The Keys to Success in Health and Fitness Week 12: PIES –The Ultimate Key to Your Long-Term Success

Before starting on this week's topic I want to take a moment to CONGRAGULATE RydeOn! University's first graduating class! You've gone the distance, made huge strides toward your greater health and fitness, and (I'm willing to bet) gained a lot of valuable insights about yourselves in the process. Christina, the rest of our staff and I are eagerly looking forward to being a part of your continued success.

While you've come a long way, though, remember that your journey isn't over. Whether you want to strive for more or maintain the gains you've made, the key to either set of goals is to stay continually mindful of your habits of thought and behavior – both the ones you're still working to overcome and the ones you're building in their stead.

As you commence from RydeOn! U, I want to share with you the biggest key I've found to continuing to meet my goals and reach for new ones.

To my mind, it's all about PIES – staying well-rounded Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Spiritually.  Balance isn't just an intellectual concept, nor is nor is it just dream. Instead, it's a daily commitment that makes life both enjoyable and fulfilling.

In one fashion or another, every topic we have covered over the past 12 weeks has dealt with one of these aspects.  When you feel yourself struggling, take the time to evaluate which of these areas is out of balance.  Keep searching; you’ll find it.  As you strive to keep yourself healthy and strong, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, you will begin to enjoy a sense of complete wellness.  This is what it means to “be centered.”  

Sometimes it feels as though we aren't in control of anything, let alone whether or not we can have and maintain balance in our lives.  Having faced many extremely challenging experiences, I've learned that the truth is just the opposite. We cannot control the thoughts or actions of those around us - time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all – what we can control is our responses to these things. In my experience, PIES isn't just the key to continued health and fitness – it's the key to being in charge of my life.

It has been a joy and privilege to take this journey with you.  As we ring the last bell to signify the end of our first RydeOn! University semester, we encourage all of you to keep up the good work!  Learn from your weaknesses and build on your accomplishments.  

What’s next?!?!?  SUMMER CAMP!