Imagine having the ability to push past the fear that's keeping you in stuck in the same place; that's keeping you from moving forward towards what you want; that's keeping you stuck in the cycle of, "I'll start next week" or "I'll just lose some weight first" or "I'll get a bit fitter first".  

Imagine being free from the chains that trigger anxiety or sorrow at even the simple thought of stepping foot into a gym or starting an exercise programme

Imagine being the boss of those fears!

In my experience, both my own personal experience and with working with Women who experienced a 'freeze' response at even the mere mention of exercise, 'Shining The Light' has been life changing, an absolute game changer!

What do I mean, 'Shine the Light'?.
 

Imagine a collection of thoughts, fearful thoughts all bunched up together.  The sum of its parts make a huge mass, one big ball of fear.  A huge black cloud that is far too big and powerful for us to even contemplate exploring or facing.    Now then, that big ball of fear which is actually lots of little manageable thoughts can seem so overwhelming and so absolute that sometimes, refusing to look at it can seem the easiest and safest thing to do.  I've suggested to people in conversation about starting an exercise programme and there's been so many times when the person has just shut me down there and then with, "No Vic, I don't want too, just leave it".  I get it, I've been there, it's too much work and takes too much energy and head space to even consider the idea, not too mention the fear such a thought can evoke.  

So, here's the thing... if you can take that huge mass of thoughts / fears all bunched together which occupy the exercise space in your mind, shine the light on it and pick each thought out individually, you will find that actually, it's not a big scary monster at all, it's just a collection of little thoughts which just feel like a huge scary monster.  

Now then, I'm aware that for some people, the thought of 'going there', the thought of digging deep and looking at the thing that's kept them stuck and away from living in a fitter, stronger and healthier body, the thought of facing and exposing their barrier to change, that scary place can, in itself, feel like a daunting task.

But here's the thing, you do not need to fear thoughts.  They can not hurt you.  Just think about it for a second, your thoughts are a like library collection in your mind.  It's true that thoughts evoke emotional responses, but those thoughts can not hurt you.  In fact, one could be forgiven for pointing out that not shining the light on those thoughts is what is hurting you and keeping you stuck. 

That being said, I have put together some of the most common thoughts that have had the light shone on them over the years through working with my clients in breaking down barriers... 
 

• What if I can’t keep up?
• What if I can’t finish a class?
• What if I’m not clever enough?
• What if I can’t maintain it?
• What if I can only do 2 minutes of work?
• What if something bad happens too me?
• What if I hurt myself?
• What if I have a heart attack?
• What if I make a fool of myself?
• What if everyone is looking at me?
• What if it hurts?
• What if I'm the worst at it?
• What if I'm judged?
• What if I can't breathe?
• What if I can't do it?
• What if I have a panic attack?
• What if I look ridiculous?
• What if I have to face how unfit I am?
• What if I collapse?

Do any of those thoughts sound familiar?

I would encourage you my lovely to get your own torch out, dig deep and shine the light on the individual thoughts that are creating the barrier to you taking action in living in a fitter, stronger, healthier body one which allows you the freedom the live life fully and allows you to do the things your heart wants to do.  And I can promise you, what you will find are a bunch of 'what if's' that are attached to your comfort zone.  You will also discover that all of your 'what if's' are founded in fear, not reality and I say that with confidence because every one of your 'What if's' can be rationalised.

I've spent hours and hours with clients on their own personal 'What if's', and at the end of it, they are able to see them for what they are, put them into perspective and move past the fear  with a new sense of freedom and hope.

If you, like many others, know you need too change the direction you are currently heading towards, would love to live in a fitter, stronger, healthier body but have a huge sticking point, barriers  that you are finding impossible to pass and  would like some help in getting past the fear that's keeping you stuck, I whole heartedly encourage you to reach out.

Take a look at some of the stories from Wirral Women who were once where you are now. but are no longer prisoners of their fear when it comes to exercise. Be encouraged. Be inspired, Be hope filled.

Have a blessed day,

Vicci xxx