I guess I should start at the beginning...
I feel like I should warn you. I'm a talker and I'm a writer. Those two mixed together often create either a mess or magic. I'm rooting for magic! I'm an energy person. I'm drawn to the moon and get lost in the stars. It's who I am, a dreamer. I don't apologize for it anymore. I used to make excuses, but I have learned it's okay to get lost in what brings you joy.
SO. Where to start.
Originally I designed this program specifically for the military mom. I officially became a proud Mom of a US Navy Sailor in June of 2021. As a member of the law enforcement community however, I have learned the dangers of isolating. At first I was very pro, just military moms, but I quickly realized I just needed loving support. I always knew transitions were hard, but I was experiencing change in a way I had never experienced before. I have found a wonderful group of Navy Moms and our growing friendships have helped to sustain me. Sometimes it helps to have someone who just gets it, and sometimes it helps to talk to someone who doesn't. That's when I figured out it was way more beneficial to seek out and help support those who were feeling like me....those that were working through a transition.
My son left for an overseas location almost 27 months ago. Ouch. Possibly for four years. Vomit. But seriously, I was both excited and happy for him. I know I can both miss him terribly and be his biggest cheerleader at the same time. I know what it feels like for my heart to soar and crash at the exact same moment. I get most annoyed when people choose to remind me that this is part of military life. (No, really!?!?) Or, they offer support in a way which makes them sound superior or more mature. "We just have to be happy for them. This is how life is supposed to be. Your children are supposed to leave the nest." Wow!!! Just Wow! I seriously have very little tolerance for that, mostly, because I don't believe them. My heart physically hurts. I hate that there is zero chance he will just stop by. I hate that I can't hug him. I hate how we are constantly waiting for the very beginning or very end of each other's days to say, "I love you." He is doing well. He doesn't hate it there. He misses home. We miss him.
To add to our time of transition, our youngest also flew from the nest the same year. She attended college in
Ohio and and was a D-2 lacrosse player. She so badly wanted to fly far from home but a mixture of things led her back to Michigan. I think she was surprised at how much she missed home. I'm not complaining...I love having her closer to home. She is now a Bronco and doing very well. Athletics may return to her routine, it may not, that's her path to figure out. Secretly I think she is realizing that there is more to her than just lacrosse. It's both an exciting and emotional journey to watch.
We also sold the home we raised our children in over 2 years ago and are begrudgingly commuting over an hour each way to work. Plenty of positives in our new location but numerous ties to our previous hometown continue to make it all bittersweet.
All of this change led me to a year of literally sitting down. I spend 15-20 hours a week on my caboose in the car. When I get home I have lost any motivation I may have had and the couch is my only destination. I used to meal prep, heck, cooking is one of my favorite things to do. Not recently though. I never knew a bottle of wine and a bag of chips could sustain me.
As my ass grew to fit the couch I started to find I was losing myself in the cushion. If I stood in front of a mirror I hardly recognized myself. It hurt- physically, mentally, ....spiritually. I was depressed. I was lost. Then something clicked.
I decided it was time to stop feeling sorry for myself and find my way back. Not necessarily to the same person I was before, but to someone who knew what she needed and was true to it.
I work full-time in law enforcement and have owned a yoga studio-(my dream) since 2013. I have spent years being trained in both fields regarding the importance of self-care. I have a strong background in understanding the importance of and implementation of wellness programs. I recently obtained my nutrition counseling certification, because well, apparently I had time on my hands.
I know Self-care is not selfish. (I just needed to be reminded.) It's necessary. It's important to make yourself a priority. My hope is that here you will find the support you need to commit to the goal of You. It's important to figure out what you need, which is often way different than what you want. It's about acts of kindness towards yourself. It's about getting rid of the "I don't have time" excuse. We all have time. Self-care is not about the a specific amount of time spent, it's about the attitude you have towards yourself.
I will be offering LIVE online movement classes (January 2024) which incorporate traditional yoga postures in a westernized style. As I become more "seasoned" in life I have learned that movement is a necessity. Focusing on body awareness, mobility, and maintaining/building strength is important if we want to enjoy the years to come. The On-Demand Library will continue to grow.
* My dad passed away earlier this year and my days seem to sail by. I am the executor of his estate and the probate is an absolute nightmare/time suck. If you don't have your affairs in order, this is your sign to complete that task. You may notice "coming soon" posted in a few locations on my site. Unfortunately- this transition has probably been the hardest and dealing with his affairs has delayed the launch of a few programs. I will get there....and I am excited to grow with you.
I will also be offering nutrition counseling services. What that looks like will be decided together...should you choose to trust me in supporting your journey.
You don't have to already be in "great shape" to participate. This program is actually geared more towards helping those who have lost connection with their inner voice. There are hundreds of "Hot Bod" programs out there....I'm more about the "Happy and Healthy Bod" and that comes in all shapes and sizes.
We are all in this together.
But, at the end of the day, this is about you.
