One team, one tribe, one trip

Even as a firm believer in 'everything always happens for a reason', I was stuck wondering WHY in the world is this happening - this just didn’t make sense and I didn’t know how much more I could handle.

I love travelling and there are many places I have not been and cannot wait to go but this last trip I went on has some very special meaning to me, and underlines the very essence of what is so special about travelling.

It is a trip I earned by helping people worldwide achieve their health and fitness goals and the only reason I got there was by embracing the help of others and being open to the unknown - something that is so incredibly important when you board and plane and jet off to a new city or country.  

I had to step outside my comfort zone and work long hours all while running my CrossFit gym, on top of training to  ​ compete in an upcoming fitness competition. It was a 16-week journey that transformed me physically and professionally.
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Let me take you back to November 2014… my husband left me out of nowhere. I went home to Saskatoon, SK for Christmas alone, hurt, broken, depressed and lost. The only thing I had going for me was the gym and training to compete in the upcoming CrossFit Opens/ Regionals.

Then Dec 23, 2014 while training, I ruptured my distal bicep tendon.

I was ready to throw in the towel. WHY was the world shitting on me? What did I do to deserve this?

Even as a firm believer in "everything always happens for a reason", I was stuck wondering WHY in the world is this happening - this just didn’t make sense and I didn’t know how much more I could handle. I was heartbroken and had what I called the “terminator arm”, modifying my workouts significantly.

Flash forward, sixteen weeks later I was transformed, did an amazing photo shoot and earned some money along with this amazing trip to Punta Cana, Dominican with the most amazing leaders and business partners.

What this trip represented for me is a culmination of events where I reached out  to an amazing community of people in both my gym and network marketing business. They stood by me when I needed it most. They are what pulled me through. So I began to return the favour and help others.

Then everything started to fall into place.  I met the love of my life unexpectedly, bought a house, and now have a partnership with someone who shares all the same passions in health and fitness and helping others in any way we can.

These women inspire me daily - and working alongside like-minded people to help others with their health and wealth is truly a gift that I will never stop sharing.  That amazing trip with all of my wonderful people represents everything authentic, challenging and incredible that travelling can bring.

It’s going to be hard at times but surround yourself with people that love you and support you. Haters are going to hate. Do what makes you happy. Give back to the community. Take care of your mind, body and soul and step outside your comfort zone because if you want something you’ve never had, then you got to do something you’ve never done.  Be bold and be fearless. If it excites you and scares you at the same time, DO IT!!!

Author - Kendra Johnsen

Kendra Johnsen is the owner and founder of Crossfit Poise, based in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada.