How EssentialSteps Helped Susan P
I enjoyed being active in the past, but at age 50 I had allowed myself to become nearly completely sedentary for a host of reasons, both personal and professional. I was frightened that if I didn’t rediscover my exercise ‘mojo’ soon, I’d be trapped in an endless spiral of self-disgust and inactivity. This wasn’t healthy physically or mentally.
Now 8 months after working with you, I am still regularly exercising: doing a variety of activities that I enjoy and that fit into my life. As you suggested, I waited to work on my weight until I felt that I had internalized the foundational behaviors. I am now doing Weight Watchers for the weight loss phase of your program. I’m am excited that I was given a blue ribbon for being halfway to my “ideal weight”, and I am confident that I will be able to maintain the weight I lose because of what I learned from working with you. I owe enormous amounts to you and your program, Michelle.
For me, the light bulb moment was realizing that the best life – mentally and physically - was one where I did something for myself every day. In my case, this extended not only to taking time to exercise, but also setting aside time to read books or spend a few minutes by myself in quiet reflection. This was a really big shift in thinking, and Michelle’s program and encouragement had everything to do with this.
I had never considered before that making time to exercise and move around was a gift to myself, until working with Michelle. Not an obligation, not a ‘to-do’ item like brushing my teeth every day. Instead, I now think of exercising and moving around as a gift that I give myself. I not only deserve this gift - I need this gift. Michelle’s encouragement to begin moving, to begin setting aside time for myself, to take time – to schedule time - every day for myself was the key to discovering this realization. The benefit wasn’t just a healthier and fit body; it was a more balanced and centered life.
I encourage anyone else out there unable to find the motivation to move from dead center (or simply to move up off the couch) to contact Michelle Segar to learn more about her Essential Steps program. It took me only four sessions for us to discover these important shifts in thinking and behavior. Michelle was a terrific coach for me, and I know she has a lot to offer everyone.
Susan Pollay, 51 Executive Director
