“The blueprint for a real and sustainable lifestyle change.”
This week we’re spotlighting Karen Williams, a new Trekker from Philadelphia, PA. Karen joined the movement during the Pandemic when she took up a GirlTrek fitness challenge. She shares with us how she used the same grit and determination that transformed her life professionally to transform her physical fitness goals and attitude towards self-care.
Karen’s Story
My journey hasn’t always been easy. I was a teenage mother and needed public assistance to make ends meet. I refused to become a statistic, so I pushed myself through the hard times. Even though I was a single mother and worked several jobs, I still graduated high school, went to college, and even completed a graduate degree.
I don’t know how I found time to volunteer for my daughter’s class, but I did. And her teachers noticed something in me, suggesting I explore early childhood classes because I was a “natural.” Little did they know that in my heart there had always been a secret wish to be a teacher. I just didn’t believe I was a good enough role model. But I refused to let those thoughts stop me, and I pursued my passion.
Now, 20 years later, I am a first generation college graduate, an urban educator by choice, and a community advocate. I teach my students to use critical thinking skills to challenge the world we live in today so our future will be better for the next generation.
That’s what I love about GirlTrek – how the mission aligns with my purpose as an educator. GirlTrek helped me see that in order for me to keep educating my students and pour into their future, I must take care of myself!
I’ve always struggled with my weight. In 2019 I underwent a gastric sleeve procedure to fix the harm caused during the hardest times of my life. Depression, starvation, over-eating and just pure neglect ruled my life as I struggled to care for my loved ones. I carried this for 20 years.
When I saw a GirlTrek fitness challenge on Facebook, a determination to make a change welled up inside me. I went ALL in! I knew I needed accountability, so I joined the movement and shared my journey on social media to inspire other women in my life.
Embracing the GirlTrek journey has been liberating. I’ve found so much joy! It started with the challenge to give myself 30 minutes a day of self-care and love through walking and grew to more intense fitness challenges during the Black History Bootcamps. I keep reminding myself with daily affirmations that “I AM a priority!”
Exercise isn’t this overwhelming task anymore. It’s a welcome new part of my lifestyle, something I look forward to each day. It’s the moment when I am just taking care of me, a sacred moment where I am free to let it all go. Plus, I love how my children see the change. They now mimic my workouts!
I encourage anyone who has a desire to be healthier to join this movement. Changes can be big or small, but just don’t give up! This amazing network of support is the blueprint for a real and sustainable lifestyle change.