About Me

Who am I? I hate writing these "about me" posts, don't you? So, I'm going to share with you my WHY and if you truly want to get to know me, stick around. =)

I’m going to be vulnerable with you for a moment. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately regarding Beachbody and helping other people. Yes, I make a little commission from Beachbody, but that is not my WHY. You know, the WHY I signed up as a Coach…the WHY I do this. The WHY that is deeper than a discount or a commission. 

My sister-in-love, Becky, is one of my current Challengers and her text messages bring me such joy – I cannot even explain it to you! They warm my heart & soul. When I get her messages I feel my WHY resonating deep within my soul. No commission in the world could pay for that.

When I was in High School I spent a lot of time chatting with my school counselors. They were good to me and really helped me through some difficult times. I always felt they were under appreciated for the impact they made in students’ lives…yet, I thought at the time perhaps I wanted to be a counselor; to impact lives…to make a difference. It seemed God had other plans for me.

I became a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and I did that job for a few years before quitting and being a stay-at-home Mom. The job was not my dream job, but I loved my elderly patients. I felt I was in a position that mattered, that perhaps made an impact or touched another’s life in some small tiny way.

After becoming a stay-at-home Mom and moving 24 hours away from my family I found myself believe it or not depressed. I was struggling. I stayed in my Pajama’s, nearly every day…all day. I didn’t do much. I didn’t feel like I was making an impact or difference…although, I didn’t want to be anywhere else! I loved being with my children. I loved the flexibility of being able to get up and go with my family anytime my Husband had a day off. Yet…I, personally STRUGGLED! To this day, I have times where I truly struggle with feeling wanted or needed, sometimes it’s like, “what am I here for”.

Then my marriage hit some really big rough spots and I wasn’t sure how things were going to ever work out. I got a part time job. I didn’t love it. We moved to Ohio and I went to counseling for a year. I told you counselors are important, right? If you ever feel you need to speak to someone –about anything, just to have someone to listen to you for an hour…find a good Christian counselor. They make an impact…they touch lives, some more than others.

My family and I began going to Church and I became part of a ministry called Mom 2 Mom. These women forever changed my life. I joined their leadership team within 6 months of attendance. I watched women struggle with depression, guilt, anxiety, weight, stress and more. I heard testimony after testimony and each blessed my life so deeply. Something magical happened during my time with Mom 2 Mom. My heart began to ache to help women. I wanted to reach out and hug each and every woman I met, simply because you know what? 

SHE probably needed it!

When I was living in England and I fell in love with Fitness. I learned a lot of new things about myself. It was like, I don’t know, like I was finally learning who in the heck TONYA is! What she is made of and capable of and you know what? She was FUN. She was strong. She looked fear in the face and most importantly she was happy.

Then life threw some very nasty curveballs my way…and it’s taken me a bit of time to pick myself back up. Life happens, we fall down, we stumble and that’s okay because after a while we pick ourselves up, shake off the dust and climb back in the saddle.

As my fitness journey exploded I saw women put on their brave face, dig down and find enough courage to step through the front doors of the gym, day after day after day. I saw their struggles and their victories. When they succeeded at an exercise, I relished in the joy upon their faces.

I KNOW…(I’m going to sound like my Mom here), but I KNOW that I KNOW that I KNOW how difficult it is for women, how much they hold inside, how they just want to know that they are ENOUGH, that they are LOVED and that they MATTER!

When I reactivated my Coach status, I wasn’t doing it for anyone but me, to get back to the Tonya that was emerging in England. She was cute, fun and happy…and I miss her! Then I dove into the Coaching aspect. I started reading, listening and watching everything I could. I hit the door running! My family has probably been wishing I’d get off my computer! There’s just so much to learn!

But…do you know what I realized? I have found my calling. I have found the job I enjoy, be it an at-home version or a gym setting and it allows me to reach out to women. My heart still yearns to help them realize that they need to love themselves too. You cannot give your best and be your best if you do not take care of YOU first! You MUST learn to love yourself. It is not a bad thing and it is nothing to feel guilty about. It is how you become the best daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend you could ever be!

And so, I am starting a project called “LOVE YOURSELF FIRST”. My goal is to reach and help as many women as I can. To help them become healthier, happier and most importantly to know in their heart of hearts that they do MATTER!

In the past couple of years I’ve lost a lot of family members and I’ve seen friends struggle with sickness. I know I’m selfish in saying this, but I don’t want to lose anyone else. It hurts too much. Instead, I want you ALL to live long, healthy and joyful lives. Please don't give up on yourself, because you do matter! Love yourself first and the rest will fall into place, trust me.

If anything I’ve said speaks to you and you are looking for a Coach to help you in your health and fitness journey, I’d love to be her. BUT even more – if you are looking for a friend, I’d love to be her most.

Life can sure beat us up. It is time to do some heavy lifting...

I love you. God loves you. You need to love YOU.

~Coach Tonya~

#loveyourselffirst #mywhy #everyonematters