Hey Fitfam! Things are interesting when you are blogging from 31,000 feet! You really do get to see a whole lot. Literally.

Sun. Clouds. Blue Skies. Everything seems much calmer… more peaceful up here. You really do get to focus on the beauty that the earth has to offer.

The funny thing is I travel quiet often. So often that, TSA lines, baggage check, boarding waiting times and delays are the norm for me. It is almost second nature; I do not even need to think half the time because flying is so natural. The crazy part is it use to be such an anxiety for me.

Now I just observe. I watch people, I wonder where they are going, where they are coming from. I talk to people, I get to know people and I am helpful… why? Because perhaps they have the same anxiety I once had and maybe I just by me helping or a conversation they are put at ease.

Now normally on the blogs we would rap out about the week, what happened in the fitness world for Team Fearless Fitness etc. But tonight I am going to shift the light on something very real and I do hope that you continue to read it because the idea behind it is that in life we have choices. We have choices to stand by and watch or to help people in need. Sometimes we help people because we have to and sometimes we help people because we can and those choices define who we are as individuals.

Today as I boarded my United 737, I had premier access. Yep, first on the plane, didn’t have to check my bag (thank god) I got to get settled in to my seat and calm myself with my lavender oil before take off. All was right in the world.

I watched as the people walked past, anxiously looking to find over head bin space as the plane was full. Shocker for being a 6am flight but expected. Again, wondering where they were going, coming from etc.

A group of people were now in front of me. A lady had asked the girl across if she wanted the window seat which she did not and then proceeded to ask me. I unfortunately can not have the window seat either. For me it is more medically driven and less of a preference so politely had to decline. I could tell there was something more to that request though.

The lady took her seat in the window to my left and her group was struggling to understand the boarding process. I was a bit confused as I typically it is pretty self explanatory… walk, put your bag up, sit down. Move on. But then it hit me… the struggle was one, due to the fact half of her group was not of height to reach the bins and two, some where special needs individuals. Now my heart sank a bit. Not only was her family divided into 3 different rows but no one was helping these people place their luggage up at the top bin. The girl to my left just moved and was starring at them in disgust. The people behind them were getting pissed and all along I was growing so frustrated because to watch this was breaking my heart.

So… I unhook my belt, unstrap my beats, and at this point I am so pissed at this girl next to me for not helping as she was already up. The funny thing is I looked at her as I am doing this, (straight out of Compton blaring out my head phones) and I ask them if I can help. Of course the say yes, and I am able to get everyone’s bag up. I turn around and one person is still having problems… finally a United Captain who had jumped on our flight decided to help as well.

Throughout my flight I assisted in any way I could. Explaining how certain things worked, flashing a smile to let them know things were OK when we hit some rough turbulence etc. Why? Maybe because it is in my nature. Maybe because I hold a special place in my heart for people who have to face challenges like this. Maybe because my sister is a special needs teacher. Maybe because that is just what you are supposed to fucking do in life is help people who need it—regardless of who what or where you might be.

The purpose of me sharing this is to show the world two things:

1: Look around you- take time to open your eyes and spot people who might need you even if they do not know it. One tiny thing can make a large difference.

2. Bringing this back to the fitness and health aspect, help yourself and do right for yourself. The next time you don’t want to do those pull ups, that run, press play on that workout. Think of this story. Think of how some people do not have the chance and can not do the things that you and I are so blessed to still be able to do.

Like I said, tonight we are getting real on the blog. I hope that this inspires you to help others, to pay it forward and to do good in the world because it can truly be so messed up.

I am making my way into State College for the week! I hope everyone has a fantastic Sunday! Stay positive, lift others #LiveLifeBeFearless!

Follow us on FB and IG for live updates during our PA trip!

That is all for now!

XOXO

Coach Tina