-Dani-

—Dani—

—brave—capable—unshakable—

We all know life can be hard. No, not just hard, life can feel at times unbearable. You should never have to walk through this alone. As women, it is our responsibility to defend the weak and come along side those that need help.

We want to share with you Dani’s story. You might have seen her in a class. She is the pretty blonde woman that often works out with her sweet mother-in-law, Valerie.   Dani works hard in a quiet manner, smiles, and asks intuitive questions on how she can improve within her movement. What you might not know is that behind that smile is a deep brokenness. Dani unexpectedly lost her husband while pregnant with their second child in October 2015. We all have fathers, brothers, or husbands and can do our best to empathize with her on how this loss must feel. To be honest Dani, we are so unbelievably proud of you for not calling it quits right there and then. Not only have you continued to be a wonderful mother and daughter, you strive to live a life that your children and Matt would be proud of. Know that when we tell you that you are capable and strong during a workout, we aren’t just referring to push-ups and squats. We believe in you in and outside of Vie. Other women are going to find healing in your wounds.  Even in your most painful moments you are helping someone else who has experienced loss.  Sometimes our greatest life message comes out of our deepest hurts. We are so humbled that you allowed us to share your story in order for others to find hope. All the coaches and members at Vie are thankful to be part of your beautiful life.  We love you and will always be here for you.

Ladies, be there for each other. The world is a mean and ugly place, but we are family. Please feel free to read what Dani has to say about her experience at Vie and how she is finding it helpful.

—Interview—

♥ How long have you been a member at Vie?

Three months.

♥ What does Vie mean to you?

Back in October 2015, I suddenly and unexpectedly lost my husband. I was 15 weeks pregnant at the time. Vie is a place where I can focus on just myself. Since losing my husband, I am dealing with a lot of stuff. Stress, anger, depression, and anxiety. Vie is a place I can go and get out my emotions in a healthy way. There have been days when I show up at Vie with tears in my eyes, but I leave feeling like I can tackle the day.

♥How has Vie made an impact on your life?

I was nervous to start Vie. Grief has a way of making me feel like I am constantly in the spotlight. But Vie is such a positive place for me. When the coaches say “you got this, Dani,” they mean it. I take that motivation with me even after I leave. One day I showed up at Vie after having just visited the cemetery. After our class, Amber cried with me about Matt. She noticed my pain that day. She took a couple minutes to encourage me and hug me. That isn’t something you will find anywhere else.

♥ What music gets you pumped for a workout?

The coaches always have really great playlists! Really, anything they play has a way to pump me up.

♥ What thoughts run through your mind during a workout?

That I can do anything thrown my way. Nothing is as hard as things I have been through.

♥ What motivates you to get to Vie every day? 

I want to be the healthiest version of myself for my kids. I want them to look at me someday and see strength and courage. I want them to see that when I got knocked down, I got back up and took care of not only them, but myself as well. I want them to see that losing their dad didn’t mean my life stopped. I hear Matt’s voice during the workouts. I know he would be so proud of me for taking care of my physical self. He would love to hear about the exercises and how sore I am. My kids and Matt motivate me. I know I will never regret a workout. And I know how much exercising is benefiting my mental health.

#viegirl