3 Tools You Need to Beat the Economy

Figuring since it's Tax Day, I could offer a little insight on how to overcome the Economy. Will it be easy? Heck no! Will it be useful info? Maybe. Will it guarantee success? That's up to you!

There are 3 skill sets that make you valuable in any economy - professional skills, people skills, and leadership development skills. All of these skill sets will increase your value and your income.

• Professional skills. Whether you are a doctor, real estate agent, mechanic, waitress, teacher, home business owner, or customer service rep, you must know the basics of your profession. You must be willing to learn new, specialized skills. The difference in a professional and an amateur is your skill.

• People skills. People are everywhere! You work with them, live with them, buy things from them, and sell things to them. And where does money come from? People! If you learn more about people than you do anything else, you will be unusually successful. If you learn great people skills, you will attain income security. Those who do not have people skills are usually the first to be laid off.

• Personal development & leadership skills. People with high leadership skills have extremely high influence and high value in the marketplace. They are consistently working on improving themselves, and they raise up other leaders. They have a "no excuse" mindset. They focus on producing results. They do not let circumstances define their success, but they take personal responsibility to create their own success.

Stay at Home Mom, Get's Paid to Get Healthy & Help Others

Ok, I know some people think it's distasteful to boast about money and income or whatnot, but I have to just throw this out there to the universe. I received my 1099 from Beachbody for taxes. I am very impressed with how much a 'Stay at Home Mom' can make in a year just by helping others get started on the right track towards health & fitness. I'm not saying it was enough to make any really large dreams come true (yet) but the extra money brought in from this little side job, this business that I'm building helped pay for school clothes, kids' sports, shoes, extra groceries, date nights, camping trips, weekend getaways and many other things we've gotten to do the past year that wouldn't have happened without my 'Stay at Home Mom' pay. I'm very confident that this year, 2013, I will have DOUBLED my income and many more 'extras' will be affordable for me and my family. So what I'm saying is: If you've been thinking about becoming a coach but you just haven't taken that leap yet, what's holding you back? There will NEVER be a "perfect time"... sometimes you just gotta GO FOR IT! What would you do with a little extra 'change' in your pocket?

Year 2012 in Review

This past year has been life changing and eye opening. We bought a house, after so much struggle with job loss and losing our home in Florida, we were able to move into a home of our own again. I was accepted into and graduated from a prestigious Business Bootcamp! That was mind blowing what I learned and how much I grew during that time. I earned a Success Club trip to Disney World. My husband and I went to Vegas for Coach Summit -- It was an experience that will forever be one of my top 10 favorites in my life. I met new friends, I met celebrities. It was amazing! My marriage has gotten stronger. My husband & I have really built an incredible relationship and it's all built on a foundation of trust, hard work, health and fitness. We are slowly learning how to become debt free. The financial freedom once we pay off our last bit of debt will be indescribable! I've done a lot of personal growth: I'm overcoming anxiety and learning how not to care what others think of me. I'm learning how to be a successful business woman. I'm learning how to be the best leader for my team and help others have a more fulfilling life of their own. 

It hasn't been all roses & balloons though. For 2 months we weren't sure how we'd buy groceries or keep the house heated. Work was slow. Money dried up and things got real tight. And it's still very hard financially for us right now. We had some ups & downs with our children and even moving into our new home had some trial & error moments. Our life is far from perfect! But we strive every day for progress and keep moving forward one step at a time. We've learned that nothing God puts in our path is meant to break us, it's meant to strengthen us and keep us pointed towards our goals. Many people give up in the face of adversity and say it's just too hard, it's impossible. That is the wrong attitude! We may get pushed around and tripped up by life, but we damn sure will fight to stand back up and keep pushing forward. That is the right attitude!

What many people don't realize is that we can change our attitudes about life. It takes some work, but it can be done. The more we accept other people and their faults and quirks, the less judgmental we become. The more we decide to share the goodness that's within us, the less selfish we become, and the less likely we are to hang on to material things. The more we learn about other's emotional or physical problems, the more understanding and compassionate we become. YOUR attitude is one of your gifts to the world, all day, every day. What kind of gift do you give? And is it a gift that remains strong, steady & true no matter what happens to you?

My WHY - A Story About Me & Beachbody

My Story:

I'll start with a little back story and lead up to what I want to say: My story started years ago, let's just say since I was a teenager I was insecure about who I was, I had no self-confidence and many people including some of my peers would tell me I was lazy, stupid, and a 'loser'.  So I grew up believing I was too lazy, too stupid, not good enough. I made some pretty poor choices that lead me down a very traumatic path all the way through my 20's.

Noone knew how miserable or hurt I was because I put on a good, brave front. I hid my  feelings and shame pretty well. No one cared enough to see past the fake smiles and sarcastic attitude. So I kept it to myself - the pain, the hurt, the humiliation, the belief that I was a failure of epic proportions. FOOD kept me company and always made me feel better.

I had a baby at the age of 18, married a guy I didn't really love before I was even graduated from high school. Separated and headed for divorce barely a year later. Single motherhood and a job as a waitress led me to make other choices I ended up regretting. Then, I met the man I know I was meant to meet and fall in love with, Jorie Leever. But before our happiness was found, we had some major issues to overcome first; his meth addiction, my dead marriage to a man who literally disappeared and couldn't be found for four years. I had another child, with Jorie. Trying to build a life together while also dealing with lies, deceit and addiction. Call me a glutton for punishment I guess, but we were meant to go through all that together, I believe that. I finally got my divorce and we moved on. Jorie, and I got married and had one more child before we decided it was time for a clean slate. We packed up all our stuff and headed west to Oregon. I am a Michigander at heart, He's an Oregonian at heart. I was ready for a brand new start, so I cut ties with my family and we moved 3400 miles away, headed for a brand new life.

