Ali: a.k.a. Lyndsey
There might actually be a
few of you out there who think I’m referencing the amazing Prince Ali Ababwa.
I will admit that Lyndsey
and Prince Ali share charming conman abilities. Prince Ali is able to make
Princess Jasmine believe he is a real Prince, and Lyndsey is able to make you
believe you are capable of giving a Level 10 you never knew you possessed. Oh, and it looks like they also share some amazing guns!
But that’s not the Ali
that reminds me of Lyndsey. No, I’m talking about the late, great Muhammad Ali.
Aside from the fact that I believe she could hold her own in an actual boxing
ring, there is one famous Ali quote that I believe embodies Lyndsey:
As I break this down, I’m
actually going to start with the ‘sting like a bee’ part. There are 3 elements
to this:
1) Power
I think this should be
obvious. Lyndsey is a BEAST on the mat (and, frankly, off the mat too). I seriously
would not want to be on the receiving end of one of her punches or kicks. I’m
quite certain it would feel much, much worse than a bee sting.
2) Purpose
I don’t know a lot about
bees, but what I do know is that they are very hard workers. They are endlessly
doing their bee-thing, and Lyndsey is no different. She works hard on the mat,
both as a FIT member and as an instructor. She has often been accused of
designing intense workouts in her sleep. She is determined to perform at her
best and make the rest of us do the same.
3) That hair . . .
Lyndsey has another
fitting nickname—Pebbles. It’s because of her usual hairstyle at the gym:
Well, I’m here to set you all straight. That’s not a Pebbles Flinstone ponytail—it’s actually her stinger.
Now for the ‘float like a
butterfly’ part. I know the initial intent behind this quote was that Ali was
quick and hard to catch on the mat. While Lyndsey is also very quick, I feel
the symbolism behind the butterfly fits her perfectly. The way it’s said here
on Pure Spirit is a perfect description of Lyndsey:
Butterfly is the power of
air, the ability to float upon a breeze. It is known for its daring flight;
thus, it represents the mind and our ability to change it when necessary.
Butterfly represents the never-ending cycle of life; therefore, its medicine
bestows not only the ability, but the clarity of mind needed before
self-transformation.
Butterflies appear to
dance as they flitter among the flowers. They remind us not to take things so
seriously within our lives. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. They
remind us to get up and move, for if you do not move, you cannot dance.
Butterflies bring color
and joy with them. The colors of the butterfly should be examined for
significance and to help you understand its role within your life. Look at how
much or little joy is in your life. Lighten up. Look for change. Make changes
when the opportunities present themselves. The butterfly will teach you that
growth and change do not have to be traumatic. Change can occur as gently and
as joyfully as one wishes.
Since my first day at FXB,
Lyndsey has been like a butterfly in my life. She is there when I need
encouragement, a slight (or strong) push to keep moving, or a reminder of why I’m
on this journey. And I know for a fact I’m not the only person who can make
this claim.
So, Ali, keep on floating
like the butterfly you are, but never stop stinging us with your inner beast!
~Carrie
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