.  It makes me a happier person!
7. Change is part of life.  Find the positive even when things are not going as planned.
8. No regrets.  I’m where I’m supposed to be at this point in time.  Everything happens for a reason!
9. Have Fun!!!
10. Life is short so enjoy every moment & don’t sweat the small stuff!“

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