Self-ValYOU x Girls On The Run

So today I am soooo excited to share with you something I have been working on for a while now. "Self-Val YOU: Promoting Positive Personal Imagery" was originally inspired by the experiences I had on my journey starting back in 2014 of getting fit and not only dropping pounds, but also negative body and self image. One of those experiences was participating in the Girls on the Run St. Louis program. Girls On The Run is one of the largest and most influential health and wellness programs in the nation for girls grades 3-8, and the St. Louis council is one of the largest in the country serving over 290 schools. Every week we would go to practice and run but it was so much more than that, we would have lessons on confidence, relationships, and leadership—but the lesson that always stuck with me the most was Choosing Positive Self-Talk. It planted the seed in me and gave me the persistence I needed to KEEP GOING. When I began Self-ValYOU, I never forgot how important that piece of the program was and it was part of the reason I wanted to create a way to keep spreading and educating that message even for people who were older, or not necessarily in GOTR. Their curriculum is so awesome and organized and I have been wanting to be able to work with them especially since they helped me get started, and because their message in that part of their lessons is basically everything I also want Self-ValYOU to be.

That is why today I am SO honored and proud to share with you that a few weeks ago I received an amazing invitation—to partner with Girls On The Run St. Louis by volunteering with them in their offices AND, as an alumni of the program, to be a coordinator of their alumni station at their huge annual race on May 12th and to work with them at other events moving forward. My goal is to also be a part of their self-esteem education process as a Practice Partner Coach for local teams next season! This is such a huge full circle moment for me and I want to thank GOTRSTL so much. Today was my first day working in their office and it was amazing to meet the people who have extended me this opportunity. Also I want to thank my original coaches Mrs. Nagel, Mrs. O’Leary, and Mrs. Kraeger for bringing this program to my life because it made a difference more than I even realized at the time.

GOTR’s motto is #LetsTellHer and so I will close this announcement post by saying #LetsTellHer she is #valYOUable, she will use choosing positive self-talk for the rest of her life, and she can build so much awesomeness based on what she learns in Girls On The Run. If you know a girl who would like to participate in Girls On The Run or want more information you can visit their website at www.girlsontherun.org.