Life began to change and get better for us. He got clean and has been sober ever since. However; for me I was left a cynical, sarcastic, insecure, jealous, depressed and anxiety ridden person. Again, I hid it well. No one, not my new family, the friends I was making or even Jorie's friends from high school that he was able to hang out with again, knew what I was feeling inside or how I was using food to comfort myself. All they saw was Jorie's wife getting fat, then lose weight, then get fat again - I put on a great show for everyone. I had a really scary car accident with all 3 of my children in the vehicle with me. I drove a mini-van at the time, and it was my mistake of course, that sent us spinning and on our side. Thank God, all of us were ok physically. No serious injuries, both my van and the other car were totaled. I gave up driving after that. Too afraid I'd cause another accident. I totally blamed myself. So I made excuses not to drive. The fear was just too much!

All things considered, life was going so well for us with our new life that Jorie got a huge promotion at work that moved us all the way to Tampa, Florida. It was amazing. I fell in love with Florida, and at the same time that is where my life began to unravel, ironically. I couldn't hide it any more. The jealousy, the insecurity, the shame, the depression, the anxiety...it all started to come out. Over flow, I couldn't control it or hide it any longer. It was taking over my life. I became a hermit. I wouldn't leave the house alone. I didn't want the neighbors to see me or talk to me. I wouldn't walk 50 ft to my mailbox to get the mail.

My weight ballooned. I could see it in the mirror every time I'd look at myself. I began avoiding mirrors, windows ... anything with a reflection. I hated having my picture taken, but I'd put on a fake smile because living in Florida...we wanted pictures of family outings to the beach and things like that. I was so embarrassed to have to see those photos afterwards. I hated myself. I hated what I was doing to myself. But I had no idea how to stop it or where to go or who to talk to. I didn't trust any one or any thing, so I just kept eating and hiding.

I did try to step out of my comfort zone and I found a couple ladies in the area we lived in. We began walking. And that helped. I wouldn't walk by myself, but I found I could trust and relate well to these ladies, so I'd walk with them. And I could tell I was losing some weight. But things and schedules got in the way, and walking became less & less. But at least I was beginning to figure out what I needed to do.

The economy went bust, so did Jorie's job. We tightened our budget, he took odd jobs. The anxiety and depression almost killed me at that point. Knowing we were going to lose our home, having to scrape every penny, nickle and dime we could to at least eat - I couldn't handle it. But I did what I needed to do and clawed to as much reality as I could. I had to hold it together for the kids. So we did what we could, sold off everything we could or gave away the rest. Kept only what was truly irreplaceable and moved back west to Oregon. During all this, things were starting to change for me. I'd been looking around online for weightloss help. Without telling anyone what I was doing. I found this site called SparkPeople.com. I signed up for a free account. But it never went further - because of the move and all the upheaval surrounding the loss of Jorie's job.

When we got to our new destination, Jorie was unemployed for over a year. I was battling my demons, and having people tell me I needed to find a job. If Jorie couldn't work, then I needed to. I couldn't work! Not when I was too afraid of my own shadow...and I couldn't explain it, they wouldn't understand...how could they when I didn't understand!? So I hid, I made excuses, I continued to eat.
One late summer afternoon, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. The girl was so gorgeous and skinny. There I was a fat & miserable - pasting on a fake smile. When all I really wanted to do was die.  Everything became crystal clear at that very second.

I NEEDED to change and ONLY I could do it! No one could do it for me. No one could fix it for me. If I wanted to change my life, it was up to me! My starting weight: 220 pounds. That was in August of 2009.

I went home and I logged on to SparkPeople. I figured out what I needed to do. My husband and children didn't believe me when I told them I was changing the way I ate, what I ate, how I ate and fixing my problems with depression & anxiety. They really didn't know what to do when the next thing I did was clean out all the cupboards, the refrigerator & freezer and tossed out all the nasty, crappy, processed foods. I made a list of all the healthy stuff I needed, made a menu plan and I went head first into my new life. I began exercising by walking on a treadmill we'd picked up for $50. I bought some hand weights, and a few other at home fitness equipment, along with some dvd's I could use to workout. And I began my fitness journey.

I didn't let anything stand in my way. Once I began getting stronger, I started taking my walks outside. At first it was only up & down the driveway (almost a 1/4 mile), then I'd walk our road. Eventually I started jogging - tried the C25K program and even Jorie was doing that with me. I began shedding weight. I felt better, I was looking better. I began looking for ways to fix my anxiety and depression. No health insurance and no money; I couldn't seek professional help, so if I was going to fix myself, I was going to need to find a way to do it free.

My first step: I talked about it! I finally opened up to my husband about everything! His old drug abuse, my insecurities, my jealousy - everything! We began working out all that old stuff and I could finally see, that I was my own worst enemy. I let everything that had happened to me over the years control me, when what I should have done was find a way to react to it better. I made the choice to let it fester all those years. I made a choice to let the words of peers and family hurt me and make me feel unworthy. Instead, I should have ignored it and stayed positive. But I didn't know any of that back then. Learning it and applying it is what changed everything for me.

I began reaching out to more people who were on the same path as me. Trying to lose weight, learn how to eat right, exercise and get past mental blocks. I never realized until then that there were so many people just like me! People who needed love, support and understanding. Once I found that foundation, I became a whole new ME.

So I started stepping farther outside my comfort zone, looking for ways to make money. I realized I loved being a stay at home mom, but I also needed/wanted to help my husband make ends meet. So I began researching ways to do both: Stay home and still bring in money.

I developed my own brand. The Fit-Nut. It came to me one day, I was thinking about fitness and nutrition. That's what I wanted to do. That's how I was going to be able to stay home and earn money too. Fitness (Fit) and Nutrition (Nut) The Fit-Nut. Around the same time I was making new social media friends on Facebook. A lady named Carolyn Wilhelm sent me a message talking about Beachbody. I was leery at first. Figured it was some scam, so I held her off.  I toyed with the idea, looked up her website. Talked to her quite a bit about it. Asked a lot of questions.

