A Journey Through Life

As I sit down to write this blog post, I can't help but marvel at how my birthday has become a celebration of my love for travel and a reflection of the incredible journey that life has been. Each year, as I blow out the candles on my birthday cake, I'm not just making wishes; I'm also making memories. 

Travel has been the cornerstone of my existence for as long as I can remember. From my earliest international tennis tournaments, marriage abroad, and backpacking adventures, the world has been my playground. I've been blessed to witness the sunsets over Sorento, the hustle of India, and the serenity of the Sahara Desert. But beyond the destinations, travel has gifted me with a tapestry of experiences, knowledge, and lifelong friendships, including connections for my nonprofit Changing Hearts Against Diversity.

One of the beautiful aspects of travel is the wisdom it imparts. Through exploring diverse cultures, I've learned the importance of empathy, tolerance, and the beauty of embracing differences. Travel has taught me to appreciate the simple pleasures, connect with people from all walks of life, and relish every moment. It's a journey of self-discovery, and it's my greatest teacher.

As my birthday approaches tomorrow, I had planned on celebrating in Hura Ghada, Egypt but due to the circumstances with Israel and Egypt, we chose to cut our trip short continuing the celebration in Orange Beach. My wish this year is for peace and love, the world has so much uncertainty right now. My heart is broken for all the lives lost, the kidnapped, and the stranded. I'm beyond blessed to be back in the comfort of my home and grateful for the experience we had in Turkey and Egypt.

In the grand scheme of life,  my birthdays are like pages in a never-ending novel. Each year, I turn a new chapter, eager to explore new destinations and create fresh memories. Yet, what makes these adventures truly special is the ability to share them with others. Whether it's through my blog, social media, or simply regaling friends and family with tales of my travels, the joy of sharing is unparalleled.

As I write this blog post on the cusp of another birthday, I'm filled with gratitude for the adventures I've had, the lessons I've learned, and the people who have enriched my life along the way. This birthday is not just a celebration of turning another year older; it's a celebration of life, love, and the insatiable curiosity that keeps me exploring the world. Here's to many more journeys, both on the road and through the chapters of life. Happy birthday to me, and to all the fellow Libras out there!

1 Week Out... It's Peak WEEK :)

It's finally here... PEAK WEEK! All the hard work, discipline, and consistency is ready to hit the stage on Oct. 20. 

Celebrated 41 Years on Saturday. 

                       227lbs- Feb. 2006                   120lbs- Oct. 16, 2018                

It doesn't matter what obstacle you have in your life, anything is possible... Just set your mind to it and watch the magic happen.

This week has been great and we even made it out to the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama and watched a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Some days feel like Groundhog Day, although I'm thankful for the routine especially on the lower energy days. Week 3 Keto and here is my Sunday check-in

Top is Oct. 7 and Bottom is Oct. 14

I have completely fallen in love with this sport. This whole process has been amazing, I am not saying easy... I like the HARD days, it's all about the challenge even when you want to give up!

I told my coach today, I'm sad to see it come to an end on Saturday, but excited for putting on more muscle and staying lean during the OFF-SEASON. 

Everyone keeps asking me, what will I eat after the show? Honestly, I'm not a foodie and I don't need anything dirty. I want a higher carb meal and then after a rest day on Sunday you will see me right back in the gym hitting the weights. With less cardio of course and more life until the next prep, but excited to jump right back in. 

Hubby bought these for my birthday... LOVE!

I haven't really celebrated my birthday yet, I figured I would wait and toast Jason with a cocktail after the show... we booked a little trip over to NOLA to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday both of which fell during my prep :)

Although I did enjoy my special day...

I worked out and trained as normal, went for a manicure/pedicure and enjoyed a beautiful sunset evening from our boat dock all while counting my blessings. 

I'm excited to share with you the results from the Battle on the Beach Saturday, Oct. 20. I will do my best to post on Sunday.

Follow me on Facebook & Instagram... lots of live videos and pics coming soon!

If you are interested in attending, the show is at the Erie Myer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, AL

The afternoon show starts around 1pm after intermission. 

