For the first time in a long while I am incredibly 'thankful' for having a job that I LOVE! Prior to living in Los Angeles, and working at The Biggest Loser Resort, I lived in San Diego and attended college. It defined me. I was a student. I had the sole responsibility of earning a Bachelor's Degree. After college, and on a whim, I auditioned for a dance team and found myself dancing professionally for the National Football League (NFL) for The San Diego Chargers. It defined me. I was a Charger Cheerleader. That, like school, had given me a purpose and identity in my world. Two seasons later my existence felt stagnant. Dancing professionally with all its 'politics' was exhausting and I made my exit from the team; work was unfulfilling with no room for growth. I found myself unidentifiable.
I moved to LA to begin a new career in the entertainment industry. I was a personal publicist to celebrity talent. It defined me. I was a publicist. I worked with A-list talent on television and in motion pictures. I was their shadow on the red carpet and the point person for anyone who wanted to get close to them. Sure it had it's perks, but it too was exhausting. My work environment was toxic and my work was unfulfilling. I again was lost in my own existence. What defined me now? I USED to be a student, I USED to be a Charger Cheerleader, and now I was a publicist, when really, I was just a lost young adult.
I would pray every night that I would no longer be defined by work, but rather my heart; that I would find a career that I loved and found fulfilling. I just wanted to wake up happy. I no longer wanted to feel defined by what I was or wasn't doing, but rather what I had to offer those around me. Those wishes coming true would make me more 'thankful' for my existence in this world.
Employment at The Biggest Loser Resort literally fell into my lap. I began working with our Malibu Resort as a hike guide, and still hike to this day, and I am HAPPY! Just about a year into my employment I had the opportunity to work full time for the Resort doing what I love most, interacting with our guests! For the first time in years I AM happy and incredibly 'thankful' for my work. I actually love waking up early to drive up to Malibu, and I love more than anything getting to know our guests and being a part of their journey towards a healthier life, in any capacity.
It is incredibly fulfilling and personally rewarding. I no longer feel defined by my work, but rather stimulated by the people I have the blessings to meet. I gain so much from every experience with our guests at the Resort that I actually find it difficult to put into words without sounding like a cheesy "Hallmark" commercial.
...So I will wrap up my novel of a blog post by saying, Thank you! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to better introduce myself, and thank you to all our guests who unknowingly add to my life in so many ways. I am incredibly thankful this year...
But I am not the only one with a lot to be thankful for, so I hope you enjoy this video featuring BLR Malibu guests and employees sharing their ‘thanks’ for all of life blessings.
Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving!
Amanda
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment