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From Teacher to CrossFitter

#PresentOverPerfect2019
“Be brave, take risks and allow the unexpected.”

Since a very young age, I have always been involved with sports; such as figure skating, soccer, running and most recently CrossFit. Over the last 10 months, my love for CrossFit has really grown. Working out at the gym has helped relieve my anxiety, improve my focus, increase my motivation, augment my confidence and boost my happiness. Also, it’s truly led me to push myself, both physically and mentally, beyond my “limits”.
I LOVE SPORTS!

In September 2018, I took part in my first international CrossFit competition in Thailand and since then, I’ve also competed in Malaysia and the Philippines. Despite the competitions being a little nerve-racking, I’ve truly enjoyed every single one of them.
Throwback to my first competition in Bangkok, Thailand

In preparing for my latest competition in the Philippines, I came to realize the importance and the impact of hours of hard work and dedication, as well as sleep and nutrition. Unfortunately, in having a full-time job, I kind of struggled to fully commit and balance both teaching and CrossFit. I felt like I was unable to give my everything to both passions, which then became a little frustrating. This left me wondering though; what if I could focus solely on CrossFit for a little while?
Latest competition in Manila, Philippines

 I’ve been teaching for 12 years already and although I may complain from time to time (You know, that's just what teachers do!), I do really love my job. With that said, this school year, for a few different reasons, I’ve felt like I’ve needed a change and a new challenge. As my contract was coming to an end, I looked at some other teaching job opportunities, but nothing really stuck out to me. In spite of not feeling entirely sure, I thought I could just stick it out for another year.
Throwback to teaching in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for 5 years
As the end of the school year was fast approaching, I found myself still questioning my choice to return to my current teaching position for another school year. I was realizing that I had chosen to stay because it was comfortable and because I didn’t know what else I wanted to do. After all, teaching is all I’ve known for the last 12 years! What else could I do? In speaking with a few colleagues and friends, I was somehow persuaded to be brave, to take a risk and to allow the unexpected; I came to the decision that I wanted and needed a little time off from teaching.
Throwback to teaching in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for 5 years
So, here I am, about to go into my last week of school, my last week of teaching, before I take some time off. And, what will I do during my time off you wonder? Well, of course, I’ll train and compete in more CrossFit competitions, while coaching classes at the gym. I’m hopeful that over the next few months I can keep pushing myself to new heights, all while inspiring others to push themselves too, to be brave, to take risks and to live healthier lifestyles.
Finishing up my 2nd year teaching in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thank you to everyone who has shown me support lately!

Stay tuned for updates!

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