Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Wyman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laura, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I find hope and optimism in my faith. Despite seemingly insurmountable circumstances, I have been able to overcome situations that individually cripple many. Frightening medical issues, domestic violence, divorce, financial ruin and rebuild, career pivots, life-altering medical diagnosis, and most recently fighting for my mobility has strengthen my resolve and cemented my belief in God all the more. This refusal to quit is not of my own doing, but rather from the inner strength and resilience that comes only from faith in a Higher power. Trusting that a far greater source than I is in control of all things, and that I am exactly where I am meant to be, regardless of the situation, leads to profound inner peace. After leaving an abusive marriage, and rebuilding from nothing in all terms, I realized with time that each day is filled with the hope of new beginnings. We are never stuck – we are always free to make another choice, turn in a different direction, and/or say no to what no longer serves us. I had nothing but 2 suitcases and my daughter when I left, but I had everything I needed. My education opened doors for a new career, and step-by-step we rebuilt our lives.
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?
A Nurse Practitioner for more than 20 years, I am currently transitioning to Wellness Coaching. Physically not longer in step with a busy clinical practice, I have to focus on the things I am capable of pursuing, rather than dwell on what is no longer part of my life. This exciting journey was slightly unexpected after a major medical crisis, and yet has been a profound blessing. Humongous, life-altering pivots seem to be my specialty! I am beyond grateful to be able to serve clients and families on a more holistic level, incorporating wellness strategies to gain, maintain, and optimize levels of health. Wyman’s Gym and Wellness Center currently serves youth developmental to varsity scholarship athletes, as well as adults seeking improved fitness on an adaptive to advanced conditioning spectrum. We strive to over-deliver in all ways possible by delivering customized programs for all levels of strength and fitness.
We will be launching our very own, completely custom app within the next 4-6 weeks, and have seen an exponential increase in expansion with the addition of all-inclusive virtual services. I could not be more excited to bring my extensive knowledge and experience to as many people as possible in order to facilitate overall well-being, increase resilience, improve quality of life factors, all while motivating and empowering as many as I am able via the Legend of the Starfish. If unfamiliar, this poignant story is an absolute must read. Even if only helping one single person, we have indeed at least helped that one!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I credit education, faith and determination with my ability to overcome obstacles.
I strongly encourage every single person to pursue a form of education that harnesses their passions in life! Knowledge can never be taken from you – no matter what may come against you. You will forever have the ability to rely upon this. Whether fixing a leaky faucet or problem solving a major crisis, possessing the skills necessary for the task at hand is crucial. This is not to say you need be an expert in all fields, but rather critically think in times of need. You need to be able to get yourself to the next level should your creekbed flood; a solid education will always do that for you. I left my home in Los Angeles with nothing but the two suitcases I could carry and my daughter. I moved across the nation to be closer to family, in the hopes of creating a more peaceful environment for her. My education permitted me to find a job, provide for her, rebuild my finances and eventually our lives. Without this, I would have needed to rely on others, governmental programs, etc and the road would have been much longer and far more difficult.
Faith, whether spiritual or inner determination and belief, or all the above, will carry you through life’s hurdles. Fortify this as often as able. Again, not quantifiable necessarily, however, knowing there is something within you that is far greater than any obstacle that can come before you is invaluable. It dries tears, comforts anxiety and relieves depression. It reassures you that the sun truly will rise in the morning. It will pull you from the pits of despair, when you may not be sure of anything else in this world, and yields to peace with time. I read many books including THE POWER OF NOW, MESSAGES FROM WATER, DON’T DIE WITH YOUR MUSIC STILL IN YOU, LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS, THE HEALING CODE, and ATOMIC HABITS in my times of excruciating restoration. Daily spiritual devotionals and affirmations resurrected my spirit in more ways than I can say. There are times when you must assume responsibility for your current predicament, and do all that you can to change your daily habits in order to create the change you wish to see. Find positive, productive, healthy ways of coping and implement them as if your life depends on it…because it does!
Determination encompasses many layers including ambition, persistence, strength and resilience in my mind. These pillar qualities facilitated my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recoveries time and time again. I am full speed, team NEVER GIVE UP. I refuse to settle. I chase my goals with every ounce of my being. I rest when needed but will not quit. Dr Wayne Dyer quoted a profound ideology: Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. Rather than focusing on the negative circumstance(s), shift your attention towards an attitude of gratitude: be thankful for the things you DO have, wonder at the positive, and smile with each blessing. Celebrate every victory! This will improve your determination tenfold by creating a positive feedback loop neurochemically. When my pelvis shattered two weeks after my fifth spinal fusion, I could hardly move my left leg. I could not feel the majority of it. I was terrified. I own a gym. I Coach. I am an active woman who worked full-time in a pediatric clinic at the time; wrangling pint-sized humans was my entire world! Two months of bedrest was physical and mental torture. Taking the first steps after surgery created a pain I would never wish upon another living human being, and this said as a mother who gave birth naturally, a woman who has experienced more than twenty fractures from osteoporosis, a chronic pain patient thriving despite systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis with a pacemaker to keep me vertical! It was never a question of IF I would walk again; it was WHEN. My fierce determination allowed nothing to stand in my way. There were many, many bumps along the journey, and progression was at turtle’s pace, but I am standing and walking today, thanks to never giving up.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am actively seeking collaborative partners to increase our fitness and wellness services including brand sponsorships, merchandise development, social media optimization, and perhaps additional experienced Coaches who match our efforts and commitment to over-delivery. I would love to write a book with the hopes that my story can serve as a source of inspiration for those facing trying circumstances.
So many thanks in advance for any and all considerations! Best wishes for all the success!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wymansgym.com
- Instagram: @wymantrained, @likeabosswellness
- Facebook: Wyman’s Gym
