**For most of you, the following post might seem a little out of left field, but if you keep reading on, I think you’ll see what’s up!
If you had asked me two years ago what I’d be doing on this very day, January 27th, 2012, I can guarantee you that my answer then would have been a whole lot different than it is today.
I probably would have told you that I’d be fully submersed in a classroom full of kiddos, teaching them all about “X,Y, and Z.” I most likely would have told you that I was completely and utterly in love with my job…but I also would have been lying to you. Because, you see, it was about two years ago when things started to change.
In April of 2010, I began this little ‘ol blog, Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life as a hobby. Something to do when I actually had some spare time on my hands. As anyone who has ever started a blog of their own, you know that feeling of “hearing crickets” wondering if anyone is even out there. It started off quite small, with my readership basically consisting of Jay, my parents, and maybe a few friends. But I was okay with that. I was okay with it because it didn’t matter to me who was reading…it mattered to me because I just simply loved what I was doing.
As I began to immerse more and more of my time into blogging, I suddenly found that my once mild appreciation for health and fitness was quickly sparking into something more. Something great, in fact. And my career in education – the one that I spent six years in college for – the one that (I thought) was once undoubtedly my direction in life, slowly began to fizzle out.
It took me a long time to really, fully understand what was happening, but it finally got to a point where it could no longer be ignored. I was evolving as an individual. What were once hobbies for me were now so much more than that. It was time to make a change.
So that’s what I did. I said goodbye to the field of teaching, and this past September, I began pursuing my newfound passions. I worked hard and I studied harder. My quest for a new career as a personal trainer was now in full swing.
In December, I passed my exam, and now, not even two months later, I am gearing up to begin a brand new job as a full-time personal trainer.
I often wonder…if I hadn’t started this blog, where would I be today? Would I still be teaching? Would I be as passionate about fitness as I am now? But you know what? I don’t like to live in a land of what-if’s. I’ve long believed that everything happens for a reason. There’s a reason why I had to endure those tough moments this past year, and honestly, I couldn’t be more glad that I did.
Doors that I never knew existed have begun opening for me, and my life has changed in ways that I never knew could. I have evolved, and this blog has evolved more than I would have ever imagined. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities presented to me, and today, I have another one right at my fingertips.
As many of you know, I am an ambassador with FitFluential, a nationwide network of fitness enthusiasts sharing their journey both online and offline through multiple social media platforms.
Right now, FitFluential has presented me with an opportunity to write for some pretty big, pretty amazing, nationally-acclaimed healthy living magazines. Yes, the ones I’ve been reading since high school. The ones that have graced my coffee tables, night stands, gym bags, and book bags for years.
So what makes me think I should be chosen for this job? Well, in case I haven’t convinced you a little bit already, let me quickly tell you why…
***EDITED to include my updated audition video. I finally got it working, so feel free to check it out. The text below is a basic outline of what you’ll see in the video.***
Over the past year a half, health and fitness have become one of my greatest passions of all. I decided to start writing this blog, and what began as a small hobby quickly developed into a full-blown passion. After a whole lot of sleepless nights, tears, and uncertainty, one day it all finally clicked for me, and that’s when I decided to leave my teaching career behind me and begin pursuing what I felt most strongly about: health and fitness.
There is not a day that goes by where I don’t absolutely love sitting down and typing my little heart away on this blog. Whether it’s a new healthy recipe, a fun new workout, or me just sharing my daily musings with the fur ball, I love sharing it all.
I think, however, one of my favorite parts of blogging is the interaction I get with my readers. I often get emails about lots of different topics; sometimes they tell me how something I’ve said or done has inspired them to make healthier decisions. Sometimes they might thank me for showing them that life is too short to be stuck doing something that you don’t love…and they’ve decided to follow their passions and do what they truly want to do.
Sometimes, though, I’ll get emails or comments from readers thanking me just for being relatable…and THAT is why you want me to write for you. Me and your readers? We could be like *this* – I live a life of balance, and I like to show that health and fitness, and healthy living, can be attainable for anyone. I’m not a hardcore runner, I’m not a major body builder, and I’m definitely not the cleanest eater in the bunch, but that’s just what makes me…me.
So you see, this is why you want me to write for you. And if I haven’t already convinced you yet, come out and join me tonight and I’ll buy you a drink. Or, you know, a green smoothie…
Don’t worry, it’ll be our little secret. 
Are you going to Bomber’s for one of those birthday margaritas? I haven’t done it yet. Maybe this is the year!
Courtney! That is so exciting! I started reading STSL in the summer of 2010 and you are one of the reasons I started my own blog. You have me convinced, I would love to see your name in a magazine because I know I will love any article you write as much as I love STSL! Good luck :)
I have to say that I do read your posts almost everyday…I am super proud of you and all your accomplishments! I’m also not going to lie, I was pretty excited to have my picture on such a popular blog! ;o) Miss you!! <3
I have been seeing these auditions popping up on a lot of healthy living blogs lately… and have read them all. Courtney, believe me when I say, YOURS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST!!! not to name names. some seemed a little indifferent, others way too cocky. you are just right! I hope you get it- you deserve it, girl! God luck and God bless :)
this! well said, Sarah!
