First and foremost, I must thank each client-friend from whom I have recieved these beautiful words, and their willingness to share their words here on this website. I would not be here if it weren't for each of you and your inspired lives! THANK YOU!
Dear Friend Lisa:
It's been 16 months since we met and I attended the first Boot Camp in Mpls. I was truly dreading my son's wedding that August because I was so out of shape and overweight....I didn't want to face the guests, deal with the photos, or walk down the aisle at the church. I just reminisced with my daughter this past week about that period of my life. I was ashamed of myself and of who I'd become. I was such a mess, both physically and mentally. And I guess that makes sense, because if I weren't a mess mentally, I wouldn't have gotten that fat in the first place.
And so the wedding was my motivation for deciding to make some changes in my life, and for some reason I found your website and we talked, and we agreed to see if we were a good fit for each other.
Boy, were we ever a good fit. I am so thankful for the universe conspiring to bring us together so that I might begin to live my life again.
I have told you countless times how much I value all that you have helped me achieve, so this note of thanks should come as no surprise. When I have tried to thank you along this journey of OURS (that has as of today yielded a 60 pound weight loss) you always say, "You're the one who's doing the work, making the choices." And, sure, I do recognize my own efforts and know that I am the one who's passed up on the dozens of DQ Blizards that I would have otherwise eaten over the past year, but I need you to know that this is not my first rodeo, sister!!! This is not my first attempt at weight loss and fitness. I've tried before and have enjoyed limited or transient success. What's different this time is your mind/body approach to wellness, the use of positive affirmations, the food journal, and your contstant support, encouragement and prodding.
Yes, you can be one helluva task-master too. Who would have EVER thought I'd climb the equivalent of the Empire State building 1½ times in under 2 hours, or finish a 37 mile bike tour in the rain? And who, my dear friend Lisa, was at my side for each of those enormous milestones???? You, of course. Every step I climbed in that building and every rotation of my bike pedal.....you were there in lockstep.
Will I ever forget you and Matt cheering me up that first super steep hill on the Mpls Bike Tour? "You can do it! Keep pedaling! Don't stop!" And I made it. Yes, dammit, I made it. But, had you not been there, I cannot say that I would have TRIED to make it. You believe in me, and so I have dared to believe in myself as well.
You are a gift to me. And I am thankful for all that you have brought to my life. For all that you have given me. For all that you have come to mean to me.
I have emerged from the cave I was hiding in (remember last Thanksgiving when you said that's what I was doing?)......and it's due in large measure to your voice calling me out, assuring me that I would be loved and accepted as my authentic self. And so here I am.
Thank you. I am eternally grateful...
Cindy
Lisa-
I just have so much to thank you for! Such an amazing donation to the 3-day, (cancer walk) working with Di and I, coming to closing ceremonies, yoga workouts, and DVD's! But mainly its to thank you for being such an amazing spirit and coming into my life just when you were most needed.
Love- thanks, Donna
Lisa-
These past few weeks have been life changing for me! From you cooking in my kitchen to your encouragement on the blades/run/sit ups your are a true gift. Thank you so much for you gentle reminders and your strength of heart. You are the 'real deal' and I am so going to miss you. I look forward to continuing on this journey. Thanks for being such a big part of it!
Love, Sally
Lisa-
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me and my team. It is so impressive that somebody believes so much in us that they are willing to work so hard with us for so long with a pretty minimal return. You are so valuable to my team and your training has made a difference in my personal life.
Love, Tina (aka Kili St. Clair of the North Star Roller Girls)
Lisa-
You Rock! Thank you for your support and help. Thank you for helping motivate me!
Trish- (received after Trish got her MUCH deserved Black belt in Tae Kwon Do)
Lisa -
I wanted to send a quick note to you saying thank you for what you've helped me accomplish. Honestly, there are days that I'm not sure "thank you" is enough. You have shown me and taught me that all I need lies within myself. That the strength and determination to accomplish my goals are right at my finger tips.
I remember starting kickboxing at your class on Saturday mornings. You were always encouraging people to do their best and to stick with it. I went from there to boot camps last summer. I did one in June, July and August. I felt so amazing after the summer was over. I realized I could do so much more than run 3 miles a day. That by changing what I do, my body begins to look and feel stronger.
Now I'm at a point of recovery in my life. After suffering a terrible accident you encouraged me to "be kind to myself", to now be so critical that I couldn't run, couldn't kick box or couldn't balance. You helped me realize that if I allow myself to accept how I am now, I'll have the faith to get myself back to where I want to be. You are an amazing wellness coach and an inspiration to me.
I would not be where I am today without your help and encouragement.
Love,
Andie
Dear Lisa,
I just want to say a special thank you for your part in earning my black belt. Your taking an interest, positive support, and motivating us to get together and spar was kind of you. I think about your tips when we do the technical sparring.
Thanks again, Beth (recieved after Beth got her Black belt, she was an inspiration to behold)
Lisa-
You know all about breaking down our doors/guard/resistances/limitations. Thanks for your efforts. May this year bring you all you desire.
Carrie- (CLEVER- the front of this card gave instructions on how to break down a door)