My Beachbody story was just beginning to form though I hadn't joined yet. The weight was still coming off and I was getting leaner, stronger, healthier. People were saying things to me, I'd never heard before. They were proud of me, They were amazed how good I was looking, telling me to stay strong and keep up the hard work. For the first time I felt like I had support and I was enjoying the freedom from the depression. Many things were still holding me back, but I was slowly learning to overcome my fears and learning how to fight back. The better I ate, the more I exercised, the better I felt both physically and mentally. I'd lost 50 pounds. That was in July of 2010.

The aches & pains were gone. And I was healing mentally from all the past hurt & mistakes. I got another message from Carolyn about Beachbody. This time I took it a bit more seriously. I began researching the company. I began getting to know the people who are Beachbody coaches. After 6 months of debating and thinking, I finally dug up the courage and took a leap of faith. August of 2011.

Building a business is hard! I'm not a business woman. I'm not a salesperson. But it's FUN! I love what I do. I'm able to stay home and be a homemaker. My dream! Yet, I'm making money too. I'm getting paid to workout, eat healthy and share that with others. It's the best job in the world!

In July of 2012, Jorie and I made a commitment to do the program Power90 together. We've stuck through it and I'm seeing results, even if they are subtle. But, while I workout every day, I still found that I was slipping back into old habits and gained 10 pounds. I'm back on track again, but You see, I'm far from perfect. I've learned that I'll have setbacks and that's OK. It's how I chose to handle it that makes the difference. For me to 'coach' and help others, I need to be honest about that. It's not about being perfect, it's about making progress. It's about making healthy choices every day and NEVER giving up even when things get a little out of control.

My Doubts:

My doubts about all this come from my past. Actually they come from my parents. Let me explain: My mother has been obese since my early teens. When I was very young she was trim and healthy, but something happened to her and she gave up on herself. I watched her turn to food and thus, that's where my love affair with food began. She is now in her mid 60's, she has diabetes, she has osteo-arthritis - all the cartilage in her hips and knees has been eaten away, she has heart disease & has had that all her life, she's in a wheel chair to get around, pretty much bed-ridden the rest of the time, on oxygen, has had numerous mini-strokes and basically she's very sick, miserable and refuses to do anything about it to change. Nothing I say gets through. She tells her doctors to mind their own business and leave her alone.

My father has COPD and is a retired trucker. He used to be a very thin man but over the years he's gotten lazy in the 'fit' department and eats like crap too. Can hardly breathe, but he refuses to do anything about it. Says he's just too old.

Obesity runs in my family. Very serious, morbid obesity, Heart disease, diabetes, cancers, strokes -- Yet, I can not make my family healthy! Therefore doubt sets in. If I can't get my own parents healthy, how am I suppose to 'coach' others? Isn't it my responsibility, as a coach, to get my parents to drink Shakeology, and get them on a fitness program that will save their lives? The answer is NO! I can't make their choices for them. I can only do my best, and try to keep talking to them in hopes they'll make the healthy choice soon before it's too late.

My job as a coach is to share, recommend, support, inspire and be accountable for MY choices. Set an example for others to follow. I can only control me.

I think that makes me a good coach because knowing I can't make my parents choose to get healthy, makes me determined to help others who DO want to get healthy. I will fight even harder to find the ones who WANT my help.

This is my Why:

Freedom! I now have freedom from my past. Freedom from depression, anxiety & obesity. Freedom to be a Homemaker and build a business that I can be proud of. Freedom to pay it forward and help others. Freedom to be myself. Freedom from hardship. My freedom is limitless!

Becoming a coach has given so much more than a weekly pay check. It's given me a purpose.

A Facebook Post by Carl Daikeler

The US Department of Labor reports that $1.5 trillion dollars of medical care is preventable and reversible without medical intervention. That's a lot of sickness and suffering - $1.5 trillion of it - which we have the tools to solve!

This presents an unquestionable opportunity for Team Beachbody. Now, more than ever, we are in a position to offer “preventative” type services to an overwhelming majority of the population. Statistics indicate that up to 80% of Americans do not exercise regularly and if nothing changes, only 10% are likely to begin an exercise program within the next year. 

Even more discouraging: Out of those who do exercise, half of them will stop working out within 3-6 months! And their diet choices deteriorate right along with their fitness habit. 

People need accountability coaches. They need to be invited to the Beachbody Challenge!

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the fitness industry is growing. Employment in the industry is expected to increase by 27% through 2016, a figure that’s greater than the average for all professions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Thinking of becoming P90X certified? You're smart. There's a lot of demand for it.

And fitness professionals who also offer convenient and effective resources for calorie reduction and real nutrition are making the biggest impact on the lives of their clients as well as seeing the most significant financial opportunity.

We are at the right place at the right time. Granted, not everyone will sign up, because not everyone recognizes how great life can be when they are healthy and fit. That's why you continue to INVITE INVITE INVITE! Be proof the products work and that it's worth it!

There are millions - yeah, millions of people - who DO want a better life, and Team Beachbody is paving the most powerful path to health and fitness in history!

Do You Work for a Pyramid Thing?

Since becoming a Beachbody coach I hear this a lot 'Oh, it's one of those pyramid schemes.' NO! In fact, what I do is NOT a pyramid scheme at all!

I'll be honest and admit that when I was first approached about being a Beachbody Coach, I was skeptical. I'd heard it was a scheme. I was afraid it was just another one of those 'get rich quick' things that never work out and end up ripping you off. I did a ton of thinking and research before I made my decision to sign up.

