Dancing Forward!

Hello!
I am so happy you are here!

My name is Kimberly and I am creating this website to share my story of Dancing Forward in my journey to better health and fitness. I hope that my story can inspire you on your own journey to the best YOU!

Today, I want to share a little of my personal journey through dance to overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges. This is just an overview of my history and overall transformation. We will get more detailed and focussed on issues as we go along!
 
In 2011, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Insulin Resistance. Not long after, I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I was overweight, in a desk job with a 90-minute round trip commute, and overall not in great health. Losing weight is the optimal way to improve the symptoms of all my conditions; however, my conditions caused my body to work against itself in losing weight. It is a terrible cycle to feel trapped in.
 
In 2018, I discovered Salón de Baile Dance and Fitness Studio in Pooler, Georgia. A friend invited me to try the Ballroom Fitness class with her because she was looking for a new way to exercise. I was terrible at it, but something inside of me enjoyed the new challenge and I kept going back.
 
This one forward step changed my life. The other students and the staff at the dance studio are so friendly and welcoming that I really felt that I had found a safe place to find myself. I was able to leave my stressors outside, even for just an hour and to truly enjoy an activity.
 
2019 has been my year of transformation and taking control of my life. I left my job, adopted better nutritional habits, and have lost 40 pounds. My insulin levels are so much better that my doctor is looking to wean me off medication. My anxiety and depression are less dominating in my everyday life; when they do become overwhelming, I now have ways to handle those feelings. The best part of this transformation to me is that I found out how to freely laugh again. I did not realize how lost and miserable I was before I found dance.
 
Dance has allowed me to find ways of handling stress, making friends, and opened new paths in life I never dreamed of. It has given me a new self-respect and confidence level that I am feeling really great in my physical health, mental health, and emotional health. The relationships I have made and these new friends who have accompanied me on this journey have had a significant impact on my new life. 

I am now dubbed the 2019 Health and Fitness Challenge winner for the studio, the Marketing and PR representative, and assist with both the Teen Competition Team and the Beginner Ballroom group classes. I am currently studying to become a certified nutrition consultant so that I can help others discover the best path to their best life!

Definitely a life unexpected!

I look forward to sharing my journey with you and to hear from you as you embark on a journey to a New You in 2020!
Keep Dancing Forward!