I finally realized "life is short, put on your party pants..."

If there is one thing my Mom taught me it is "Life's short, put on your party pants!"

I have always been somewhat of a stressor, but my mom always knew how to put me in my place and make me see the importance of 'time.' When I was ever freaking out and on edge because, my lawn needed cutting, my house needed cleaning, errands needed to be ran, and only weekends to handle them (culture shock into the adult world) she would always tell me "Karen, you can't buy time - don't worry, if a problem arises we will deal with it then. ou are not promised tomorrow, no need in worrying about it today."

This would always settle me; I'd call a yardman, and go get a manicure! All this said - when my Mom passed away suddenly, just a few years ago, my peaceful world came crashing down in a matter of a phone call.

She was my guidance and safety net in life. What was I supposed to do now...Well, after the initial 6 months+ of sheer shock and getting through the holidays and such, I just kind of put myself on a shelf. I sat there and got 'dusty' in a sense.

All of the stress I thought I had in life before became even more magnified - with no one seemingly in my corner anymore. I became stagnant and gave into the idea that this was all that life was, and I better get used to it.

After a random series of events and armed with the advice that my mother had always given me - I ended up being introduced to Luan, and he accepted me somewhat into his world and under his wing. His encouragement and belief in me gave me the beginning of a new lease on life. I finally felt like it was time to get my feet wet in this world.

Fitness facilitated all of this - if you can make it through some of these grueling WOD's, you feel empowered and so proud of yourself, because you did it, no one else did it for you! People may cheer you on and encourage you, but in the end it is your strength and your willpower that pushed you through! It's amazingly liberating.

Naturally, when Iron Tribe opened I was already sold on the concept! I just never knew that Iron Tribe would change my entire lease on life! Not only do I feel better physically but it has given me more confidence in life to just LIVE! I cannot even begin to describe the camaraderie I have experienced at Iron Tribe.

Everyone believes in you, and everyone has their own struggles they are working through. I love walking in and everyone being genuinely excited to see me and I am just as excited to see them!

For the first time in my life - the gym is something I look forward to, it has become my 'recharge' to take on a new day. I leave with real accomplishments each day, and a sense of someone always in my corner.

I feel I am finally understanding the lesson, 'life's short, put on your party pants'- You just have to dive in, give life a try, and hope for the best ... it will surprise you. I promise!