Hi Courtney- Congratulations! I feel like your sentences about being relatable really hit the nail on the head. Even though we have different routines and jobs, I value the fact that you continue to share your meal planning, snack planning, and early morning workout dedication. It has definitely helped me strive to maintain my healthy lifestyle as well (and your treadmill workouts are legit :)
Best of luck to you and I hope this amazing opportunity works out for ya!
I love love LOVE this Courtney! I really hope you get the opportunity, your definitely deserve it!
Way to go, Courtney! You’re an inspiration.
Such a wonderful post!! I’m happy you’ve found your true calling and it would be AMAZING if you could write for some of those big magazines. I will totally point your name out to my friends and gush about this blog :D
very well done! i’d hire ya on the spot! ;)
I really enjoy reading your blog everyday. I find you very honest and relatable to my own life. I finished my Masters degree in School counseling last May. I have not been able to find a job. I have been looking and applying all year but I am starting to think that I don’t even know if school counseling is really the career path I want to take. I think its just something I was interested in and so I went for it. Now I am having trouble finding what I am passionate about. I do love fitness and healthy eating and have considered getting a personal training certificate. To get to my point is I just want to thank you for being real and letting your readers know that life does change and the only way to be happy is to find something you are passionate about. Now only if I had the guts to share my personal life to the world and start my own blog ;-)
Is there somewhere to vote for you, or do Fitfluential choose? I think your blog is fantastic btw. There are soooo many healthy living ones out there, yet you stand out and come across as so relatable and nice. Good luck!
I enjoy your honest, fresh, spirited style! I am sure you will make a difference as a personal trainer. All your teaching skills will serve you and your clients well! Good luck with both the video uploading and getting fitness writing gigs!
I am so excited for you. Being a new blogger it gives me such hope on what can come for me. I love your spirit and enjoy all of your posts. There is always at least one new thing for me to think about or try out. Keep up the good work…it is clear you are on your way to being a star!!
Best of luck to you, Courtney! I love your blog! :)
Good luck Courtney and I hope you get it!!!! :) xo
Congrats on the opportunity and I really hope you get it! Yours has quickly become on my favorite HLB’s. I love how relatable and honest you are. Please don’t change!! I read quite a few blogs that have changed over the past year or so… just become boring, bland, or completely unrealistic. I love that you keep it real, please don’t change! I hope you win this!!
AHH Courtney, seriously I love you even more every time I read one of your posts (I hope that’s not creepy haha). You would be such an amazing addition to a healthy living magazine! Your upbeat, sweet, sincere, and real personality that shines through on your posts is something that any reader would connect with! I wrote a magazine audition post as well, and I wish I could have spoken as eloquently as you! Awesome job :D
Oh Courtney, you did such a WONDERFUL job on this! Way to go! Your voice really came through- as well as you sincerity and passion! Such great work!
What an amazing opportunity! Wishing you the very best of luck :)
I’m a teacher. But everyday I am feeling like it’s just not “doing it” for me. I read your blog everyday. You are my inspiration. Life is too short to not live passionately. Good luck.
Congrats, Courtney! How exciting! I can’t to see your name in magazines. Recently, I’ve been thinking about pursuing personal training. It’s something I’ve only ever kinda sorta thought about, but it’s serious now.
Congrats Courtney! I love reading your blog on a daily basis! :)
Congratulations! I think your story is very inspiring (I’m a teacher who loves teaching but is also not sure if this is where I should be forever) and I absolutely love your blog! (And as a teacher, I recognize the Open Court workbooks in your teaching photo!)
Hey Courtney……..this just proves how down to earth and real you are! I love it. Thanks for sharing!
Courtney! I loved your audition and so much of what you said resonated with me as well. I think many people have a hard time deciding what path their career should follow, and seeing how your life has changed encourages me to not give up on my dreams as well. I have been reading blogs for quite a few years now and yours is hands down one of my very favorites! I read your posts every day, because of your sincerity and joy that shines through in every post. I wish you the best of luck and want you to know I would buy those magazines just to read your articles.. :-)
I recently found your blog, and I absolutely LOVE it. I too within the last few years have found a passion for a healthy lifestyle. I started my own catering business but have been playing around with the idea of giving it all up and pursuing a career as a personal trainer. Sometimes you just got to step out and follow your heart. Your an inspiration. -Jess
This is an awesome post Courtney! You described yourself perfectly — you are BY FAR one of the most relatable bloggers out there! I hope you get the opportunity to write for a magazine — you deserve it!
Courtney, you are so brave for following your dreams!
I have a question about bodypump. I just started at my college gym and I took two classes this week. Both instructors used the newest release. Will they use the new release every week until a new one comes out or do instructors usually switch it up?
