Tag Archives: motivational inspirational

If You Struggle To Find Motivation Today, My Back Injury May Help You…

1 May

Image

DON’T take your gifts for granted! If you decided 2013 you would exercise/dance more, and you haven’t yet, guess what?

That can all change in the blink of an eye. It kills me to see…

…people take their abilities for granted. I created a safe place where friends can keep fit, throw down and release stress. I bust my butt every single day to encourage YOU to take class, get inspired, and surround yourself with positivity because that’s the best way to live!

But now, that’s changed…

…I was fine one minute, then instantly lost mobility the next. All I want to do is dance again! Teaching isn’t possible for a while, this sucks. I’m having a hard time encouraging YOU because honestly, I’m too busy thinking about ME.

Open Your Eyes! Look Around You…

So. Some of you need to wake up:

There are people in this world who would give EVERYTHING to have your health, your legs, your opportunities, or even just a CHOICE to improve and make life better. You are blessed and fortunate to have a choice.

Right now, injury has taken away my choice until I fully recover. As Mos Def says:

“Tomorrow may never come… for you and me, life is not promised.”

My blunt message to you is to STOP making excuses in your life and effing TRY something. If you don’t like it or it’s not for you, that’s OK! Just TRY. You DON’T know what will happen tomorrow.

As always, I share because I care. And Thank You for those of you who reached out, I appreciate your thoughts and energy.

The “LIKE” Button: Why Stretchy Pants Are Winning While Your Health Declines

15 Feb

TODAY’S REALITY CHECK: A whopping 60% of Canadians are overweight. That’s more than half the country.

Explained differently: Line you up with 9 of your peers. 6 people in your lineup are overweight. SIX.

And that’s my message. That’s it.

Stretchy Pants For The Win

Listen. It isn’t my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. This is REAL. This is real news and statistical information straight from the Government that you should be aware of. Did ya see it?

Click the link to see for yourself:

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2012001/article/11708-eng.htm

So… there it is. Right there on the official government interweb. However you want to interpret the stats, the message is clear: We ARE getting bigger. Stretch pants with the elastic waist are winning.

Nothing wrong with a juicy burger every now and then. Personally I love ‘em. But without adhering to the word “moderation,” things start to expand. Literally. And we’ll continue to get bigger over time if something doesn’t change.

However… the good news is this:

We CAN change. Toronto’s #1 dance studio for adults, Byfield Dance Experience, is THE most comfortable, welcoming, non-judgy place for regular adults to jump in a dance class, a dance workout class or group fitness class, with zero experience.

We’ve been helping Toronto residents TAKE BACK their health, one dance step and one push-up at a time. I EARN my burgers. Cause I bust my butt every week working out on the dance floor.

Get Ready Shortstop, ‘Cause Here Comes The Catch

REALITY CHECK, PART 2: That last paragraph may sound all fine and fuzzy, but it’s not that easy. There’s a catch. Know what it is?

Go on guess, I’ll wait ;-)

The catch is: You have to STOP.

You have to stop “Liking” pictures on instagram of workout quotes. You have to stop envying VS model pics. You have to stop “pinning” the billion ways to achieving better abs.

You definitely have to stop envy hating on the most attractive Bachelor contestants, and stop retweeting pics of your favourite Hollywood actress’ workout selfies… You have to STOP all of that.

Then, you have to START.

Cheer Body private class

Because you don’t build muscle watching other people workout! You have to DO SOMETHING. Anything! Just START SOMEWHERE. A commentator on the sidelines of life is simply just a spectator with a microphone.

Shut up, and get IN the game.

You don’t need anything else but a willingness to be open and have fun. I know with dance, I can help you GET STARTED on whatever your goals may be. As long as you participate in life and work hard, you will see results.

But you do have to START!

Even if you’re an example of excellent health, we all have a friend who can benefit from a little exercise. Dancing is fantastic exercise. If you know someone who struggles with their health,  help them with their fitness goal.

Because…

Because now, you have information that could potentially change their life. You just read what the problem is, and now you know the solution. And because you’re armed with the solution, you now have a moral obligation to share with those who need it.

Be of service. Karma will reward you for giving. You won’t be rewarded for hoarding and selfishness. Don’t keep valuable information to yourself. Benefit others.

So, that’s my message for today.

When you’re sick and tired of, well, just feeling sick and tired… take ACTION and come see me. Get up, put your funky dance gear on and get to a class!

Because. I want to help you become the best YOU possible. But that’s only gonna happen if you meet me half way. Fair enough?

- @ShawnByfield

The Absolute Best Way To Get The Best Advice

26 Jul

The Absolute Best Way To Get The Best Advice

Be as coachable as the Chicago Bulls in '98

I’m FRIGGIN EXCITED!

These 4 basketball legends above are the perfect example of why I’m excited. I’m sure you’ve seen them before, but I’ll get to them in a bit…

Tonight, I’m learning life success & biz tips from two multimillionaires. In person. One was a 3X World Series Champion and played with Toronto Blue Jays. Not too shabby.

Who cares, right?

Wrong. Here’s why you should care:

NEWSFLASH: To Make The NBA Finals, Kick Doug Off Your Team

I’m willing to be 100% coachable, I’m open to opportunities, and I’m seeking out wisdom and training from those who already have the success I want. I suggest you do the same.

