I am not a dancer, I am not graceful, I am not coordinated, I am not...I am not...I am not...

Why was I always saying "am not" when describing myself? I don’t have an answer for you, but I do know that my “am not’s” were not aiding me to move forward. I was putting myself down instead of pulling myself up.

The first class I took at The Barre Code was the most challenging, uplifting and encouraging experience I have ever took part in. About a year and a half ago, I walked into the Metro Detroit studio in Rochester Hills, took one class and have never looked back.

Many of the best things happen by surprise and boy this was one of them! I never thought a group exercise class would enhance my life so drastically!

The Barre Code helped me put a stop to thinking of all the things "I am not" and gave me the confidence to focus on the things that "I am." My negative self-view quickly turned into positive talk and love for the skin I’m in. Amazing things happen when you learn to love yourself through the positive changes you make. You begin to stop comparing yourself and instead begin loving the person you are!

Before my experience at The Barre Code, I was exercising because I wanted to be thinner and because I wasn't fond of my body.

I would always compare myself to the person standing in the mirror and the thin girl standing next to me. I wished I was different and wished I had what she had. I never stopped to think about the qualities I possessed. The first thing I noticed about The Barre Code was that they promote STRENGTH and health not being thin. Second, they celebrate the differences each woman has instead of celebrating conformity. Third, they encourage success and always see potential in every person guiding them to love their body and its strength within. Now this is the type of atmosphere I want to be in and I continuously wanted to fill myself with the positive light that these women brought to my life.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "comparison is the thief of joy" his statement never became more true to me until I realized each day was another day to compare, putting myself down and wishing I had something I would never be. All things changed when I walked through the doors of The Barre Code, the staff immediately radiated positive vibes and breathed empowerment to every person that walked through their doors. They see you as someone with an endless potential to succeed in your personal goals. A year and a half has passed and I have set and reached many personal goals for myself and I owe a lot of my successes and confidence to the barre babes of Metro Detroit and the sweaty sisterhood I have always wanted! Now I wouldn't want to be anyone other than myself and am proud to say that!

My favorite thing about this inspirational place is the mantra they live by:

"We live by a code. The Barre Code. We believe in our bodies. Our abilities. Our strength. We accept the differences that make us beautiful and strive for beauty that makes a difference. Every day we work hard to realize our potential to dig deep and discover what we are capable of. To earn our bodies. We are relentless. We love to evolve. To exceed our own extraordinary expectations. We live by the barre code."

Did you get goosebumps from reading that? It's amazing how truthful every word is.

I could write about each line in detail, but I'll save you the time now, but will be back to visit this amazing mantra and the words us barre babes live by! Find something that fuels your passion and never let go of it.