“Health is just a way to show up for yourself and be kind.”

This week I am having breakfast with Michelle Rosko. She is an online fitness coach from Madison, Wisconsin. In this episode, she shares with me her inspiring story of how she overcame her own personal challenges and her ongoing mission to bring out the best in her clients physically and emotionally.

When I first met Michelle, I was immediately drawn to her compassionate energy and her drive to motivate and inspire her clients to “show up” for themselves. She has a relentless drive and her belief in the human spirit permeates her online presence on multiple social media platforms.

Back in the proverbial “day,” I was also certified personal trainer. I decided to take a career detour into fitness in the wake of professionally burning out after 10 years as a substance abuse counselor. I enjoyed being a trainer. I enjoyed engaging with clients and giving them the tools and motivation to reach their fitness goals. It was fun and I made good money! Win/win!

But what being a trainer ultimately did was allow me rediscover what I loved so much about being a helping professional. It was the connection I was making with my clients and witnessing their growth and determination to achieve things that they never thought were possible. So after a few years as a trainer, I returned to the substance abuse field, re-energized and re-focused.

However, it was not the last time that I would find myself burning out. More on that later…

To learn more about Michelle and links to all her social media go to www.mlrosko.com.