Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving Time

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!

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.

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!

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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!!

And, as I drove away on Wednesday evening I noticed a big surprise!  

​My sign was installed earlier in the day. 
It looks amazing illuminated at night.  

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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

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