Unveiling the Journey, part II - Mentorship

Sarah Angelica

Welcome back to "Unveiling the Journey," where we delve deeper into the twists and turns of the path to health mastery. In this installment, I want to share with you a pivotal aspect of my journey: the influence of my mentor. The profound impact my mentor Kelman Edwards Jr. had on my career trajectory and life continues to resonate deeply within me. Though I speak of him in past tense, his essence transcends the physical realm since his transition into the spiritual realm. Kelman Edwards Jr., as I knew him, remains a vibrant presence in my life, his spirit alive and thriving within me.

Experiencing the departure of someone with whom I shared soul ties has illuminated the enduring nature of spiritual connections. Kelman's soul energy, friendship, and his impactful influence on our community continue to inspire me daily, compelling me to strive towards becoming the best version of myself. His legacy is not confined to memories; it lives on through the echoes of his wisdom and the imprint he left on my heart and soul.

My friendship with Kelman blossomed in 2012 when a mutual friend recognized our shared zeal for fitness and life and introduced us. What began as a casual introduction soon evolved into a deeply meaningful connection that would profoundly impact both my life and our friendship. On that initial encounter, our conversation quickly delved into myriad topics, from our mutual dedication to fitness to our beliefs in the power of manifestation, the significance of crystals, the practice of meditation, and our profound connection with the universe. It was evident from the start that Kelman possessed a profound understanding of how to harness energy to manifest his aspirations and navigate life's journey with purpose and intention. He was passionately pursuing his dream of becoming a full-time personal trainer under his own brand, Championtone Fitness. Our shared dissatisfaction with the commercial gym scene, where personal trainers often felt undervalued, brought us together. Our journey began in the humble settings of college apartment gyms, where we organized free fitness camps to inspire our fellow students to prioritize their health.

During this time, we also found ourselves affiliated with Herbalife as 'Health Coaches.' However, I use the term 'Health Coaching' cautiously, as our involvement wasn't rooted in genuine behavior change methodologies like the transtheoretical model. Rather, it involved fitness enthusiasts joining the company primarily to distribute 'health products' aimed at weight loss, such as the regimen of two shakes a day supplemented by a single meal of vegetables and protein. After our initial connection, Kelman and I maintained our friendship primarily through social media, occasionally meeting up at the gym to catch up. However, as life presented its challenges, I found myself forging a new path to complete my degree and navigate unexpected hurdles.

As 2019 approached, I seized the opportunity to pursue my passion wholeheartedly. I embarked on the journey to obtain my personal trainer certification through ACSM, alongside acquiring my CPR certification. Seeking guidance for my burgeoning fitness business, I turned to Championtone Fitness, where Kelman graciously welcomed me with open arms. Under Kelman's mentorship, I gained invaluable insights into structuring pricing packages and conducting consultations with clients. Additionally, he introduced me to innovative exercises that pushed my limits and expanded my repertoire. In moments of uncertainty, Kelman emerged as a beacon of light, providing unwavering support when I needed it the most.

Kelman inspired me in countless ways that extended far beyond the realm of fitness. Witnessing him construct his gym from scratch, with each piece of equipment meticulously sourced or built by his own hands, was a testament to his innovation and dedication. He possessed a remarkable talent for infusing creativity into fitness routines, ensuring that every session was dynamic and engaging for his clients. Under his guidance, I never repeated the same workout twice; while some movements and exercises were familiar, the way he orchestrated them felt refreshingly new each time. Kelman's expertise in exercise programming was nothing short of extraordinary—he truly was an exercise virtuoso.

Beyond his contributions to the fitness world, Kelman's generosity and compassion knew no bounds. He organized Food Drives, Coat Drives, and annual Toy Drives during Christmas, personally distributing toys to local families in need. His commitment to serving his community and spreading joy exemplified the depth of his character and the impact he had on those around him.

Life is indeed a remarkable journey, and I feel immensely fortunate to have crossed paths with Kelman. His spirit continues to inspire me, even in his absence. The depth of our friendship transcends the limitations of time, and I am certain it will endure beyond this lifetime. Although it's been only 11 months since his departure, the void he left feels infinite. Now, it falls upon me to honor Kelman's legacy and carry forward the torch he so brilliantly lit. Kelman, thank you for gracing our lives with your presence and for sharing a part of your journey with us. Your memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and strength.

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