When I realized why God put me on this earth, Christian life for me opened up and became so much easier.  Lives are changed when others reap the benefits from inspiring one individual.  For me, this happens when I encourage someone who encourages others.  I motivate people to get healthy!   I encourage others both to strengthen their body and mind.  It is amazing what a few resistance exercises and an improvement in nutrition can accomplish.  How do I do it?  I listen to and learn from people. I take what they say and help them use it to make improvements with their lifestyle choices.  Most of the time I help them transform into a physically stronger, and mentally more confident person.  There are, however, instances when I use their own words against them to create change.  This is what I call Tough Love.  I tell them what they have to hear, not what they want or need to hear.  I tell them the truth!  To improve one’s health and body it takes consistent exercise, sound nutrition, time and patience.  It’s a process!  Facing The Pain of your own body and mind.

I am more than just a personal trainer and coach.  I am a husband and father.  My wife, Lisa, and I have a son named William.  He is amazing!  William was born a 1lb 14oz micro preemie on September 11, 2006.  We were told by the doctors that he would not live.  “He will not walk.  He will not be able to see.  He will not be able to breathe on his own.  He will not be able to feed himself.  He will be stuck in a wheel chair for the rest of his life”.  We grudgingly digested their bleak prediction, yet embraced our son’s complications and set backs with faith that he would prevail.  Here I am almost 5 years later writing about him!

Along with William, I am Facing The Pain.  There is nothing easy about William’s battle.  It’s everyday.  There are ups and downs.  I do my best to maintain a positive attitude, and, at the same time I have moments when I break down into tears.  The feeling is indescribable.  What I do know is that ever since I started writing about this experience, I feel better.  Many say that time heals, however, a friend of mine emphasized, “It’s not just time that heals, it’s what you do with that time.”  Therefore, I am using my time wisely and blogging diligently.  Writing heals!

I look forward to sharing  through my eyes and heart actual moments of my son’s life with Cerebral Palsy.   His life continually opens my eyes as a husband, a father, and a business owner.  William is my strength and inspiration.  I see where he began, see where he is, and see where he is headed.  Much like what I do for a living, it’s a process.  I Face The Pain.  I give myself my own Tough Love.

My son is a person with special needs and I believe he will do everything doctors promised he would not.  It will take time and patience.  It will happen.  I have embraced his struggle as well as my own.  I am hopeful.  I have faith.

Billy

More from Beliefnet and our partners