"In 40 years I'll think back to when I could sprint and wish I had enjoyed it more"

Man oh man am I a pain in the ass sometimes when I’m working out with my trainer. I often have to remind myself I’m paying her for the torture I’m enduring. There’s a point in my workout when my mind becomes my biggest enemy and I just want to quit. This looks/sounds like – groaning, crazy faces, sly glances at the clock to see how much time I have left, really slow transition from one exercise to another, bringing up exciting news to stall the next set of reps…

The other day I decided to shift out of this. I was running sprints on the treadmill, wishing it was all over, wondering why it’s always gotta be so hard (sometimes I forget that trainers make workouts harder as you get stronger, I’m dumb like that) and decided to put an end to my self-induced misery.

So this is what I did. I made a choice to shift how I was looking at things.

I started thinking about how AMAZING it was that I could run as fast as I was running. I thought about how in 40 years when I’m 72 I’ll think back to the days when I could sprint and wish that I had enjoyed it more. I thought about how proud I should be for caring enough to work this bod of mine as much as I do. And I raaaaaan. I was tall, I was strong and I had a smile on my face. I was grateful.

When I hopped off of that treadmill sweaty and feeling like a million bucks, an older woman on the bike behind me said “Wow, that was incredible. Good work!” And I agreed.

One small victory friends, but big impact. Sometimes it just kills me to realize how much power I have over myself.

-Chloe

Chloe is Head of Leadership development at lululemon. She's passionate about people taking on life and making choices in line with their goals. Read more from her and leave a comment on her blog here.

This fantastic group of people support our guests, stores, ecommerce team, and online communities. It's also a bit of an insider secret that the GEC is an awesome launching pad into other roles in the company-- just ask our Public Relations Coordinator, Lindsay, or our Online Community Manager, Carolyn!

Right now the GEC is growing. Meet Robin and Jennifer, the newest GECers:

meet robin

Robin, living the West Coast dream!

what is your most memorable childhood experience?

Family vacations. Almost every year on Christmas break or summer vacation we would pile into the family car and drive from Ontario to Nova Scotia and spend two weeks there. They were never big or fancy but definitely something I’ve always treasured.

why did you join lululemon?

About 10 months ago I decided to move out to BC to pursue a career goal in firefighting. I began my search for a flexible job that would help me reach my goals. lululemon stood out and I’ve been with the company a month and a half now. It's not only congruent with my life style but my values, too.

Robin, when he's not at the GEC!

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Pumping iron! No better feeling than putting those numbers up and reaching your goals.

who/what inspires you?

My family inspires me. I’ve been blessed to have some really amazing teachers and role models. Other things that have had a great impact on my life are: arts, culture, traveling, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way.

what’s your BHAG (big, hairy,audacious goal)?

Although its sort of an 'on the spot BHAG' I can honestly say that owning my own fitness centre/health store is something I would thoroughly enjoy.

meet jennifer

One of Jennifer's biggest passions is dancing. Here she is on stage performing.

what has been the biggest surprise working for lululemon?

How much everyone here cares about each other personally as well as professionally. This really goes to show how support from peers speeds up progress, as everyone here is striving for and achieving goals every single day. It amazes me just how much positivity is in this one room as a result of the ongoing support and encouragement from others.

what is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. I have a stash in my desk at all times.

what are you passionate about?

I have a passion for life, but if I had to be specific, my passion lies in dance. I have wild dreams about performing in huge venues, and I can talk about dance for hours on end. It’s my way of expressing myself and inspiring others to live their dreams as well.

what drives you crazy?

Fruit salad/mixed fruit cups—I have a distaste for oranges in my fruit salad/mixed fruit cups. The citrus flavor contaminates everything and you can’t enjoy your other fruits!

what quote/piece of advice has had the biggest impact on you?

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” There’s a positive and a creative way to look at all situations. Things are never as bad as they seem at first.

More exciting opportunities for fresh educator faces are popping up at the GEC! Visit http://tbe.taleo.net/NA1/ats/careers to find out more.

It wasn't me that I expected to change and inspire when we created "Love Your Body" month at the Carlsbad Forum store.

We created a recent store window display to educate on body dysmorphic disorder, running rampant in fit rooms across America, especially in our community.

Jacquie and Kenna created a story showing a fit woman looking in the mirror, which to passers-by is a standard mirror. To her, the reflection back is similar to that from a funhouse mirror. As she comments how much she hates her muffin top, a woman behind her says she wishes she looked like that, and two men trailing behind exclaim their interest in getting to know her better. This scenario is all-too-common.

To correspond with our window, we rolled out a challenge to said guests and educators in the fit rooms. We all hold each other accountable for not complaining about how we look. If anyone is "caught" we enroll them in dropping and doing 10 exercises corresponding with the area of complaint.

We are doing this to bring awareness to unnecessary complaining and inspiring taking a second thought first, not so much to fix the alleged problem zones.

I've found my abs stronger and chest more sore than ever these past few weeks. Why? Because I am complaining!

Who do I see in the mirror? I don't see what others see. I've become (alarmingly) aware of this and make every effort now to not make disparaging remarks about myself.

So what am I doing about this? I talk to trusted family and friends for support. During my yoga practice I "let go" of concern for what I may see in the mirror. I focus past my reflection, and look into myself. When I run, I focus on elongating my spine and legs, not for vanity – to feel long.

No complaints will come from my direction any longer. And if they do, my fellow educators – and guests – now have permission to hold me accountable to this.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from a body image or eating disorder, please visit here for help and resources.