The biggest enemy in my life has always been myself. I very much battle with my own mind, self-worth, negative self-talk, and capabilities as a human, friend, boss, and wife. Although my goal is to work as hard as I can to help others see the best in themselves, it doesn't mean that I am always successful in doing so. And it is often a challenge to do the same for me. While understanding that I cannot pour from an empty cup, I turn to my family, friends, and DeNovo community for support, and also CrossFit. When I started CrossFit in 2012, I recognized how much of a gift it was for combating the negative mindset, excuses, and shortcomings that either life has to offer or that I create for myself; getting through a tough workout helps make other things in life feel a little bit easier. Attending a class at DeNovo is like walking through a portal where social status, age, fitness levels, and demographics do. not. matter! We are all there to get uncomfortable, challenge ourselves, surprise ourselves and see what we can do. These workouts help me remember that I have the choice to "pick up the weight/just keep going" and get closer to finishing, "sit and stare/feel sorry for myself" to stay where I am, or "sit down/pout" and quit. Similar to life, for every moment I have a choice to move forward, help others, or do something uncomfortable... that choice might suck, it might be hard, and it might not be what I want to do, but I can't blame anyone but myself if I am not where I want to be or feeling how I want to feel. The sport, culture, and community of CrossFit are such a strong driving force to keep me moving on the right path toward a happy and fulfilling life. I still have a ton of work to do... but DeNovo often helps.