Last week, while I was doing my morning cardio, I watched a video with amazing and inspiring people talking about personal past struggles in life. I was inspired when they told their stories and showed pictures of them at their downfall. I was deeply moved, knowing that if they can do it, then anyone can.
Then it hit me – I can do that too! I can be an inspiration! All of these people climbed their way out of a dark and scary place in life; and by telling their story – they are changing/helping people lives.
My name is Ying Tan, a motivator of health and fitness. You might have seen me in the gym, in magazines, or have come across my photos online. For many years, I put on a social mask – The only thing that people knew about me was my successes in the fitness industry. However, there was a lot behind that mask.
What runs through my mind most of the time is “How can I help people? What can I do to make the world a better place?” So as soon as I realized that I could help people in other aspects in life (rather than just health), I jumped off the bike and headed to my computer. My heart raced as I was exposing my past to others, and this is my post:
“What many of you don’t know: I have battled depression and had been on anti-depressants. I once hated myself, caused physical damage to myself, and had been hospitalized. After seeking help, I decided to make a change. I nurtured and took care of my body by feeding it healthy foods. I exercised to get rid of any toxins and stress, and to feel good. I started to look in the mirror and love myself. And look where I am today! I am so happy, healthy, and grateful- and I want to share it with the world!! We have one life here, and one body.
Enjoy it, take care of it, love it.
It wasn’t easy, and it probably won’t be for you. But please know that I understand, and I am here to help.”
Nobody knew my past besides my family. This was a secret that I kept hidden for a very long time. After my post, I received many positive comments, emails, and messages that day. I did it – I was able to inspire people and let others know that you can get back up after you have fallen. When I was asked to write this blog, I was overwhelmed! “Now I can reach out to more people and help people with their struggles!”
When I first started writing this blog, it became a diary. I kept all my emotions and hurt from my past locked up, and I finally let it out onto paper. I started writing about all the bad things that happened in my life and what I went through. Then another thought hit me! A lot of people go through hard times – way worse than mine. I don’t want to write about all the terrible things that have happened – that’s the past. What matters most is who I am today and what I did to overcome those obstacles. It doesn’t matter how many times you have failed or fallen, it is about how many times you succeed or get back up!
I went through some very hard times when I was young. I was a victim of bullying, I hated my body, I had no confidence, suffered from depression and I had a lot of frustrations with family and love. I ended up in the hospital after trying to end my life. That day, I realized that people do care and love me. It was a rough journey to get to where I am today.
Today, I am a very happy and healthy 21 years old. I am thankful for my experiences in life, good or bad, because they made me the strong, independent, woman I am today. I am constantly striving to be the best person I can be. I am a 4th year university student, karate student, volunteer, fitness model, and sole proprietor of “Roccabody Fitness”. My goal in life is to help countless amounts of people – in any way I can! I have helped many people gain confidence and health, and it is so rewarding! In no way, am I perfect; I still have a lot to learn, I still have struggles, and I have a lot more growing. It has only been recently that I discovered my purpose in life, and this is the beginning of a journey.
For those of you who are in a dark and scary place – I am going to share with you the path that I took to climb out.
First of all, take care of your body – we are only given one body in this life. Don’t take it for granted – it seems that one’s health becomes valuable once they’ve lost it. Your body needs nutrients – provide it with healthy foods, and it will thank you. Your body also needs exercise; it is good for the mind, body and soul. By taking care of your health, you will feel better, look better, and have more energy. This isn’t easy, but you don’t get very far if you always take the easy way! Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Start saying, “Thank you”. Try to find as many things as you can to appreciate and be thankful for. Every morning, I would wake up and with each step I took to get my toothbrush, I said “Thank you”. On the entire walk to school, I would say out loud, “Thank you for my life, thank you for my health, the air I breathe…. etc.” I would look around and try to appreciate everything.
Pick up a book! By reading, I have learn’t so much! I have gotten all of my inspiration, motivation, and knowledge from authors. To be time efficient, listen to some audio books when you’re driving or on the plane!
Start journaling. You will get to know yourself better, organize, and clear your thoughts. This is where you can write down your goals, dreams and wishes.
Find something you love to do… What makes YOU happy?
Be the nicest person you know. Help others when you can. It will make you feel good, it will make the person you helped feel good, and it will also make people watching you feel good.
Live in the present! Life is too short to worry about the past and we do not have the future yet. Enjoy what you have today and appreciate it!
Be the best person you can be – today! Time waits for no one. There may not be a next year, or there may not even be a tomorrow! If there is something you want to improve on, do not say, “Next year I will _____”. Start today.
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope that I have been able to help you today. My journey through the dark wasn’t easy, but it was well worth it!
Please visit www.facebook.com/miss.ying.ying.tan, and I would love to hear from you: ying.tan@roccabodyfitness.com
