This is my upcoming birthday week. Each year, I set new goals for the next year, or a future time period of my life. When I turned 40, two years ago, I set new goals for my next “chapter” in my life. One goal was to compete in a master’s figure show (over 40 in most federations), so last November, I headed to Fitness America in Las Vegas and competed in Figure Classic (that federation’s class for my age group). I wanted to write a weekly column about wellness (check) and am lucky enough to write for several different venues. I also set the goal to write a book. So, to follow that path, I attended a writer’s workshop a few months back and now get to write a book proposal for a well-known publisher (due in a couple weeks!) which I am in the process of (and occasionally the procrastination of) completing. I also set goals for my personal life, and my professional life -going back to corporate wellness programming, which is what I am fortunate to get to do and to do more one-on-one training with individuals. I can truly say I am in the midst of really living my vocation and my passion. I have a great family both in my house, and back in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. I get to have really amazing, inspirational people in my life, my son, my brothers, the love of my life and his daughter, my mother and my boyfriend’s mother (although they may not realize my respect and admiration since I am not a very “mushy” person about all that) and my niece and nephews and many of my fabulous friends who I am always connected with- even when I don’t see them for a long time. They all influence my life in their own ways.
I am inspired every day by the people that I get to work with, both as coworkers and as clients. I see people overcome obstacles every day. I see leadership in action in so many ways. I get to be amazed by people who decide to make positive changes in their lives and see them take action to better themselves. I am touched by people who struggle with different challenges or addictions and am always proud to watch them keep trying, even when it may take a lifetime of “one-more-time”. The people who I know in the community that do charitable work, whether it is the people who raise money to fight domestic abuse, battle cancer, empower young girls, mentor young men, help the homeless or the underserved in our community. Or the people who work for companies support the causes. There are just too many to name.
I want to thank everyone who is an inspiration to me, who help me to grow, teach me new things (even those who teach me patience), those who give me opportunities to help others and who help me to reach my goals. For me, this is my “new year” and I look forward to another great year of getting to know people’s stories and to learn from them. Our lives are definitely a journey and we always continue to grow until we reach our final destination. I’d love to hear your story and what inspires you. I can be reached at: [email protected].
Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].