After doing my research and learning what Beachbody's mission is about and what the company has to offer and what exactly I would do as a coach, I realized one major thing: Corporate America is the Pyramid scheme!

How's that you say?, well let me tell you...Beware, this might miff a few people, but oh well, I'm not aiming to win a popularity contest here, just telling the truth how I see it.

There's this thing in America called a JOB - Basically, the way it works is that you work for a boss, who is under a boss, who is under a boss, who is under the owner or sometimes even worse - under a Board of Directors and shareholders! Anybody work in this place?

Here's the kicker; it's VERY difficult to get ahead in this thing called a job because you are OVER worked, UNDER paid, taken for granted and it's almost IMPOSSIBLE to get time off for any reason. In some cases you even have to get permission to take a bathroom break or eat! Really?

And another thing, it's highly unlikely or at least very rare to get a raise, bonuses, vacation time and in many places the benefits, like medical insurance, really suck if they exist at all. You can't earn money unless you're actually at this job, slaving away for those other people who may not even know your name and only care about their bottom line. Does this sound familiar at all?

Working as an Independent distributor for Beachbody is NOTHING like that! You are essentially your own boss. You own your own business. You set your own hours. You can take vacations & spend time with your family all while still earning an income. If you have a non-profit organization, you can use Beachbody coaching as a fundraiser. Schools, churches, kids programs can qualify. Being a Coach is very rewarding. Not only are you giving back by helping other people, but you're rewarded by the company for your hard work and dedication. You are truly VALUED for what you bring to the company and for what you accomplish.

For me, what I love most about being a coach, is being around for my family. And getting to be home for my kids. I have teenagers and they are here, there and everywhere; sports, youth groups etc. I will have a Senior in high school in the Fall. I won't have to worry about missing any of his special moments because of work deadlines or having a boss who doesn't understand. I can take the time I need and still earn a pay check. That's incredible - Don't you think?


If you want to be your own boss, own your own business, take vacations while still making money, get paid an exceptional income and have more time for family, we should chat! That's if you don't want to work for one of those pyramid things.

Goals for May 2012

Something I try to do at the beginning of each month, just never thought to put it out there for the world to see. This time, I figure there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of people seeing this eventually so why not use that as my accountability. The list is just 10 of the goals for the month of May. I have other smaller, more focused goals, but those are just for me to see. 

I'm wondering how many out there write down their goals and do what they need to do each day to accomplish those goals? - If you are one of those people, comment below, I'd like to hear from you.

Why Did I Choose Beachbody?

Have you ever stopped to wonder why you chose the path you are on? Has it ever occurred to you to stop and wonder?

I ask because I hope I'm not the only one who feels it's important to take stock of where you've been in life and where you're going, but also - where you are at this very moment. It makes me curious if others care about the meaning of their life, as much as I do.

After much deliberation I decided I would write about where I am at this very moment in my life. I felt it was time to stop and take stock, and for some reason, I want to share it with the world. Or whomever may read this out there in cyberspace...

I guess I'll start with a little back story and lead up to what I want to say: This started years ago, let's just say since I was a teenager I was insecure about who I was, I had no self-confidence and many people including some of my peers would tell me I was lazy, stupid, and a 'loser'. So I grew up believing I was too lazy, too stupid, not good enough, a 'loser'. I made some pretty poor choices that lead me down a very traumatic path all the way through my 20's.

No one knew how miserable or hurt I was because I put on a good, brave front. I hid my feelings and shame pretty well. No one cared enough to see past the fake smiles and sarcastic attitude. So I kept it to myself - the pain, the hurt, the humiliation, the belief that I was a failure of epic proportions. FOOD kept me company and always made me feel better.

Throughout all my inner turmoil, I had a baby at the age of 18, married a guy I didn't really love before I was even graduated from high school. Separated and headed for divorce barely a year later. Single motherhood and a job as a waitress led me to make other choices I ended up regretting. Then, I met my soul-mate, the man I know I was meant to meet and fall in love with. But before our happiness was found, we had some major issues to overcome first; a major one - his meth addiction. My dead marriage to a man who literally disappeared and couldn't be found for four years. During that time, I had another child, by the soul-mate man. Trying to build a life together while also dealing with lies, deceit and addiction. Call me a glutton for punishment I guess, but we were meant to go through all that together. I believe in that. I finally got my divorce and we moved on. 'Soul-mate' man, by the way his name is Jorie, and I got married and had one more child before we decided it was time for a clean slate. We packed up all our stuff and headed west to Oregon. I am a Michigander at heart, He's an Oregonian at heart. I was ready for a brand new start, so I cut ties with my family and we moved 3400 miles away, headed for a brand new life.

Life began to change and get better for us. He got clean and has been sober ever since. However; for me I was left a cynical, sarcastic, insecure, jealous, depressed and anxiety ridden person. Again, I hid it well. No one, not my new family, the friends I was making or even Jorie's friends from high school that he was able to hang out with again, knew what I was feeling inside or how I was using food to comfort myself. All they saw was Jorie's wife getting fat, then lose weight, then get fat again - I put on a great show for everyone. I had a really scary car accident with all 3 of my children in the vehicle with me. I drove a mini-van at the time, and it was my mistake of course, that sent us spinning and on our side. Thank God, all of us were ok physically. No serious injuries, both my van and the other car were totaled. I gave up driving after that. Too afraid I'd cause another accident. I totally blamed myself and knew it was because I was a loser like I'd been called growing up. So I made excuses not to drive. The fear was just too much!

All things considered, life was going so well for us with our new life that Jorie got a huge promotion at work that moved us all the way to Tampa, Florida. It was amazing. I fell in love with Florida, and at the same time that is where my life began to unravel, ironically. I couldn't hide it any more. The jealousy, the insecurity, the shame, the depression, the anxiety...it all started to come out. Over flow, I couldn't control it or hide it any longer. It was taking over my life. I became a hermit. I wouldn't leave the house alone. I couldn't even go sit in my back yard if the neighbors were outside because I didn't want them to see me or talk to me. I wouldn't walk 50 ft to my mailbox to get the mail.

