Crohn’s, Colitis & Campaign Updates

Crohn’s, Colitis & Campaign Updates

Hey my beautiful friends,

How are you? I am back with a catch up and I have some exciting things to catch you up on. Let’s start with the Charity awards. I know in my last blog, I asked if you could vote for Crohn’s and Colitis UK for charity video of the year. I want to say thank you so much for all of you who took the time to vote. We got to the finals! It was such a lovely night with so many amazing people all in one building. I took my dad as my guest, and it was his first time going to London in 11 years! Anyway, the event was hosted by presenter Tom Allen (who by the way is so funny, he really held the show together). Upon arrival at the Odeon Leister square, the event was held. We all had limitless free wine and a goody bag full of cinema treats – drinks, sweet popcorn, chocolate. I was of course envious of everyone who ate the popcorn. I am sure the smell is stronger for me because it is something I cannot have. My dad happily ate mine. I did settle for a coke zero, because yes, the idea of free wine sounds excellent but I am on anti-depressive medication so wine and sertraline combined is never a wise idea.

The award was sectioned into category’s of what each charity raises annually each year. The winner of each category had their video played on the big screen and then they came to the stage to collect their award and have photos. In my section I was amongst some incredible people, as sad as I was that we did not win, I am so happy for the man who did. His story was so inspiring, and it touched me so much,  tears were shed for how such a horrible situation happened to him, yet he overcome it and is able to still live his dream career. Very well-deserved win. There was also live entertainment and guest celebrities who presented the awards for each category some of the celebs were – Arlene Phillips – hot gossip dancer and Andrew Lloyd weather musical choreographer. AJ Pritchard a dancer on strictly and his brother Curtis who was on love island, and more.

Next, I want to talk about how my life has been going since I last spoke to you, STRESSFUL. That is all I can say to describe the past 3 months. I have been training to become a level 3 qualified Personal Trainer and it has been the hardest 3 months of my life. I am as of current, passed on the practical which is good but just having to do a few changes to the coursework. I have been so time consumed with coursework that I had got behind on emails, haven’t been out with friends. BUT, I know when this is over its finished for life and I won’t ever have to do this again, so in the long run it is going to be so worth it. I have been so proud of myself, for the fact I have really worked so hard to pass this and I usually find sticking to stuff hard with my PTSD and where I procrastinate and have a fear at times of facing things. So, being faced with coursework, then amendments and then practical exams has been so scary for me, and I am so proud to say, I smashed it.

When I am fully qualified and have my certificate which they say can take around 3 months to come (July time for me). I am going to be specialising in women, and those who identify as a women and those who have a chronic illness. I have chosen to do this because I have been through my struggles and live with a chronic illness so I know exactly how it feels, how hard certain days can be and the affect it can have on your mental health. Therefore, I will be that PT that is missing in the industry. I will be able to PT online virtually and in person. Please stay tuned for when I can announce that in case any of you gorgeous ladies want to come to me. I think it is crucial when you have a PT that you have somebody you can relate to because at the end of the day you are intrusting somebody with your fitness goals and health journey. You want somebody who understands how it is to live with a chronic condition and just overall understand and gets it. I have been there with the body dysmorphia, wanting to not get out of bed, the hospital stays, surgeries, mental health battles. I channelled my energy into fitness, and it really helped me. We want to work out because we love our bodies not because we want to just change the way we look. Fitness Is so much more than just how you look.

I hope you all can stay posted and maybe I will see some of you as my clients this year! Anyway, before I leave let me one last time leave you with the link here for the symptom checker for you to send to a family or friend if they are having symptoms of Crohn’s or Colitis. Remember they are not alone in this, and neither are you.

Lots of love

Speak to you in July!

Love

Natalie-Amber @natalie_amber1 xx