See you soon-
ellen elizabeth
I feel like I should warn you. I'm a talker and I'm a writer. Those two mixed together often create either a mess or magic. I'm rooting for magic! I'm an energy person. I'm drawn to the moon and get lost in the stars. It's who I am, a dreamer. I don't apologize for it anymore. I used to make excuses, but I have learned it's okay to get lost in what brings you joy.
SO. Where to start.
Originally I designed this program specifically for the military mom. I officially became a proud Mom of a US Navy Sailor in June of 2021. As a member of the law enforcement community however, I have learned the dangers of isolating. At first I was very pro, just military moms, but I quickly realized I just needed loving support. I always knew transitions were hard, but I was experiencing change in a way I had never experienced before. I have found a wonderful group of Navy Moms and our growing friendships have helped to sustain me. Sometimes it helps to have someone who just gets it, and sometimes it helps to talk to someone who doesn't. That's when I figured out it was way more beneficial to seek out and help support those who were feeling like me....those that were working through a transition.
My son left for an overseas location almost 27 months ago. Ouch. Possibly for four years. Vomit. But seriously, I was both excited and happy for him. I know I can both miss him terribly and be his biggest cheerleader at the same time. I know what it feels like for my heart to soar and crash at the exact same moment. I get most annoyed when people choose to remind me that this is part of military life. (No, really!?!?) Or, they offer support in a way which makes them sound superior or more mature. "We just have to be happy for them. This is how life is supposed to be. Your children are supposed to leave the nest." Wow!!! Just Wow! I seriously have very little tolerance for that, mostly, because I don't believe them. My heart physically hurts. I hate that there is zero chance he will just stop by. I hate that I can't hug him. I hate how we are constantly waiting for the very beginning or very end of each other's days to say, "I love you." He is doing well. He doesn't hate it there. He misses home. We miss him.
To add to our time of transition, our youngest also flew from the nest the same year. She attended college in
Ohio and and was a D-2 lacrosse player. She so badly wanted to fly far from home but a mixture of things led her back to Michigan. I think she was surprised at how much she missed home. I'm not complaining...I love having her closer to home. She is now a Bronco and doing very well. Athletics may return to her routine, it may not, that's her path to figure out. Secretly I think she is realizing that there is more to her than just lacrosse. It's both an exciting and emotional journey to watch.
We also sold the home we raised our children in over 2 years ago and are begrudgingly commuting over an hour each way to work. Plenty of positives in our new location but numerous ties to our previous hometown continue to make it all bittersweet.
All of this change led me to a year of literally sitting down. I spend 15-20 hours a week on my caboose in the car. When I get home I have lost any motivation I may have had and the couch is my only destination. I used to meal prep, heck, cooking is one of my favorite things to do. Not recently though. I never knew a bottle of wine and a bag of chips could sustain me.
As my ass grew to fit the couch I started to find I was losing myself in the cushion. If I stood in front of a mirror I hardly recognized myself. It hurt- physically, mentally, ....spiritually. I was depressed. I was lost. Then something clicked.
I decided it was time to stop feeling sorry for myself and find my way back. Not necessarily to the same person I was before, but to someone who knew what she needed and was true to it.
I work full-time in law enforcement and have owned a yoga studio-(my dream) since 2013. I have spent years being trained in both fields regarding the importance of self-care. I have a strong background in understanding the importance of and implementation of wellness programs. I recently obtained my nutrition counseling certification, because well, apparently I had time on my hands.
I know Self-care is not selfish. (I just needed to be reminded.) It's necessary. It's important to make yourself a priority. My hope is that here you will find the support you need to commit to the goal of You. It's important to figure out what you need, which is often way different than what you want. It's about acts of kindness towards yourself. It's about getting rid of the "I don't have time" excuse. We all have time. Self-care is not about the a specific amount of time spent, it's about the attitude you have towards yourself.
I will be offering LIVE online movement classes (January 2024) which incorporate traditional yoga postures in a westernized style. As I become more "seasoned" in life I have learned that movement is a necessity. Focusing on body awareness, mobility, and maintaining/building strength is important if we want to enjoy the years to come. The On-Demand Library will continue to grow.
* My dad passed away earlier this year and my days seem to sail by. I am the executor of his estate and the probate is an absolute nightmare/time suck. If you don't have your affairs in order, this is your sign to complete that task. You may notice "coming soon" posted in a few locations on my site. Unfortunately- this transition has probably been the hardest and dealing with his affairs has delayed the launch of a few programs. I will get there....and I am excited to grow with you.
I will also be offering nutrition counseling services. What that looks like will be decided together...should you choose to trust me in supporting your journey.
You don't have to already be in "great shape" to participate. This program is actually geared more towards helping those who have lost connection with their inner voice. There are hundreds of "Hot Bod" programs out there....I'm more about the "Happy and Healthy Bod" and that comes in all shapes and sizes.
We are all in this together.
But, at the end of the day, this is about you.
See you soon-
ellen elizabeth