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Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving Time

11/26/2018

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I don't know about you, but holidays have a knack for creating a time warp, and I realized that I'm behind my writing.  The long holiday weekend was bitter sweet as I enjoyed time with friends and family, but I was also feeling an intense sense of needing to keep at it!  As of last Friday, after nearly 12 years in my job with a scientific supply distribution company, and working with an amazing group of people who became friends and a certain kind of family, I concluded my last day in order to pursue this dream.  It's an incredible feeling to suddenly be "all in", something that I had been yearning for throughout the planning process, but when it becomes reality there's no feeling quite like it!  And with only three days under my belt being "all in" before the long holiday weekend I found myself itching to keep busy with my to do list.

I've been busy interviewing some amazing candidates for my trainer team, working with the RE Management crew to get the renovations completed, and starting to get some ideas on paper in terms of marketing materials with the goal of helping the community get a really good sense of what Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is all about.  And then, with the holiday weekend all of the intensity associated with the work seemed to fall into a lull as people took the much deserved time to relax with friends and family and reflect on what they are personally thankful for.  I knew that I should be doing the same thing, but I felt a sense of nervous energy consume me at the lack of being able to keep the progress moving forward.  So, I took this as an opportunity to take some deep breaths and genuinely take a step back to really reflect on what I'm thankful for, because God knows that there's a lot!
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As I look to the end of 2018 and the start of a new year, I am thankful for the opportunities ahead. I am incredibly excited to be starting my own business in the health and wellness industry through the opening of the first franchise location of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness. I have watched my friends Paige & Mike Wilcox start Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Bangor 6 years ago, and grow it to an amazingly inspirational business that supports their clients in enhancing every aspect of their lives through healthful living. It is a privilege to be supporting the Wilcox Mission in my local community of Brunswick.  It is amazing to feel so completely passionate and driven in one's work, with the hopes of making a positive impact on the place where I live, and to reconnect with the community close to where I once grew up.
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I'm thankful for my husband, Eric, and my Mom who have both provided me a consistent and ever loving stream of encouragement and support.  ​
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​I hung a picture of my dog Moe on the wall of my office to remind me of those closest to me, and how it's all about the little things that matter most, such kayaking with Eric and Moe during the warm summer months, or the love that my Mom gives to all of us, including the dog, every day of the week. 

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This weekend I received a package from one of my former team members.  She sent me the lovely bowl made of bike chain that now sits on the conference room table, another reminder of how important friends are in our lives.  Starting a business is intense work, and reminders of the love around me, from my family, my friends, and my pets all give me strength and happiness.  I am thankful for all of this in my life.​


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​A lot has been going on at the space and I'm feeling very excited and thankful for the progress that has been made.  The flooring was delivered recently, and the RE Management crew working on the renovation rallied to help me get all 4500lbs through the door!  Now that's something to be thankful for!

The front entry is looking amazing, and I am so grateful for the incredible work that Paul Kelley did on the front reception desk.  Look at that craftsmanship!!
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And, as I drove away on Wednesday evening I noticed a big surprise!  
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​My sign was installed earlier in the day. 
It looks amazing illuminated at night.  

So, like I said, I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.  Both for my friends and family, and all that I have in my life, as well as for the incredible progress that is happening at the space.  I can't wait to share this incredible space and training experience with the Brunswick community!!   

Happy Training!

Allison Hopkins
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Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Brunswick
Keep in touch!  Join our free private FaceBook Group - Healthy Living with Wilcox Wellness & Fitness to connect with us live.  Daily we post all things healthy living - pro tips for healthy living, recipes, and weekly workouts for you to do at home.  We will answer any question you post and we encourage you get involved in the discussion.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WilcoxHealthyLiving/
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Wellness & Altruism go Hand in Hand

11/7/2018

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One of the many aspects that attracted me to Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is the commitment to give back to the community.  Studies indicate that the act of giving boosts one's health, happiness and wellbeing.  Giving back to the community not only helps others, but it's one more way to make you feel AMAZING!  Since we're in the business of Wellness & Fitness I think it's important to consider the complete package in terms of what we do beyond exercise that influence our overall wellbeing.

