Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate the enlightenment of understanding that the mental is very much connected to the physical?
The power we have over our whole being is priceless and essential to the way we live our lives. We all have a divine purpose and a duty to take care of ourselves well, in order to continue to strive towards those purpose goals. — The knowledge we obtain along our journeys, especially as it pertains to health and wellness, is key in our accountability to do right by ourselves. We’ve all heard the cliche saying that If you know better, then do better; so, it’s imperative that we don’t shy away from resources that can pour more knowledge into us and in turn hold us accountable to maintain a progressive lifestyle.
“Unstuck” is a mindset and a way of life. Vee strives to help you beat down that mental block that is preventing you from being exactly who you are called to be.
THE INTERVIEW:
When did you decide you wanted to serve the country and join the Army? What was your experience like there?
I decided I wanted to join the Army at 17 as a young mother . I had dreams of seeing the world and having a purpose. Not that I couldn’t or wouldn’t obtain that without the military but I needed a map to becoming a stronger me. Upon entering at 19 I quickly realized that what I needed from the military was far greater than travel. It was mental fortitude, discipline, and independent problem solving.
While enlisted I deployed several times and on my last duty station I had a mental breakdown. The pressure of success became too much. As a woman of color that burden of being great is heavy and for years it’s what made me great and it’s also what broke me. I was on my way up and like a flash I was losing it all and most importantly the survival coping tools that once propelled me forward, no longer served me. At 27 I was enlisted and committed to the Wounded Warrior Program. In this program enlisted members who’ve be wounded physically and mentally are processed through while healing from their afflictions. Therapy and evaluations to determine work fitness. In this program my journey was no longer physical fitness it was mental fitness.
Can you share a little about what your retirement transition was like and what advice you can share with other WOC who may be experiencing a similar transition?
After a year in the WWP(wounded warrior program) I was medically retired. The transition for me took about a year. The first half I struggled with debilitating panic attacks, seclusion, depression, and a sense of abandonment. I attended mental health meetings for soldiers which gave me solace in knowing that I was not alone. I also attended one on one therapy. That year I realized that there was a new way in managing life’s challenges.
Tell us more about your love for fitness and training? When did you develop that interest?
I’ve always had a love for physical fitness I started running track at a young age and continued exploring different training styles throughout my life. I gained a love for distance while serving in the Army. Fitness for me is a reward for working on myself. Unlike most things in life I control what I put in. Being able to break mental barriers through intense routines that seem unachievable are achieved. Problem solving on how to look and feel better through every workout.
It’s a constant self booster taking your mind and body on a quest to find that greater you. Hitting goals with different exercises that you never thought about achieving. Fitness is all mental and it changes your perspective. It’s deeper than a workout it’s Therapy!
How important is physical health to you? And what services do you offer that assist people along their physical fitness journey?
Physical Health for me is the overall goal while we all love to look good the real reward is maximum health. Health is the new wealth, Covid has shown us that. For me it’s about being able to get up and go with my children as they move through life and being able to be in the moment with a clear mind. There are a plethora of fitness influencers but there are not many people that do the work with you. I have three children and I’m a single parent, I always ask myself I needed on my journey to obtaining the fitness lifestyle ,I realized that the answer was someone to hold me accountable to my goals despite the obstacles along the way. A judge free space where we get real about where you are and where you plan on being .
Share with us the meaning behind your brand name, “Unstuck With Vee”. What was the inspiration behind it and what do you hope clients experience with you?
Unstuck with Vee cane from being stuck in a place of wanting better and not knowing how to get there. Taking the time to figure out who I was as a person. What it is thatI needed to be my best self. So I started working on my physical while breaking mental barriers. Unstuck with Vee is for the woman who’s not sure where to start but, knows they need to start some where.
I currently offer Accountability packets; you get me as your constant reminder to choose today as the day you step in to what God has called you to be. It’s deeper than a workout for me. I get up at 5am three days out the week for you and we work mind body spirit. Yes we work out but it’s a life style change and how can you change without someone holding you accountable.
What’s your take on bodyshaming? – What’s something we all can do as women to help reduce bodyshaming in the WOC community?
My take on body shaming is that people only speak negatively on a subject because they are dealing with an inadequacy and to hide it they lash out at the things they are dealing with within themselves.
Everyone is beautiful in the skin they’re in and in that, you embrace you.
Unstuck With Vee
As a mother, do you find it tougher to maintain physical fitness, considering body changes, time management and sleep schedules?
There are a plethora of fitness influencers but there are not many people that do the work with you. I have three children and I’m a single parent, I always ask myself what I needed on my journey to obtaining the fitness lifestyle, I realized that the answer was someone to hold me accountable to my goals despite the obstacles and challenges along the way. A judge free space where we get real about where you are and where you plan on being.
Do you have anything going on now or upcoming that you want to share with our networks? How can we keep in touch with you and/or connect with your services?
While in between training sessions and calls I also am a licensed esthetician instructor at Health and Style Institute of Kennesaw Ga teaching night M-F 5:30-9:30pm as well as Master Cosmetologist. It’s a complete lifestyle for me inside and out I’m a beauty consultant through and through.
My services are offered at http://www.unstuckwithvee.biz
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