The Moral of the Story: Life Lessons from Thanksgiving, Elephants, and Date Days
Hi, friends! Let me take you on a little journey through the past few weeks of my life. This blog post is inspired by a theme I’ve been reflecting on lately: "The moral of the story is…" Sometimes, life serves up these small, beautiful lessons when we take a moment to pause and pay attention. So grab a cozy drink, and let’s dive into the stories and the life lessons that came with them.
Go On the Trip
A few weeks ago, I celebrated Thanksgiving in Minnesota—and let me tell you, it almost didn’t happen. Work was busy, Roy had to stay behind, and the thought of coordinating everything felt overwhelming. But then, our member and friend Cesar gave me a reality check. He reminded me that when he visits his family in the Philippines, it’s a long flight and usually a $2,500 plane ticket. Meanwhile, I was debating a quick, affordable flight to see my family. That hit me hard. I booked the trip immediately, and I’m so grateful I did.
From catching up with my brother on the drive to Iowa, stopping at the World’s Largest Candy Store, and sleeping like a baby at my aunt and uncle’s farm, every moment was pure gold. We laughed, ate family recipes like “Mabel’s Scalloped Corn” (which, full disclosure, I still find gross), and made memories that will last a lifetime. Sure, the trip was only 48 hours, but the time with my family was priceless.
The moral of the story: Go on the trip. Spend the money. Make the time. Your loved ones and those memories are worth it every single time.
Date Your Partner
After I got back, Roy and I decided it was time to prioritize us. As much as we love running Miami Beach Fit Camp together and sharing a life full of work and routines, we’re terrible at reserving time just for us. So, we cleared an afternoon and headed to South Beach for a walk-and-talk date.
There’s something magical about walking and talking—it lowers our defenses and lets us connect on a deeper level. We strolled through South Pointe Pier, met a sweet family from Brazil, and ended the day with our feet in the water, feeling more in sync than ever. Even Gus got in on the action during another impromptu date, where we had fun with our puppy on the beach, dancing and running around a bonfire made of Christmas lights. Simple, sweet, and oh-so-necessary.
The moral of the story: Date your partner. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; just intentional time together can transform your connection and reignite that spark.
Change Your State
One Sunday, I hit a wall. After a full morning of Fit Camp and looking ahead at back-to-back commitments, I found myself peeling off sandy clothes by the washing machine, crying in overwhelm and spiraling into negativity. But then, I remembered something I always preach: You have the power to change your state.
In the shower, I forced myself to list everything I was grateful for, out loud. At first, it felt forced, but soon, the gratitude started to flow. I shifted my mindset, and decided to act it out too. I turned on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” danced with Roy, and enjoyed losing myself in the fun and music. A total change and I ended up feeling lighter and more capable.
The moral of the story: Gratitude is the chain that pulls joy from the depths of your soul. Fight to change your state, even when it’s hard. It’s always worth it.
Start Your Day with Joy
If you’ve ever been to one of our classes, you’ve probably heard “Good Morning” by Max Frost blaring from the speakers to start the workout or during the warmup. It’s my ultimate power song, and according to my Spotify Wrapped, it’s been my top song for three years straight. Starting my day with an empowering soundtrack sets the tone for everything that follows.
But it’s not just about music; it’s about inspiration. Think about those days when you wake up feeling stuck or unmotivated. If you don’t intentionally set the tone for your day, you might carry that energy forward, limiting your potential. Now, imagine starting your day with something uplifting—a song, a story, or a powerful thought. Those better ideas can crack open the possibilities of your day, inspiring you to rise above your current mood and become a better version of yourself.
For example, there have been mornings when I felt sluggish, doubting my energy for the day ahead. Then I’d hear an inspirational story or blast “Good Morning,” and suddenly, everything shifted. That spark led me to accomplish twice as much as I thought possible—to connect with people more deeply, to show up fully for my workouts, and to end the day proud of what I achieved. Starting the day with joy is like lighting a torch that guides you through the hours ahead, fueled by positivity and purpose.
