by Meet, Joan!
Joan joined Training for Warriors Doylestown in August of 2017. As an introvert, someone who tends to hang back, and stay within her safety net, Joan made a huge step when she got her feet through the door at TFW.
Joan found that she was facing life with a front up, but TFW brought something new to her. That “thing” was belief in herself. “It has given me the confidence to push myself beyond my comfort zone knowing that I can ‘just do it!’ There are no failures, just lessons and experiences.” Along with finding that confidence to believe in herself, she has also dropped her fear of pushing herself, and has become open to the possibilities that life has to offer.
There are a lot of things that Joan enjoys about Training for Warriors. “I love the challenges. To discover what my body and mind are capable of achieving is such a high.” Joan also looks forward to the inspirational stories, and messages, that come before every training session.
She has also found tremendous support from the Doylestown familia.
“What can one possibly say other than what the word actually stands for? It is truly a familia. ‘One for all and all for one!’ Not only within the wall of the dojo do you feel the support, but in the outside world as well. I am humbled and thankful to be a part of such a positive and caring environment, and outstanding individuals.”
Joan has doubted herself in the past, which made her questioned a lot of her decisions over the years – especially when it came to her children and parenting.
“Having become a widow, at 44, with three kids to raise scared me to my core. Going through this journey without a partner to share the good times, decisions, trials and tribulations with was unthinkable. But, this was the hand that life dealt, and all I could do was my best. As time went on and I did what I felt was right for my family, one always questions oneself. Was it enough? Were my decisions right? Could I have done more or better? At this point, my kids have ‘flown the nest’, and are living their own lives successfully, and I couldn’t be a prouder mother! Going through those day-to-day struggles, and thoughts, caused me to build up a doubt deep within myself, and about myself.
I constantly was checking out ways to get past those feelings with self-help books, programs, working out in “regular” gyms, and talking with people. Mostly putting on a face that life was ‘happy-happy’. It wasn’t until I came to TFW and experienced all that it has to offer a person that I truly have found who I am and who I can be.
As I joyously look forward to the birth of my first grandchild this summer, and the future, I know that I can do it with a true confidence in myself. For all it has brought me, I am eternally thankful to fate for allowing me to be a part of the Doylestown TFW Familia.”
So, what’s Joan’s biggest piece of advice to anyone who’s overcome a tragedy? Anyone who’s doubted themselves? “My biggest piece of advice? Truly, JUST DO IT! If you want to feel better physically, mentally, and yes, emotionally, JUST DO IT!
To me, TFW is different from any other program because there is an honest, and genuine, care for one’s journey, accomplishments, and wellbeing. YOU EXIST AT TFW!”
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