Do you struggle to find beauty in life when things get tough?
You need to listen to this episode and get to know Leah Hammer. I know her well because she’s my aunt and I know her story. Today is just a small part of her story to find beauty in life. She doesn’t tell everything from her past and how she learned to find beauty in life.
But she does give you a glimpse of how she emerged from dark times. And I hope you’ll be inspired with the beautiful things she does for others in her small rural community. I mean…the lady doesn’t sleep! Here’s what we’ll discuss today:
- How to find beauty in life during dark times
- How to cope with feeling alone
- Bloom where you are planted to make your days worth living.
You’ll get to see some very innovative ideas you could implement in your community to help families. I’m just so amazed with my aunt’s creativity with meeting the needs in her community that I hope it inspires you as well.
FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT LEAH
- Single Mom to three awesome kids
- Owns 3 of her own businesses
- EMT
- Also works another night job helping women with special needs
- Has big dreams for her businesses
HOW DOES LEAH DO IT ALL AROUND THE CLOCK?
Exercise, good nutrition and lots of naps help her to find beauty in life each day.
EMPOWER FITNESS + HOMEMADE MEALS FOR FAMILIES
Leah personal trains clients and teaches 8 classes per week where she reaches many different people in her rural community.
She also offers nutritional freezer meals she makes herself for families. And I can tell you from first hand experience that they are delicious.
THE KIDDIE BARN DAYCARE
Leah’s first business was the Kiddie Barn daycare. She started it 14 years ago after her third child was born and it’s still going strong today.
She offers interactive play, hands on learning and plenty of outside play and exercise for kids of all ages. Plus, she stays up to date with licensing that changes constantly.
LEAH’S ADVICE FOR STARTING A BUSINESS
Figure out what you want to do and then research. Do something you’re passionate about.
HERE’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM LEAH
- Bloom where you are planted. She’s learned to adapt and make beautiful wherever you are. Find beauty in life.
- Also, never compare yourself. If you can find beauty in life and in what you’re doing, you can do anything you want to do.
Check out Val Plagge’s Episode for more thoughts about Bloom Where You Are Planted.
NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH HER JOURNEY
Her lowest point was feeling alone as a single mom. She was far away from any other family and felt like she wanted more for her kids. That’s when she started looking for change.
So, she prayed for change and open doors. The change she was looking for definitely came. Finally, she was able to find beauty in life.
AS A RESULT, SOME LESSONS LEARNED
- Never Give Up and look to find beauty in life.
- Take one day at a time.
- It doesn’t get easier. You get Stronger.
THEN, LEAH DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”
After her third child was born, Leah named her Destiny. That’s when she knew her “destiny” would change. She started looking to the future and studying and working hard to make good things happen.
Just by changing her mindset, working hard and learning to find beauty in life, she was able to change her life for the better.
NEXT, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT LEAH STRUGGLES WITH?
Finances are always a struggle. But you can’t dwell on it. Just work hard and take one day at a time.
CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS LEAH MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Watching the kids grow and change. To see them taking on their dreams and find beauty in life.
SO, WHAT IS HOLDING LEAH BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS
10 years ago, it would have been other people telling her she couldn’t do it.
Also, finances. But there are ways to get around both of these barriers. You just have to jump in and do it.
BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED
From a realtor: “Ask forgiveness, not permission.”
Read the book The Four Hour Workweek for more on this.
From Grandma: “Find beauty in life.”
FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT
First of all, Leah prays every day. Usually first thing in the morning.
She also exercises first thing in the morning. This helps her find the energy to start her day.
FAVORITE APP OR RESOURCE?
She’s hoping to have an app made in the future. It will be a fitness/daily mom life app to help other moms like her find beauty in life.
PHYSICAL TOOL
- Steam Bags for fresh vegetables.
- Her Bible for when she’s feeling alone. With God, you’re never alone. And staying close to HIM can help you find beauty in life.
RECOMMENDED BOOK
- The Shack
- The Christmas Sweater
IF LEAH WOKE UP TOMORROW AND ACQUIRED A NEW 10 ACRES PLUS $1000
She would try to expand her business and continue helping other people in their fitness and nutrition to find beauty in life.
IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM
- Don’t ever give up.
- Don’t let people steal your happiness and dreams
- Find beauty in life and bloom where you’re planted.
FINALLY, CONTACT LEAH
Facebook: Empower Fitness
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 785-335-2889
Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!
RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.
~ MUCH LOVE ~
I hope you have found value in this episode to find beauty in life as often as possible. Do you often have the experience feeling alone? How do you bloom where you are planted in your rural community?