It’s Monday, which means I need all the caffeine possible! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready for a fresh start. I know I am. This weekend was crazy with a wedding and sessions but I can’t say it enough…I am so blessed to be able to do what I love.
Today, I’m sharing a Blush Babe that I met through my good friend Kayla aka ZenFitMom. She participated in a bootcamp and at the end of their session they all particpated in a photo shoot! Jen and I connected instantly. When she walked into my studio my jaw just about hit the floor. In my eyes, she was literally GOALS. I literally wanted to pick her brain and find out everything about her. Not going to lie she intimidated me a little bit. Not because of her personality but because of how insanely built she is. This girl puts in WORK. Not only in the gym but raising her daughters, training others, and being an all around badass! When she filled out an application to be a Blush Babe I knew instantly that she would be an amazing asset to you guys! She is so full of knowledge! I hope you guys love her as much as I do!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Jen Senecal and I’m a 42 year-old mother of three amazing girls, a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and nutritional coach. But my focus, and where my passion lies, is with mindset training and brain power… and using both of those elements to create an environment within yourself that allows your personal health journey to flourish. I dabble with writing and graphic design (both former jobs) and I have a strong obsession with pens, planners, books and popcorn (my popcorn addiction might border on problematic). I’m a fitness fanatic, total foodie and wouldn’t be complete without outdoor adventures near an ocean or mountain. Mostly, I enjoy and value my time spent with the ones I love–my boyfriend, kids, family and friends (who are family)–and have really surrounded myself with the most amazing tribe of humans ever. I couldn’t be more grateful for all of this.
2. What is a typical day like for you?
My day is a bit of a shuffle, but if you’re a mom, you know all about the shuffle. I train clients and teach classes at different hours throughout the day, starting at 6 am and ending at 8 pm, and try to manage that time with my girls’ school hours and social/sports schedules. I always block off a couple of hours in the morning for my own workouts, and will never book something over these, unless it’s 1000% necessary (and even at that, I’ll reschedule my workout for that day right into my planner and block that off to anything else). I’m also an online fitness and nutrition coach, so if I’m not in the gym with clients, I’m behind my computer screen cranking out some work, while trying to build my brand (big plans!). I definitely drink more caffeine than I should and, at 42, I’ve really mastered the art of the 15-minute power nap. I truly wake up and look forward to my nonstop days.
3. On hard days, what motivates you to get up and start your day?
Money. That’s the truth. As a divorced mom of three, who has essentially “started over,” my life became exponentially more challenging on my own. While I get a lot of help, which I am incredibly thankful for, I am reminded daily that I need to pull this all off for myself and my girls. That’s enough to get me out of bed on the days I wish I could stay in there forever. Also, when clients or gym members or even social media followers message me, expressing their thankfulness in how I’ve made positive changes and impacts in their lives, that’s always going to motivate me to keep helping and doing more. But that’s not just on hard days. That’s every day. 
4. Who inspires you to live your best life?
I think you need to look at the people you surround yourself with and ask if they bring out the better or worse in you. Your tribe should be your backers and supporters, but also just great people who you connect really well with and inspire you to do and be more. It can sometimes take years to figure out who these people are. But you’ll know when you have them. I’m fortunate to have that group in my life. My boyfriend, Steve, inspires the hell out of me. He and I are alike in so many ways, with the same drive, motivation, goals, supportive nature, and hair products (his hair may be nicer than mine), and having a partner like that will always bring out the best in you. My daughters are continuous teachers on how to be kind, compassionate and have a hunger for life. And the rest of my “crew” has lifted me up and carried me through the most difficult pieces of my life. My entire tribe are lifers.
5. If you could go back and tell your 13 year old self something….what would that be?
I could probably write a book of all the things I’d tell my 13 year-old self, but I’d most definitely start with letting her know that she will probably lose focus on who she is more than once or twice, and while it’s necessary to get stuck like that in order to grow, she should always make herself a priority when this happens, so that she gets back to where she needs to be quickly. I’d tell her that it’s easy to give so much of herself, but not to give it all away. I’d tell her that her mistakes, missteps, and the opinions and judgements of others don’t mean a thing in her value or worth. I’d tell her that get into therapy much earlier than her 30s, because every single person benefits from it and it can quite literally change her life. I’d tell her that humans are imperfect and she doesn’t have to be flawless. And I’d tell her that it’s completely OK to say NO to a lot of things. If it were any other 13 year-old, I’d also add in to MOVE every day. Develop healthy habits young, like getting sleep, keeping stress low, being active, eating well, meditating, reading, practicing self-awareness, mastering forgiveness and the art of letting go, learning how to be mindful and also sit in the present moment. Hmmm…maybe I should just write a book.
6. What is your favorite quote?
“Life really does begin at 40. Up until then, you are just doing research.” – Carl Jung 
7. You are inspiring women to get out there and love themselves, what piece of advice would you give them?
You have more power than you think. Your brain, and all the thoughts that are controlled by it, will determine everything from your self-image down to your overall attitude and outlook on life. You have complete control over how you think. The more you practice positive thinking and gratefulness and the less you complain or find the negative in a situation, the more joyful your life will be. And with that joy comes some high vibin’ confidence and happiness. And THEN when you’re vibin’ high, the world vibes high back with you. The entire cycle emits love, solid self-worth and incredible feel-good rewards. Also, buy that outfit or gym leggings or pair of shoes that makes you feel like a rockstar. And then go ROCK IT.
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