My weight ballooned. I could see it in the mirror every time I'd look at myself. I began avoiding mirrors, windows ... anything with a reflection. I hate having my picture taken, but I'd put on a fake smile because living in Florida...we wanted pictures of family outings to the beach and things like that. I was so embarrassed to have to see those photos afterwards. I hated myself. I hated what I was doing to myself. But I had no idea how to stop it or where to go or who to talk to. I didn't trust any one or any thing, so I just kept eating and hiding.

I did try to step out of my comfort zone and I found a couple ladies in the area we lived in. We began walking. And that helped. I wouldn't walk by myself, but I found I could trust and relate well to these ladies, so I'd walk with them. And I could tell I was losing some weight. But as with many things in life, we ended up not being able to walk much due to schedules and kids, and the weight came right back! I was beginning to start the slow and painful way towards figuring out what I needed to do.

Then tragedy struck! The economy went bust, so did Jorie's job. We tightened our budget, he took odd jobs and even went and helped with hurricane clean up in Texas after hurricane Ike happened. He was gone for almost a month. I was home alone, with 3 kids - no vehicle (not that I would drive anyway) and I completely went loony! The anxiety and depression almost killed me at that point. Knowing we were going to lose our home, having to scrape every penny, nickle and dime we could to at least eat - I couldn't handle it. But I did what I needed to do and clawed to as much reality as I could. I had to hold it together for the kids. So we did what we could, sold off everything we could or gave away the rest. Kept only what was truly irreplaceable and we packed up and moved back west to Oregon. Our house ended up being sold -short sale. We didn't get foreclosed on, like so many others. We were thankful for that.

During all this, things were starting to change for me. I'd been looking around online for weightloss help. Without telling anyone what I was doing, I found this site called SparkPeople.com. I signed up for a free account. But it never went further - because of the move and all the upheaval surrounding the loss of Jorie's job.

When we got to our new destination, Jorie was unemployed for over a year. He found a few odd jobs, but nothing substantial that would pay for food and bills. I was battling my demons, and having people tell me I needed to find a job. I couldn't work! Not when I was too afraid of my own shadow...and I couldn't explain it to people. They wouldn't understand...how could they when I didn't understand!?! So I hid, I made excuses, I continued to eat. I still had it in the back of my head that website - SparkPeople, but I hadn't made the leap to do it yet.

Then on late summer afternoon, we were with some friends. At a grocery store, we happened to run into another set of friends in the parking lot. I hadn't seen these people since before we'd moved to Florida. The girl was so gorgeous and skinny. There I was a fat, frumpy, uncomfortable cow - pasting on a fake smile and faking excitement of seeing these friends again. When all I really wanted to do was sink into the pavement and die. Standing there hugging and talking to our friends, it clicked.  Everything became crystal clear at that very second.

I NEEDED to change and ONLY I could do it! No one could do it for me. No one could fix it for me. If I wanted to change my life, it was up to me! My starting weight: 220 pounds

I went home that weekend, and I logged on to SparkPeople. I started from the top and figured out what I needed to do. My husband and children didn't believe me when I told them I was changing the way I ate, what I ate, how I ate and fixing my problems with depression & anxiety. They really didn't know what to do when the next thing I did was clean out all the cupboards, the refrigerator & freezer and tossed out all the nasty, crappy, processed foods. I made a list of all the healthy stuff I needed, made a menu plan and I went head first into my new life. I began exercising by walking on a treadmill we'd picked up for $50 and a total home gym we got from a friend. I bought some hand weights, and a few other in home fitness equipment, along with some dvd's I could use to workout with. Bought an iPod, put some good dance music on it. And I began my fitness journey.

I stuck to it too. I didn't let anything stand in my way. Once I began getting stronger, I started taking my walks outside. At first it was only up & down the driveway (almost a 1/4 mile), then I'd walk our road. Eventually I started jogging - tried the C25K program and even Jorie was doing that with me. I began shedding weight. I felt better, I was looking better. So I began looking for ways to fix my anxiety and depression. No health insurance and no money; I couldn't seek professional help, so if I was going to fix myself, I was going to need to find a way to do it free and myself.

My first step: I talked about it! I finally opened up to my husband about everything! His old drug abuse, my insecurities, my jealousy - everything! We began working out all that old stuff and I could finally see, that I was my own worst enemy. I took everything that had happened to me over the years and let it control me, when what I should have done was find a way to react to it better. I made the choice to let it fester and stew all those years. I made a choice to let the words of peers and family hurt me and make me feel unworthy. Instead, I should have ignored it and stayed positive. But I didn't know any of that back then. Learning it and applying it is what changed everything for me.

I began reaching out to more people who were on the same path as me. Trying to lose weight, learn how to eat right, exercise and get past mental blocks. I never realized until then that there were so many people just like me! People who needed love, support and understanding. Once I found that foundation, I became a whole new ME.

So I started stepping farther outside my comfort zone, looking for ways to make money. I realized I loved being a stay at home mom, but I also needed/wanted to help my husband make ends meet. So I began researching ways to do both: Stay home and still bring in money.

I developed my own brand. The Fit-Nut.

That's my logo. It came to me one day, I was thinking about fitness and nutrition. That's what I wanted to do. That's how I was going to be able to stay home and earn money too. Fitness (Fit) and Nutrition (Nut) The Fit-Nut - and what nut is healthy and nutritious - almonds. They are heart healthy. So it seemed fitting to use heart shaped almonds. I found an online store called cafepress.com where you can use any design and they'll put it on their t-shirts. You can have your own store and sell them. So I started my own store The Fit-Nut Store It was my start in developing myself and my brand. 