The moral of the story: Start your day with joy. Whether it’s a power song, a podcast, or a few moments of quiet gratitude, choose something that fuels your spirit. Better ideas lead to better actions, and better actions lead to a better you.
Create Your Ideas
This past week, I visited the incredible art installation the “Great Elephant Migration” during Art Basel. These life-sized elephants, crafted from an invasive weed in India, took my breath away. Standing there at sunrise, surrounded by these majestic creations, I couldn’t help but marvel at the power of human creativity.
Someone had an idea—a wild, beautiful idea—and they saw it through to completion. That’s no small feat. It inspired me to think about the ideas I’ve let slip away and challenged me to bring more of them to life. With the new year coming up, I want to be braver and bolder to take the ideas that show up in my brain all the way to the finish line.
The moral of the story: When you have an idea, treat it as a divine nudge. Your community, your world, might need that idea. What if you're the hands and feet of god? Dare to create.
Wrapping It All Up
Life is full of little lessons, often wrapped in the most unexpected moments. Whether it’s traveling to see family, carving out time for your partner, finding gratitude in a tough moment, starting your day with joy, or bringing an idea to life, these moments shape us and remind us of what truly matters.
As we close out 2024, let’s commit to showing up—for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the ideas that light us up. And if this blog post resonated with you, let me know! I’d love to hear your stories and lessons, too.
Until next time, keep slaying your day and finding the joy in it all.
With love,Kristen
How to Stay Empowered and Healthy Through the Holiday Season
How to Stay Empowered and Healthy Through the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a whirlwind of parties, family gatherings, and indulgent foods. It’s easy to let healthy habits slide, but with a few intentional strategies, you can enjoy the festivities while staying on track and feeling amazing. Here’s how you can finish the year strong and enter the new year feeling empowered.
1. There Is Nothing Magic About January
Don’t fall into the "I’ll start in January" trap. Your body doesn’t know the calendar, and delaying healthy habits only makes things harder.
Use December to maintain momentum. Starting the year already feeling good is far better than playing catch-up.
Treat your body kindly now. You don’t need to overindulge just because the calendar changes soon.
2. It Feels Good to Feel Good
The best gift you can give yourself is the focus on what makes you feel good.
Does a walk clear your mind? Take it.
Does eating nourishing meals keep your energy high? Prioritize them.
Feeling good means having energy, wearing clothes that fit comfortably, and waking up with confidence—not regret.
3. Everything Counts
Don’t underestimate small efforts:
A 10-minute workout is better than none.
A healthy choice at one meal matters even if another meal was indulgent.
Every effort builds a positive habit. Consistency is key, no matter the size of the step.
4. Movement Is the Answer
Movement is a powerful tool for both body and mind:
Feeling anxious? A walk can calm you.
Feeling low energy? A short workout boosts your mood.
Feeling restless? Dance it out.
The type of movement doesn’t matter as much as just moving your body. Start small and let momentum build.
5. Plan for January Now
January can be hectic—new schedules, financial pressures, and cold weather for many. Why add to the stress by putting off healthy habits?
By staying mindful in December, you’ll wake up in January already feeling confident and strong.
6. Use Pockets of Time Wisely
Compartmentalize your days:
Separate regular days from celebration days.
Decide ahead of time when and how you’ll indulge.
For example, if there’s a holiday party in the evening, stick to your usual healthy habits during the day. That way, you can enjoy the event without guilt.
7. Handle Temptations Intentionally
Plan how to navigate common holiday temptations:
Will you allow yourself one treat from the office break room each day?
Will you bring a healthy dish to share at parties?
Having a plan helps you avoid impulsive decisions and reinforces your control.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of stress or regret. By staying mindful and prioritizing what makes you feel good, you can enjoy all the joy of the season while staying true to your goals. Remember, you deserve to show up for yourself and feel amazing—not just in January, but right now.
At Miami Beach Fit Camp, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s finish the year strong together!