What I’m talking about worked for Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan… Heard of them?

For example, if you want to learn how to play professional basketball, seek out and learn from a coach who’s students consistently make it to the NBA finals. Not from your “uncle Doug” who hasn’t played in 17 years, but “watches” a lot of SportsNet so “he can teach you…”

…ahh, NO, he can’t. At least not to the level of success YOU want.

The best way to get the best advice is to find a top coach. Like Phil Jackson, who coached the boys on the Chicago Bulls in ’98 (and won six championships under his watch.)

Seek a wise mentor.

Learn from a seasoned teacher.

Be as diligent as those organizations dedicated to finding people anywhere on this planet. Pinpoint exactly who you’re looking for. Seek out a reputable, respected, knowledgeable leader that has REAL ability to teach you what you want to learn, and is serious about taking YOU to the next level.

And find someone who inspires you!

I know that because I truly want what’s best for those around me, for my family, students, and for everyone I’ll meet in the future, I have to improve personally in many areas. That only happens when you seek out the pros. Not your friends and family… PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS.

Poppin’ Champagne With Yo’ Homies…

Sure, your friends & family will always give their “opinion.” But ask yourself: Do they really KNOW what’s best for you? Have they truthfully achieved the success you’re looking for? And do THEY even want to see you succeed?

It’s important to always love your friends, you’ll want their support. And you’ll most likely want them around when it’s time to pop open that champagne!

Now I’m thirsty. =)

Anyway. To achieve a high level of success, in ANY field, learn from the leaders who can teach you based on their solid experience and track record.

That’s my Ninja advice for the day. Share with your friends and share your comments, I really read ‘em! Share the love,

- Shawn B
@ShawnByfield

The Ugly Reality Check About Dancing In A Comfort Bubble

2 May

IMPORTANT STUFF! Click here to read it all larger…

Taking a dance class in Toronto? Here’s terrific wisdom every dancer should take to heart. Apply to not just hip hop or tap dance class, but to every dance style you do.

Get Info On Toronto’s Top Adult Dance Classes For BEGINNERS At Byfield Dance Experience

Like this article? Feel free to SHARE with those who’d appreciate the read. Don’t forget to leave your comments.

- @ShawnByfield

Top 4 Things That Made Me Smile Today

5 May

Tap shoes on Shawn Byfield

So. I’m slightly injured.

I’ve been rehearsing for a film, teaching and running BDX, teaching dance workshops at public schools, and letting the world know about my show. Plus other stuff like performing, newspaper and other media interviews & community work.

I love what I do. I hardly ever complain. I’m blessed to live a life in entertainment! I get to do TV appearances, dance classes, movies, school workshops, kick-ass studio, guest speaking, choreography, interviews, travelling…

Like seriously- There’s about 15 theatre productions running in Toronto right now. And one of them is mine.

Rusty screwdrivers suck

Ok. I’ve been rehearsing for a couple of things. One of them is a new dance movie coming out next year sometime. (Working with some seriously talented peeps and choreographers @NappyTabs @Nick_Gonzalez1)

Last Thursday, my body decided I should have a break, so it strategically damaged one of the discs in my lower spine and tightened the surrounding muscles. Feels like someone has a rusty screwdriver poking UPWARDS on my vertebrae, sending a sharp, shooting pain toward my shoulder blades.

Fun times! All of a sudden, instead of “Well hello world! Nice to tweet you!” I’m saying things like “mutha f**k! This pain is some bulls**t” when attemting to get out of bed…

I’m getting better. Pretty quickly actually, thanks to acupuncture and chiropractor visits to my Dr Ho, because this was no band-aid boo boo.

But not being able to fully dance SUCKS.

Know what I mean?

Even though I’m hurting a bit, I’m still thankful for my blessings. There’s always things, people and activities that make me smile daily! Some major awesome, and some silly but still a mood changer.

In random order, here’s the top 4 things that made me smile TODAY:

1) My interactive dance workshop with Grade 9 – 12 students: I taught a fun basic steppin class at St Lawrence Community Centre. A high school from Burlington came to watch I Think I Can. We had a pre-show workshop where they learned some tap history, dance moves and came up with their OWN step choreography. THEY WERE AWESOME. Why steppin? Big Boots characters do some in the show.

2) The Apple Store: I bought something? Yes. Call me Zeus, because I now have Thunderbolt.

3) This shiny new Sigma lens for my Rebel T2i. This beauty now lives with me. Speaking of smiling, hope you brushed your teeth next time I see you…

4) This has got to be the BEST thing I heard all day. If you’ve ever doubted the power and freedom of dance, or the wisdom and intellect of children, READ THIS:

At the end of each show at LKTYP we have what’s called a Talk Back. Cast members stay on stage and answer questions from the audience. A question was asked TO the audience

“Why do the kids in the show speak with their feet and not their voices?” To which one incredibly smart child around 10 years old, replied without hesitation:

“Because dancing speaks louder than words.”

Ain’t that the truth.

What injury? That kid healed my life today better than any expert doctor ever could. Now I’ll be dancing “full out” soon!

Hope this made YOU smile,

- Shawn B
@ShawnByfield

Been injured? Aside from getting the right treatment and rest, what helps YOU cheer up? Comment or TWEET ME your thoughts.

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