Around the same time I was making new social media friends on Facebook. A lady named Carolyn Wilhelm sent me a message talking about Beachbody. I was leery at first. Figured it was some scam, so I held her off. I toyed with the idea, looked up her website. Talked to her quite a bit about it. Asked a lot of questions. I mean A LOT! 

I wasn't have much luck with the t-shirts. So I was starting to get discouraged. The weight was still coming off and I was getting leaner, stronger, healthier. People were saying things to me, I'd never heard before. They were proud of me, They were amazed how good I was looking, telling me to stay strong and keep up the hard work. For the first time I felt like I had support and I was enjoying the freedom from the depression and the anxiety. Many things were still holding me back, but I was slowly learning to overcome my fears and learning how to fight back the depression. The better I ate, the more I exercised, the better I felt both physically and mentally. I'd lost 50 pounds. 

The aches & pains were gone. And I was healing mentally from all the past hurt & mistakes. I got another message from Carolyn about Beachbody again. This time I took it a bit more seriously. I began researching the company. I began getting to know the people who are Beachbody coaches.

I knew I wasn't looking for a complete body transformation. I'd already had that, all on my own, with the help of SparkPeople. But I still wanted a way to bring in some money for my family and spread the word about nutrition and fitness. How important they are and I wanted a way to pay forward what I've learned. I also wanted to tell my story and show people that if I can do it, they can too! 

After 6 months of debating and thinking, I finally dug up the courage and took a leap of faith. 

That's my sponsor coach, Carolyn. She's been amazing! I'm glad she's got patience for me, because I know I've asked some really obnoxious questions and I made her wait for so long before I decided to sign up with her. But without her guidance, I never would have made the decision. 

So - I am now a Beachbody Coach. I'm an Emerald coach in fact. I do not have a grand Beachbody transformation story. I drink Shakeology every day for proper and total nutrition. I use ChaLEAN Extreme fitness program and I will try all the other fitness programs too. They are helping me maintain a 45-50 pound weight loss. They are helping me tone up and get stronger. Right now that's all I'm looking for for myself. I want to maintain my healthy lifestyle, promote products that work in helping to lose weight and get fit. I want to help people by telling my story. I want to spread the word that obesity is killing them and I can help them. I am also earning money to help my family. 

That is a list of my pay checks for the last 17 weeks. No, it's not a lot of money, but you know what?... It's paid for my son to play 2 sports at school. It's bought school shoes and supplies. It's helped out with groceries. So it may not look like a lot, but to me, it's a job. It's a pay check. It's helping us. I am working doing what I love and what I'm passionate about, and I'm having fun! Building new friendships and learning so much about who I am and what I am capable of. My self confidence has soared. I'm doing things I never thought I'd be able to do, never dreamed I'd want to do. Personal Development has become a top priority for me. Being able to grow and learn how to be a better person, wife, mother, friend, co-worker. That is so important to me and that's what this job teaches us. The training we receive from Beachbody is phenomenal! Top notch, class A+. 

I know that in time as I continue to build my business, I will see those numbers climb higher and higher. I'm not looking for a 6 figure income. All I want is to have extra money for the things we've had to sacrifice over the years. Whatever I get above and beyond that - Awesome!

Well anyway - that is Why I chose Beachbody. This is my story. I am in no way trying to sway anyone one way or another about Beachbody. Those are decisions only you can make. I'm just saying that Beachbody is a wonderful, amazing company. With awesome people who love what they do and want to make a difference in other people's lives. I am just one in a whole, beautiful network. If you want to know more about it or how you can become a coach or simply start your own weightloss/fitness journey - I would be happy to talk to you about it. No strings. No conditions. I only want to help as many people as I can, who really WANT my help.

Thank you,

Amy Leever - The Fit-Nut Coach

Why Are We So Rude to Ourselves?

I was talking with a gal earlier today who asked about the Beachbody coaching and how I earn money being a coach. She already has a coach, but had never been introduced to the business for some reason or another. I talked to her for a good hour on Facebook about it and explained it to her. She asked many questions and seemed genuinely interested. I kept telling her she should talk to her coach about it, but she came back with 'well, I'm not ready to be a coach yet. I'm don't weigh 125 yet." - That pricked my heart and made me question...

WHY do we do that to ourselves? Just because we're not a certain weight we can't do something? Because we're not thin or pretty or wear a size 2, we think we can't be a coach or run or kick-box or Zumba. I've done it to myself in the past - so why do we do that? What is it in society that makes us doubt ourselves and talk down to ourselves? Why do we put off doing what would be life changing and incredible because we don't think we'll be good at it? What stops us from loving life and allowing good things to happen? What makes us feel like we don't deserve good, but we deserve to stay stuck, unhappy, unfulfilled and lost? What is it that makes us feel inferior to others who seem to "have it all"; looks, money, status etc Why can't we be content and happy with who we are and who we were intended to be - Our-self?

So many questions, so little answers.

I've learned so much in the last few years being on this journey. I've learned how strong I really am. How capable I really am. How smart I really am. I'm not at my goal weight. I still can't wear a size 2...not that I'd want to, that's a totally different subject. I have a long way to go before I'm where I want to be as far as my weight and body toning is concerned. But I work on it daily. I've learned that I can be a roll model. I can inspire people along the way through my own journey. I can help people...and in turn, all that...helps me! It keeps me accountable. It keeps me real. It keeps me honest with myself.

That's what being a coach is all about. It's not about making money - although it's a very nice perk. It's not about being 'thin' or an expert. It's genuine care of other people and wanting them to be healthy. Wanting them to learn that living a healthy lifestyle is affordable, fun and a life long journey.

