Strong bodies - stronger hearts.

....
Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.
Sai Baba

For those of you who are wondering about this "love letter," here's the back story, by Debra, owner and founder of Energy Pilates Fitness Yoga.

Once upon a time In 2008, I decided to move my fitness program to an empty and prime space next to a karate studio in Woodbury. Two people (hereinafter referred to as "the couple") entered my life who offered assistance and help, and I said "yes,"!  Energy planted it's roots.  We grew the studio, the staff, the members, and enjoyed serving, helping, energizing all who walked into our purple studio.  During this time, I had the pleasure (along with other instructors) to get to know three children of the said couple, Jessie, Kelsey and Ellie.  Ellie was our darling little mascot, just 4 years old, and a bundle of energy, opinion, sass, and cuteness.  What a joy to grow a business and to meet wonderful "little people" along the way.

If you've ever seen me around the studio, I am in and out of child care all the time. For whatever reason, I am drawn to young hearts, minds, and energy.  It rocks my world to laugh, learn, and teach with the children.  It came as natural as a sunshine day, getting to know the three children, especially Ellie.

It turns out this happy story had a bumpy middle.  The parents of my three little friends turned out to be ....what word should I choose that will now be on the internet forever?  Who will read this? What would the children think? I will choose my words carefully ... the parents slowly become very, very, lost and adrift in their assistance for me...and for others.

Personally and professionally, this was the most difficult time for me.  How to do I help my customers, be true to their needs, be loyal to what I know, but to stand up for what I believe in.  I will do it.  I can it. I have to do it.  

Doing the right thing cost me a few "friends" and a few customers who only saw the surface and never asked questions of my heart.

Energy moved on, to great success as almost every Energy member showed undying support and moved on with a new and improved business plan paving a road of good energy  to "just say 'no" to the bad in this world.   Energy is fitness, life, love, laughter and perseverance.

But, I lost my three little friends.

I did know know the bumps had to be there.  I did not know how sharp and rocky and painful the bumps were. These choices had to be made, people had to leave my life to I can now see how bright love is.  But first, one more dark cloud, one more bump ...Ellie is in trouble.

We need to help.  

We launched a fundraiser to help Kelsey and her new husband Phil, gain custody of her Ellie - to remove her from the court system in Colorado to their home in MN, to live with her sister for now and forever.  *Can I just add a shout out to all you foster parents out there who "give a damn" for kids.  You are needed.

My business allowed me to step up to evil, join forces with many women and men in this community and beyond to stop it.  We did.  God bless this new family; reunited with love and energy.  

                                                  Hold on when it's a bumpy ride; it's worth it. 

With everlasting and deep love from me, Debra and Energy to you .... Kelsey, Phil, Ellie (and Jesse) and ....to anyone else reading this who may need some energy and love in case your ride is bumpy. xo