The thing about giving is that both the giver and the receiver benefit.  And this effect is rooted quite deeply in some pretty interesting neurobiology.  It's incredible to me how our brains respond to acts of altruism or generosity.  There are three main brain chemicals involved in the response that we feel when we do something good.  The primary one being oxytocin.  Our brains release oxytocin when we pat an animal, or hold a baby, and is a major factor in bonding.  As such, oxytocin is often referred to as the "cuddle hormone". 

In addition to oxytocin, when we engage in acts of kindness or giving our brains release two other neurotransmitters - dopamine and serotonin.  Dopamine is associated with motivation and arousal, and serotonin is connected with sleep, digestion, memory, learning and appetite.

Think about it!  The simple act of giving can result in so many amazing responses by our brain - From improved sleep, and reduced stress to stronger, more meaningful relationships, and increased self-esteem.

Furthermore, altruism is contagious.  The act of giving doesn't start and stop with the act itself, but actually creates an amazing ripple effect in our community.  
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I am really excited to be hosting various fundraising activities in the Brunswick location.  Fundraising and charitable events bring community together in such an important way while simultaneously giving back and making a positive impact.

One example of an event I am excited to host in Brunswick started in Bangor four years ago.  This past weekend I participated in the 4th Annual Burpees for Turkeys, and I'm already pumped to start planning the event in Brunswick next year. ​

Burpees for Turkeys is a fund raiser for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.  I was shocked when I learned that 1 in 5 children in Maine live with food insecurity, meaning that they lack the nutritious food necessary to grow up healthy.  ​

I am proud to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank and bring awareness to the issue.  They do an incredible job leveraging cash to provide nutritious food for people who need it in Maine.  The Good Shepherd Food Bank is able to provide four meals with every $1 raised.  I think that is incredible!!  Participants received pledges, and for every $5 raised one burpee is done.  
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 Me & Paige Wilcox with her adorable turkey mascot after I finished 120 burpees! #sweatforthecause
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My husband, Eric, was a sport at helping me get through the 148 burpees I was committed to thanks to many generous donations to support the cause! 
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The Wilcox community turned out for the event.  As a group we completed 1500 burpees and raised enough money for 30,000 meals through Good Shepherd!
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I was approaching 100 burpees when I got to the kettle bell burpee.  The various stations really help make the time go quickly!
Some say that burpees are people's least favorite exercise, but I tend to disagree.  And the WILCOX Bangor team does a great job making it a lot of fun.  They set up 20 stations with different ways to do a burpee, so the time goes quickly and personally, I have a blast doing it! 

I can't wait to host similar events in Brunswick!  I hope you'll become a part of the WILCOX community!

Join our mailing list at www.wilcoxwellnessfitness.com/brunswickmaine to start your journey to a healthier, happier you!  You'll receive an email after you sign up asking you to specify your location.  Click Brunswick, and I’ll send you an email about our upcoming charitable events.

Some articles on this topic you may want to read:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/generosity-health_n_4323727
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/71964/7-scientific-benefits-helping-others
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/vitality/201404/the-neuroscience-giving
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    Author

    Hi!  My name is Allison Hopkins and I am the owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Brunswick, ME.  I am excited to bring WILCOX to Brunswick and share in my passion for living a great life through health and fitness.

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  • Home
  • Get Started
  • Training Programs
    • KickStart
    • LIVEStream TRIAL Program
    • Private Training
    • Group Training
  • Location
    • Bangor, Maine
    • Brunswick, Maine
  • Reviews
  • Schedule
    • Bangor, Maine
    • Brunswick, Maine
  • Newsletter / Blog
  • Photo/Video Vault
  • Career
  • Nourish
  • QuickStart
  • Keep In Touch
  • Apparel
  • LIVEStream Training
  • Training in a time of COVID-19
  • Gift
    • GreatestGiftExplainer
  • OwnYourHealth