No quick fix, no magic pill. Pure, hard, sweaty work. Real, whole, healthy food. A supportive, loving, strong support network. Put all that together and you've got 1st class, top quality coaching. Beachbody Coaching.

The Beachbody Challenge Reviews

I had the awesome pleasure of working with 8 women who took the Beachbody Challenge. These are their reviews of their experience. I wanted to share them as they are incredible. My girls did an AWESOME job and I'm so proud of each of them. 

Courtney:

I lost 10 lbs and around 4 inches during my 30 day challenge.  The challenge was the perfect mix of an AWESOME workout (Insanity), Shakeology, and support…this combination is working like it never has before.  

I was so surprised by the success I had during the challenge; it started a turning point in my journey and it really changed how I see myself.  I have tried to lose weight before, but never the right ways and never for the right reason.  I truly have never believed in myself and I think that is why I’ve  always failed; with the help of my challenge group and my coach, I now believe in myself and I believe in the things that I am doing.

This challenge goes beyond the 30 days, this started a lifestyle change and now I am dedicated to paying it forward…one person at a time.  Give it 30 days, I promise, it will be worth it! If I can do it, you can do it!

Beth:

I lost about 5 lbs and I lost 7 1/2 inches all over my body!  I loved having people I could check in with to see how they were doing and to discuss my frustrations and joys about my weight loss journey!  We did lots of different programs but we all had the same goals to eat better, get moving and be healthier!!  Having a Coach, like Amy, to guide us, make suggestions, and inspire us was the icing on the "shake"!  Shakeology of course:)  Execellent product would recommend to anyone and everyone.  If you are thinking about trying a challenge, JUST DO IT!!  You will thank yourself in the end! 

Tamara:

I lost just under 5 lbs during my challenge. Shakeology, exerice program and the accountability are definitely a winning combination. I have tried losing weight before but never with a set plan in place or the accountability and that made all the difference for me. I didn't just lose weight but I gained energy and feel so much better about myself. The confidence it gave me is amazing and having Amy as a coach couldn't have worked out better. She is a great motivator and great inspiration.  IF anyone is thinking about making a change GO FOR IT!! What is there to lose?

Jennifer:

There are so many things that went right for me in the month challenge hosted by Amy Leever, but most of all it was the support that pushed me to lose the most weight I have ever lost in a single month; 15 lbs and nearly 12 inches! I am beyond thrilled with my results, a product of Turbo Jam and chocolate Shakeology being the winning combo for me. Turbo Jam is truly amazing! It's the funnest and most energizing work out I have ever tried. Do Turbo Jam in the morning and it pumps up the rest of your day. The Shakeology is great tasting and there are so many yummy recipes to try that the possibilities are truly endless! I would recommend Beach Body and the Beach Body products to anyone! Amy Leever was there during the entire process to give support and to answer questions and I could not be happier with her performance. She is amazing! This has been truly the life change that I needed and it never would have happened had I not met Amy. Thank you Amy and thank you Beach Body for making this one of the best months of my life and the beginning of a healthier future!

Shon:

I have been on a weight loss journey for years and nothing has touched me as much as the collaboration that was pulled together with my Shakeology team in January.  The shakes didn't quite cut it for me at first but once I found my right concoction it was to die for!  The recipes became endless once I found something that was appealing to me. That is part of my weight loss problem. I don't like just anything...I have a taste for fat! The kind of fat that hangs on to my inner thighs and denies me the success I want! However, even after not having lost any weight due to my own madness....I stayed on with the support team and am now committed again. Amy Leever has made it possible for me to stay connected to my co-challengers even after the challenge and I feel empowered.  Amy has the ability to keep the team on track when negativity was starting to appear and didn't settle for any of us feeling sorry for ourselves but rather gave us tools to move past our funk and go forward! If you don't try it you will never know the truth!

Melanie:

During this challenge I lost 5.5lbs and 12.75in. Love the combination of workout/shakeology/accountability group. Having a group to vent, celebrate, encourage, and be encouraged by makes such a difference! I love having Amy as my coach and am thankful for this great group of new friends!

Tami:

I lost 5 lbs on the program after one month. I have learned that even though I deal with chronic pain and disabilities, I can do this. My body can move, I can eat healthy, and I can be happy! I feel a little more confident in my abilities. I love the Shakeology products and want to continue with more Beachbody products. Amy, as a coach, you found a way to work and inspire a group of us. Thank you!

Rebekah: 

I lost 9.5 pounds and several inches off my waist during my challenge.  The TurboJam Workouts were so fun and energizing that I actually looked forward to doing them! Now that is a first!  The chocolate Shakeology was amazing and I am being serious when I tell you that I could definitely feel a difference in my energy levels when I went without the Shake-O for a few days.  Simply amazing.  I had such a wonderful experience with the workout, shako-o and the support group, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced before.  Thanks Amy !!

I'm simply amazed by their words and it has empowered me to keep inspiring, keep educating, keep helping others achieve their health & fitness goals and keep paying it forward. If you'd like to know more about the Beachbody Challenge or anything else about Beachbody , please contact me so we can talk.

Amy Leever:

fit-nutmama@live.com

813.431.5184

www.beachbodycoach.com/fitnutmama

Overwhelmingly Happy

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again - I LOVE being a Beachbody Coach!

This morning I signed my 8th coach! Yesterday I signed my 7th coach! It's been a whirlwind week and it's only half way over.

After getting all the sign up process done with my 8th coach. I started to cry. I couldn't contain my shock, my delight, my joy or the overwhelming anxiety of happiness. That probably sounds ridiculous, but it's true. A few years ago - heck, a few months ago, I would have never thought the things I'm doing right now would ever be possible. But they are! I'm learning and growing every day. I'm doing things I never thought I'd be able to do. I'm building an at home business and it's going well. Day by day new exciting things happen to further the success I crave and desire.

