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Change, Both Scary and GREAT

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Well, I was 1500 words into writing this blog post when I decided to go another way with it. So, here I am… starting over. That seems to be the common theme in my life recently 😉 Last week, I told you that I had exciting news… I got a new job, and it’s a job at a gym! After 6 and a half years in retail over at the BBW, I finally decided it was time to make a change. As many of you know, last month I earned my personal training certification. I spent the month after that trying to figure out what to do next.

“What do you mean, what to do next…? Go be a personal trainer…” Well, that’s easier said than done in my case. I worry a lot, but you guys know that. I started doubting my abilities. Was I really ready to train other people? I mean, I know how to train myself. I know what workouts to do for strengthening your legs, core, back, etc… I know what it takes to lose weight. I know how to use exercise equipment and the importance of  “good form”. I knew all the information, so why was I hesitating?

I dont know what I thought when I became certified, that having that little piece of paper would make me feel different? That I would suddenly be a professional? Don’t get me wrong, I was proud of myself, but when I realized nothing had really changed, I started to meltdown, AGAIN. What’s a girl to do when she’s worried? Pray. As I’ve said many times before, I used to hate the phrases, “everything happens for a reason” and “It’s all in God’s plan.” We feel anger when things don’t go our way. It’s normal and human. A few years ago, when I realized those two lines actually held a lot of truth behind them, I started to see things differently. I realized that God’s plan for me was much larger than what I had planned for me. I learned that everything truly happens for a reason, we just might not understand at first. He certainly works in mysterious ways.

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I was hesitating because I was scared. I was scared of change and letting go of control. (Erin “control freak” Pitruzzello? PRESENT!) I feared the unknown. What it took me a while to realize is that, everything new starts out both scary, and unknown. All you need to do is have faith that it will work out. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s the honest to God truth. Within 2 weeks, I went from having NO options to having SO MANY. How did I know what choice to make?

Welllllllllllll, I didn’t. I hadn’t officially signed on, but I was about to accept a position from a gym that I could feel in my heart wasn’t right for me, personally. I convinced myself that it was just fear and that I needed to get over it. I was supposed to receive a phone call on a Monday, to set up a time for Tuesday to sign papers and officially accept. I waited all day Monday, and no phone call came, from that gym. However, I received 3 phone calls from 3 separate big chain gyms, a bootcamp company and the YMCA. I went to MY gym, Monday night for a workout like we always do, where I was asked what day I’d be available for an interview. I was stunned and totally ecstatic. I said I was off tomorrow (Tuesday) and we set an interview for 11am. Since I hadn’t gotten a phone call from the other gym like I was supposed to, I considered myself free on Tuesday. I went to the interview and it just felt RIGHT. He offered me a job on the spot that would start in September. The place that was at the top of my list to begin with, MY gym, is the one that I can now call my NEW job! A rollercoaster of a series of events unfolded that led me to exactly where I wanted to be. I went with the flow, and it all worked out. Worrying gets us nowhere, it just creates more stress.  

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am, not only to have landed this job, but also to have the first opportunity in 7 holiday seasons to not have to miss Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas Eve dinner to go sell hand soap and body lotion! I’m looking forward to the holidays for the first time since I was 17 years old! I feel like my life is finally going some where. My new position is starting out at the front desk, where they’re gradually going to introduce me to the fitness floor and personal training! I’m SOO excited!

I spent my entire childhood and young adult life surrounded by people that hated their jobs. That always seemed so strange to me. “Who wants to get up everyday and spend 8+ hours doing something that makes them miserable?” “It’s just the way it is Erin. No one likes their job…” I just wouldn’t and couldn’t accept that. I think that’s why it took me a little longer than most to find my path. I wanted to be sure I did what I loved. I truly believe that I’ve found it.

As I sit here listening to the news in the background, I want to leave you with this. I’m hearing story after story of shooting here and stabbing there. LIFE IS FREAKING SHORT. Too short, to waste your life doing anything that doesn’t bring you joy. You can make all the money in the world doing a job that you hate and on the way home die in a car accident. What good is that money to you then? I’m sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true. Do what you love while you can.

This doesn’t just apply to me or my career change. This can apply to anyone with any goal. You want to change careers? Go for it. Maybe coming across this post is what you needed. Take it as a sign. Are you trying to get in better shape? Don’t put it off. You can do it! Going back to school? Have no fear! Considering a big move? New relationship? Expanding your family? No matter what it is, and no matter what happens, just understand that everything happens for a greater purpose and WILL WORK OUT!

Until next time…

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I'm an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. I worked in a gym setting back in Florida for over 2 years, training one-on-one clients and leading group fitness classes. I absolutely loved it, but once we moved across the country to Colorado, I decided to take the opportunity to pursue a slightly different career! My obsession with exercise and love for writing collided, which is how I became a fitness lifestyle writer.

4 Comments

  1. Cynthia

    August 26, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    I have no clue if this is the news I already knew but either way CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are going to be a great personal trainer!

    • Chinups_and_Cupcakes

      August 26, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Hahaha it’s a bit different. I ended up taking a position at a different gym. But thank you! I sure hope so lol.

  2. Mike

    August 26, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    Great Post! Getting out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Proud of you!

    • Chinups_and_Cupcakes

      August 26, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you 🙂

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