Thanks for following along with me during this journey!

XOXO,

Cindy Lane Ross

www.cindylaneross.com

www.orangebeachfitness.com

Last day of being 40...

Everyone told me my 40's would be my best decade yet and the first year left me without any disappointment.

The most important thing I learned this year, "It's NEVER too late to be GREAT!"

I faced myself for the first time ever in my life this year, it wasn't pretty and definitely the most painful thing I have experienced. I didn't die, got through it, and came out stronger than I could have ever imagined.

Somewhere between my tennis career ending with my sickness to losing most of my family to death, throwing myself into work and all the stuff in between, I lost me along the way. It took me hitting rock bottom to realize I needed to focus on myself and make the "personal" Cindy great again. I have hurt the people closest to me, took for granted the many relationships in my life, and most of all neglected self-care.

This year has been the year I took control of MY WORLD!

I want to be a better person and I decided it was about putting me first so that everything else could fall into place.

Consistency. Discipline. Hard work. 

This year I have learned humility, learned how to say "I'm sorry", learned I have walls up that needed to be torn down, and most of all I have learned how to love myself.

Cheers to the 40's, the best is yet to come!

My goal for this next year is to celebrate life each and every day with nothing taken for granted. 

XOXO,

Cindy Lane Ross

Motivational Monday & The Celebration of MY Birthday!

Happy Monday and what better day to get the week started, today I celebrate my birthday! 37 years Wise today!

Blessed for so many friendships!

 Birthdays are always a good time for reflection on how far you have come and what you have accomplished over the years! I am blessed beyond words, not for the things I have but for the relationships I have established and all the wonderful people I have acquired in my life over time. 

I was at a seminar yesterday and I listened to a retired Professional Football player speak, Kory Minor, he said " Get up each day and just be HAPPY!" He is right, all the negativity and complaining will just suck the life out of you, so today just Get UP & BE HAPPY! You have one life, make the most of every second!

Having a dream for a healthier city led to the creation of One Fit Mobile!

Thankful & Blessed I have another year!

XOXO,

Cindy Lane Ross

Motivational Monday- When life gives you lemons, lets make LEMONADE! :)

Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We had much needed fun after a lot of bad news. Broken ribs, good friend falling off a roof and in ICU, and one of our trainer's mom passing away definitely made for a tough week.

Bay Fest was in town and we got to hang out with our friends and enjoy good music! Kid Rock, Amos Lee, Joan Jett to name a few.. Last week I had a couple of doctor appointments after breaking a couple of ribs on vacation. A continuation from my swimming post, which didn't go so well, not only because I am a horrible swimmer, but also for the fact that my ribs are killing me with every move. 

 So after learning that I have osteoporosis and this is the reasoning my ribs were broken so easily. I am having to change things up a bit. I love to run, it's a feeling I can't describe but because there is fear I may fracture my femur or break a hip, my running days are behind me or at-least until I build my bones back. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and being post menopause now for almost 15 years after a full hysterectomy when I was 23 has left my bones very weak.

We all need motivation from time to time and getting over this hump of having to change my workouts up is going to be tough.. I have a cardio mind.. love cardio, not a huge fan of weights. The doctors say weights now and less cardio for bone strength.

So Today begins a new journey.. I am taking it one day at a time. For me its going to be about how I feel, its a quality of health and I try and remind my clients of this daily... a dose of my own medicine. My plan for stronger bones: Pro Bono- which is 11 pills daily

Adjustment in my hormones which include Testosterone, Estrogen, DHEA, & Progesterone. And apparently lots of weights at the gym.  I will be working on my swimming skills with my good friend and Ironman Triathlete Larisa Dixon, and the Arch Trainer will become my new HIGH! 

Last week as I get the news and I am overcome with emotions, I think to myself Osteoporosis for my soon to be 37th Birthday??? 

I remind myself we are all in control of own health.. you can be on the good side of genetics or the bad! I choose the GOOD side!

Lastly I cooked this delicious meal last night which was Chicken & Sweet Potatoes which I am now adding back into my diet after 4 years of being a Pescatarian... Recipe coming soon!