MANY people thought I was crazy for becoming a Beachbody coach. I'm sure there are still some skeptics in my realm of friends and family who don't believe what I'm doing is worth it. All I can say to that is: Get a Clue! Do you read my Facebook posts? - Worth it? This is so very worth every shred of frustration. Every second of cramped fingers from typing. Every blurry, scratchy eyes from sitting in front of a computer for hours a day. Every person who says "Amy, will you help me?" Every pound my people are losing. Every single thing that has started because of what I do... is all worth it!

Being a Beachbody coach is NOT about making sales. It's NOT about selling products or making money off of my friends and family or strangers in cyber space whom I may never meet in person. Do you know what it's about...do you?!? What it really is about is the joy I feel when another person has left me a message telling me how much I've helped them. It's about the confidence I feel build inside me every single day after doing a task I didn't think I'd be able to do. It's the growth in my own personal development; learning who I am, what I want and how I want it. It's about building strong, lasting relationships with REAL people who I've come to appreciate, respect and yes, even love. I may never meet them face to face but I love them! They are friends. They are "my chosen family". They are REAL people I am helping find who they are, what they want and how they want it!

THAT is what being a Beachbody Coach is really all about! Everything else that comes along with it -- Bonus!

If this in any way peaks an interest in becoming a coach yourself; send me a message. Sky-right to me, email me, text me, find me on Facebook, comment on this blog. I'll be ready to talk to you about it. Just don't wait! Don't say "maybe tomorrow" - Do it NOW!

Email: fit-nutmama@live.com

Text: 813.431.5184

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amy.leever

Financial Freedom - Does that Word Appeal to You?

A huge goal of mine this year is to grow my business and pay off debt. Becoming debt free is HIGH on my list of things I want accomplished. Is becoming debt free a goal of yours this year too?

To help my family become debt free, pay off all our debt, would be the best gift I can give us. I am working hard to achieve that goal. I'm willing to work with individuals who are looking to reach that same goal. Who wants to be in debt?


If you are reading this, the title must have caught your attention. So I say why not take a leap of Faith and join me. Become a Team Beachbody Coach. Be your own boss! Grow your own business and become debt free. Financial Freedom - it's at your finger tips. A click of the mouse. Click HERE to learn more. 

If you're afraid - Don't be! 

Happiness is...

Happiness is...
Having an amazing husband who supports me and encourages me to reach my goals, follow my dreams and never give up.

Happiness is...
Working for an amazing company like Beachbody, that rewards us for our hard work and dedication. Being recognized and appreciated by your mentors keeps the fire burning and the moral on even ground. Having awesome support, top notch training and a complete line of communication keeps everything fun, interesting and challenging. Being an Independent Beachbody Coach, being my own boss, but having an entire TEAM working with me, makes even the daunting tasks, the scary tasks and the rejections all worth it!

Happiness is...
Building my team of Coaches. I have 3 now! Working steadily to build and grow. I know it's worth every second of my time. Curious? Ask me how you can join me. Join Team Fit-Nut

Happiness is...
Living the life I've always wanted and deserve! Thanking God for all His bounty and blessings.

Happiness is...
Introducing a new product: Tropical Strawberry Vegan Shakeology coming to a Beachbody Coach near you! February 14 - Yes, Valentine's Day! Drink Pink!!!

Happiness is...

Completing a hard workout! Even though I'm a bit sore...I can't wait to do it again tomorrow!

Happiness is...

Being grateful for my whole entire life. My children, my husband, my friends, extended family, my home, my good health, my job, my new iPhone. I could continue but alas I must end this and get back to work.

Is It Worth It?

I had to sit down and write about this.

I'm a Team Beachbody Coach. I'm still relatively new at this business, about 4 months in. I've been struggling to form a team and get things going the way I want them too. I haven't really made all that much money (yet), but I'm still learning and growing. I know the potential is there if I work for it!

Today, Thursday, is Beachbody payday. My commission check for this week is the biggest check I've seen yet! I made $132.88 for one week - to me that's HUGE! Slowly but surely I'm making more and more. I don't see a check every week yet, but it's not from the lack of trying. Gosh I'm always...and I mean ALWAYS working. But it's fun for me. I love what I do. It's not really working if you love what you're doing and who you're working with. This is a job, like any other job. It's hard work, dedication and perseverance to overcome the slow, mundane and some times stress-fully barren weeks I don't get paid. I am building a business from the ground up - it will take time to show all my hard work. Patience!

Talking to people about my workouts and the products I use. Helping people with their own weightloss journey, mentoring people and sharing our hardships with this thing we call a "Healthy Lifestyle". That's what this is all about. It's not about the money! Yes, I started this business as a way to supplement my husband's income. I wanted a way that I could continue to be a Homemaker, which is my top priority. My family means everything to me. But I wanted a way to make extra money too and do what I love, which is talking about fitness, healthy eating and weightloss. So becoming a coach seemed logical and is an ideal job for me. The money I make on the side helps out my family, and I'm looking forward to bigger checks in the future, but for me, this job is so much more than making a commission.

It keeps me on track with my own personal journey. It keeps me accountable for my own actions with fitness and food. It also makes me feel good about myself. I feel competent and important. I know I'm doing a good thing when I have friends, and the people I'm coaching, coming to me and telling me how much I help them. How much they need my help. That brings such joy and fulfillment to my world. I may be helping them shed unwanted pounds, but THEY are helping me be the person I've always wanted to be: Confident, smart, savvy and kind.

Is it worth it? Financially - it's slow but getting there! Personally - Oh yeah! I can't think of anything else in this world I'd rather be doing. I love being a Beachbody Coach!

Thanks, Beachbody!

So excited to share this video with you! I love my job and I hope once you've watched this video you'll understand why. Enjoy....