Congrats on following your passions! Seems like it is working out well for you. Good luck on the audition!
I think this is SO AWESOME Courtney!! Congrats on so many levels. I think it takes so much courage to do what you are doing. I think it’s great, super duper cool, and I am excited to read anything that you write sister! Relatable….that is why I read your blog! I don’t even know you personally and it’s like a good friend got this super cool job! :)
Have a great night!
Best of luck to you Courtney! I feel that reading THIS post did inspire me to pursue what I really love. I know what you mean about dead-end feeling jobs and all of the tears and frustration that go along with it. Since leaving my “plan” in Illinois and moving to Seattle, WA I have been able to begin a fresh, more healthy outlook on what my passions are in rehabilitation counseling (my career), religion and healthy lifestyle. It always helps to surround yourself with like minded individuals so *thank you* for the blog! :-)
If I was the employer, you’d win me over. That is a fantastic submission. Don’t change a thing about that application! :)
Good luck. Your blog is fantastic, and something relatable for everyone. I’m really interested in going to college for journalism but I don’t know if I should pursue that career choice. I sort of feel like I have to go that direction but no one is forcing me to. I don’t know what my passion is yet but I hope to find it by senior year.
Congrats on everything you’ve accomplished! I started reading this past summer and have been hooked ever since. This is a great submission and I’d love to read something you rote in a magazine! Good luck :)
Congrats Courtney! I have been a reader for a long time and have loved watching your blog grow! I think the reason why people love your blog is because you are so relateable…you make healthy living sound fun…and REALISTIC!
I started a blog too not too long ago, and recently have really been trying to put a little more focus into it and commenting on other peoples’ blogs to get mine out there! It’s hard, like you said, when NO ONE comments! lol But I feel encouraged by your story. I’m excited for all you have going for you! I’m right there with you…I recently went back to school to become a Registered Dietitian! Quit my job to follow my dreams. So I can relate to you on several levels!
Congrats girl!!!! What an amazing opportunity. You will be perfect. :)
you go girl!!! can’t wait to find out!
OKAY, YOU’RE HIRED!
Haha, I really love this post. You are truly inspirational, relatable, and hilarious! I’m so happy to see the may wonderful ways God has blessed you, and excited to see what else He’s got planned for you!
What an exciting opportunity :D
CONGRATS! this post is so inspiring! your hard work and dedication most definitely paid off and you deserve this job more than anyone! it was your blog that actually inspired me to create one myself :)
Good luck Court! You know I’m cheering you on, as always :) I enjoy reading about you & your life…and of course those cupcake recipes ;) I can’t wait to see where your future is going…SO MANY exciting opportunities are coming your way & I’m so very happy for you!!!!
good luck courtney! you definitely deserve this…your posts are very relatable, fun and positive to read, and you aren’t cocky or self-absorbed at all…im rooting for you 100%!
Good luck! I hope your video works out too! :)
You know that I support you FULLY and think you are awesome. The fact that you are so easy to relate to and obviously enjoy it all makes you a great match. :)
You ROCK and you know I support you and am cheering you on!!!
Good luck! I think we would all ready your articles!
Haha! I LOVE your vlog! You had me laughing throughout. You seem so at ease and a natural at all this. I have been reading your blog for quite some time now and love it now more than ever! You keep things interesting and I have loved seeing your journey from teaching to becoming a personal trainer, etc. Keep being you!
This is a great post!
Great vlog girl!! Love your personality and the “sell” of yourself. Awesome!
I think you know how awesome you are but I did want to tell you another reason why. When I first started blogging I followed everyone. As I grew more experienced and honestly more educated on true health I slowly weaned out the people who I thought were not exactly leading healthy lives. The fact that you’re not super hardcore about running or diets or always eating 100% healthy I think actually makes your more healthy. You honor your body and yourself.
I’ve followed you for over a year now and have loved “getting to you know you”
So congrats on all you’ve achieved you truly deserve it and have worked hard for it!
Wish I could go out with ya ;)
Great post! I’m so happy for you! It’s nice how life takes unexpected changes!
That is amazing news! I would definitely read your article in a magazine! Everyday I wonder what would happen if I didn’t fall in love with fitness. Seriously would I be a huge overweight cough potato? I honestly think I would be cause that is the road I was going down :P
Your video was great, you’re such a natural! Good luck – can’t wait to hear how it all unfolds :)
That video is so cute, i love it! I’m so happy for you that you were able to find a new passion and actually break out of your old teaching life and into a new one.
I love this post! I have been a loyal reader since shortly after you started your blog and have truly loved following the evolution of both your blog and your life. I am so happy for you for following your heart and your passions. You certainly have been an enormous inspiration to me. In the past year I have both started my own blog and left a job that made me really unhappy, in large part because I relate to you and you inspire me. :)
Wow, thank you Laura! That is absolutely amazing to hear. Best of luck to you, too! :)
Congrats to you! This is one of my dreams too, and it’s so exciting to see you realizing it :-)