October 1, 2024 “Thank God for Humble Beginnings”
As we celebrate 16 amazing years of Tadda’s Fitness, I took some time to reflect on my past, present and future.
My Past - from humble beginnings...
Who knew, as a child in the 70's whose father was killed when she was two and being raised by a single mother of four kids, what my life story would hold? Who knew when I moved to Atlanta in 2001what lay ahead? When I started TFC in 2008, where it would lead? Looking back over the years I am grateful for this life I have led, for the people I've met along the way and for the world of learning that has helped me shape my future.
Julie Beck wrote an insightful article called, "Life Stories". She explained: "A person’s life story is not a Wikipedia biography of the facts and events of a life, but rather the way a person integrates those facts and events internally, picks them apart and weaves them back together to make meaning. This narrative becomes a form of identity, in which the things someone chooses to include in the story, and the way she tells it, can both reflect and shape who she is."
My Present:
When I reflect on who I am today and how I live my life, I realize that Beck hit the nail on the head. My humble beginnings instilled in me a deep appreciation for people. Back then, and still today, people, communities, families, friends are incredibly important to me. The way I tell my story reflects who I am and how I have become me. I am someone who loves people and especially loves hearing their stories – it’s what makes my work magical (Taddahhhh).
I started my professional career as a registered emergency medicine nurse then certified trainer/entrepreneur and have spent the last 16 years coaching and training people while transforming lives. Every single one of them has a story to tell and I have been so privileged, through my work, to support hundreds of individuals on their journey.
My Future:
In my current roles, I continue to love life and gain nourishment from other people's life stories. As a Coach, I am grateful for the chance to share in the journeys of my clients as we walk along their paths together. As a Trainer, I thrive on facilitating the sharing that occurs in every Coach Training or Inspiring Partnership program. I am proud to contribute to the growth of the organizations I work with by partnering with them to create the conditions for their people’s growth.
I am also cultivating an appreciation for the times when I am not working, valuing the simple things like time with family, friends, traveling and I look forward to more of this in my future.
I have many heartfelt stories that illustrate why I am so passionate about what I do, but I want to highlight one that happened this week.
My Why:
I have only had the pleasure of training JB Robenson, a Haitian native for 2 1/2 consecutive bootcamps. His energy with both strangers and friends is infectious. He has a look in his eyes that constantly shows gratefulness and appreciation. Every experience in the bootcamp is new and I love watching him greet each day like a kid on Christmas morning. Complaining is not in his vocabulary or actions. Almost every day, he leaves thanking me or staff for a great workout, the facility, smoothies or whatever he received or experienced.
When JB first arrived and realized there were stats like Most Fit, Hall of Fame, fastest this or most of that, he declared, “I will win all of these.” His first bootcamp he started off running around 19 minutes. When he heard that Malik had just won the “Fastest Man in the History of TFC” with a time of 13:40, he was inspired and said, “Whoooo, I want to do that.” After completing one full 6 week bootcamp he dropped his time to 13:50, which is amazing. At this point, he qualified as a Most Fit contender, but was not able to complete the required number of sit ups to win.
He left not discouraged, but inspired, asking himself, “What do I need to do to improve and get stronger?” He then put in the extra work and eating healthier. In his second bootcamp, he achieved the status of Most Fit at 80%. Now, he set new goals: to become Most Fit at 85% and to become the Fastest Man in the History of TFC. And yes, JB did it. He ran a 13:36.
During the award ceremony, I presented him with a vest that says, “Most Fit/Hall of Fame” and a certificate for his induction into our prestigious Hall of Fame. But I had a surprise gift for him: a pair of running shoes from our friends at Big Peach Running Store.
Little did I know how significant that gesture would be. While receiving his award, JB wore a pair of shoes that marked a pivotal moment in his life. He shared that when he moved to the United States/Atlanta, he had limited means. On stage, receiving his accolades and gifts, he wore a pair of shoes he had found in the trash, and he wore them with pride. Those workout shoes, once someone else’s trash, became his treasure. He wore them with honor, and as he spoke to us, you could feel his pride. I firmly believe that it’s never about how much you have, but what you do with what you have.
JB, I am honored to crown you as the FASTEST MAN EVER in our 16-year history. I am proud to train you, and I admire the man you are. Your humble beginnings have made NO MESS!!!
