We were lucky to catch up with Nichole Peterson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nichole , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Approximately eight years ago, I experienced the profound loss of my father to suicide. He was not just a parent but also my mentor and role model—a source of inspiration throughout my childhood. We were, in many ways, reflections of each other, sharing a strong work ethic and a passion for pursuing joy in life. Following college, I initially ventured into a sales job but soon realized my true calling lay in movement and personal interaction. I transitioned to become a personal trainer, owning my business, and dedicating myself to helping others find joy through fitness.
While my career shift initially raised concerns for my father about stability, his unwavering support became a driving force. Tragically, I was unaware of the extent of his mental health struggles. Despite our phone conversations about his loneliness and depression, I couldn’t comprehend the gravity until it consumed him entirely.
Losing my father to suicide presented one of the most challenging chapters in my life. As a survivor, the experience was isolating, triggering emotional responses to everyday sights and sounds. I grappled with the unfamiliar territory of mental health, striving not to lose myself in the process. A month after his passing, I relocated my sister, sought grief counseling, and turned to my personal training community for support. Daily journaling, therapy, and fostering connections kept me from spiraling into darkness. I channeled my grief into positive actions, participating in Suicide Prevention Walks and fundraising classes to open dialogues about mental health.
Since then, life has brought both joys and hardships. I got married, became a mother, and moved to LA, each step accompanied by its own set of challenges. Therapy and suicide prevention walks remained constants in my life. Recently, postpartum depression introduced a new battle. Struggling to articulate the biological depression, I leaned on the tools that helped me through my father’s loss. Acknowledging my struggles, I openly discussed the challenges of being a mother, navigating my emotions, and finding solace in communities aligned with my values.
Every day presents its unique challenges, but I’ve learned it’s okay not to be okay. As I navigate this journey, I aspire to raise my daughter to express herself healthily and understand that strength lies in embracing both victories and setbacks. Life, after all, is more meaningful when the road is a little bumpy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
With over a decade in the personal training sector, my journey began at Barry’s in SF, teaching group fitness and eventually venturing into my own personal training business. Fast forward to today – a proud mom, a recent LA transplant, and still very much in the fitness scene.
The birth of my first child ignited a new mission. Frustrated by the lack of postnatal social and fitness groups, I decided to be the change. I became certified and earned my credentials as a corrective exercise specialist for pre and postnatal services. Having been there, I know the power of reclaiming strength and movement.
While im still at Barry’s on a part-time basis, my main focus is all about empowering women. Whether it’s finding strength, easing pain, or just connecting with a community of like-minded females – I’m here for it.
Exciting news! My new website is rolling out soon, outlining all the fantastic services I offer and how to reach out. I can’t wait to gather a tribe of strong, empowered women. Here’s to building, growing, and thriving together!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Trusting My Gut: One of my greatest assets has been the ability to trust my instincts when it comes to people, places, and decisions. Whether in personal or professional matters, relying on my gut reactions has provided a compass for navigating through uncertainty. This innate sense of discernment has been a powerful tool, helping me make decisions aligned with my values and aspirations.
Fearless Pursuit:
Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but I’ve embraced a fearless approach to pursuing my goals. Instead of letting uncertainty hinder my path, I’ve leaned into the challenges, allowing curiosity and determination to guide me. This mindset has opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth, reinforcing the belief that sometimes the most rewarding ventures lie on the other side of fear.
Embracing Emotions:
Acknowledging and feeling every emotion has been a cornerstone of my journey. While it may sound emotionally driven, the ability to fully experience and process feelings has provided clarity and authenticity. Whether facing personal or professional challenges, embracing the spectrum of emotions has allowed me to connect with my own experiences and connect with others on a deeper level.
In essence, while I value seeking help and guidance, my ultimate decision-making factor rests on how a situation feels and its impact on me. This commitment to self-trust and emotional authenticity has been my compass, steering me through both the highs and lows of my personal and professional endeavors.
Fear can be a formidable barrier to progression, and it’s tempting to find safety in its embrace. However, hiding behind fear is often the quickest way to stunt personal growth. Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve realized that overcoming fear has been the key to reaching the position I am in today.
Trusting my instincts and inner dialogue, even when faced with external doubts, has been transformative. It’s easy to succumb to fear of failure, but it’s through these failures that we find success. Each stumble is a stepping stone, a lesson learned, and a connection made.
Had I let fear dictate my choices or allowed someone else’s inner dialogue to drown out my own, I wouldn’t have embraced the opportunities that led to my current position. Yes, there will be failures, but they are an integral part of the journey. It’s through this process that we forge the connections and relationships that truly matter in this world.
So, embrace the challenges, confront the fears, and trust your inner voice. The journey is not without its bumps, but it’s these very bumps that pave the way for growth, success, and the meaningful connections that enrich our lives.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
I built my fitness brand around the ideals of being a ‘fitness model,’ adhering to certain looks and fitting seamlessly into the latest fitness trends. Awards came my way based on appearances and the perceived lifestyle I portrayed. Living through strict diets and enduring physical strain became the norm in pursuit of a particular image. However, it took the transformative experience of giving birth to my daughter and relocating to a city where I knew almost no one to realize the unsustainability of this lifestyle.
Upon moving to LA, I initially assumed I would seamlessly return to my previous routine of intense workouts, strict diets, and assimilating into the fitness culture. However, the reality of being a working mom and prioritizing the well-being of my daughter challenged these assumptions. Navigating the demands of work and motherhood required a strategic approach to time management. I learned not to punish myself if I couldn’t adhere to the rigid workout and meal prep schedules.
What initially seemed like an obstacle turned out to be a blessing. I began working out when my body felt healthy, exploring modalities that felt good rather than focusing solely on weight loss. I embraced a more intuitive approach to eating, choosing foods that made my body feel good rather than conforming to preconceived notions about maintaining a certain BMI. This shift in routine not only contributed to my physical well-being but also triggered a significant mindset transformation.
Adapting my lifestyle to meet the needs of motherhood introduced me to a supportive community that uplifts me as a woman and mother. The shift in priorities has not only improved my overall health but has also brought about a positive and empowering change in my mindset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichole_b_peterson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Image Credits
Mark Karuda
