Resilience Redefined: From Adversity to Achievement | Krystalore Crews

Krystalore: [00:00:00] So I would say the biggest thing for me in these seasons of change and the struggles and the depths of despair that I've been in is I have, um, I kind of Listened to a lot of people's opinions of how I should live my life as I was growing my business and moving away. I lost a lot of people in my life and so I kind of doubted myself and didn't always have the worthiness and confidence that you see right here now.

And so it took a lot of internal work, a lot of, A lot of work to get to where I am today, um, to stand up powerfully and share a message that is unapologetically, um, just powerful to be able to affect the world and not be, not feel judged or, um, like I have to do something or fit in a box somewhere. So.

It's been a powerful journey.

Matt: [00:01:00] Well hello and welcome back to Push To Be More. I'm your host Matt Edmundson and we're about to dive into yet another deep exploration of what truly fuels the journey of life and joining me today I have the wonderful Krystalore Crews from Crews Beyond Limits Consulting, uh, we'll be delving into her unique life experiences, the hurdles she has had to push through, the way she recharges her batteries and what steps, uh, Krystalore is taking to be more.

Oh yes. Now don't forget, you can find all of the detailed show notes and a complete transcript of our conversation. Over on the website, pushtobemore. com. And whilst you're there, why not sign up for our newsletter? And each week we'll zip all of the shows, insights, links and goodies direct to your inbox, absolutely free, which is absolutely cool.

Now, this episode is brought to you by aurion Media, the master architects of the podcasting [00:02:00] world. You see here at aurion, we don't just make podcasts, we help you start movements. Oh yes, build communities and take your business to levels you've only ever really dreamed of when it comes to marketing. How?

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Find out more at aurionmedia. com. That's A U R I O N media.com And of course, we will have them linked on the website. But that's the show sponsor. With our new show sponsor script, it seems like we're getting into these new scripts, which is great. So let's talk about... Today's show guests, oh yes, Rev Up Your Spirits for Krystalore Crews, a whirlwind of energy, resilience and motivation.

This 21 year US Air Force veteran, former NFL cheerleader and 26th time marathoner, is also a master of resilience, bouncing back from military service, cancer and being wheelchair bound to excel as a professional athlete and entrepreneur. I mean, [00:04:00] That's awesome. Now whether she's crafting a motivational speech, penning a powerful book, or coaching for fitness and leadership, Krystalore's mission is clear.

To ignite everyone, the will to hashtag crews beyond limits, prioritizing their health for just 34 precious minutes a day. That's got to be Krystalore, one of the most extraordinary bios I've read for a long time. How are we doing? And thank you for joining me on the show. I'm excited to have you.

Krystalore: Oh, it's such an honor, Matt. Thank you so much for that great intro. It's just, I'm super excited for this conversation.

Matt: Now, it's great to have you here. It's great. And there's so many questions I already have just from that short intro. But before we jump into it, um, as you know, this show is brought to you by aurion Media, who are experts in making podcasting dreams, uh, for business leaders, making, you know, these sort of marketing dreams come true.

So I'm kind of curious, Krystalore. If you had a podcast and you could have [00:05:00] anybody as a guest on your show, from the past or the present, the only caveat is that they have had to have had a huge impact on your own life. Who would be, who would, who would you choose to share the mic with and why?

Krystalore: Well, besides you, Matt, uh, it would have to be.

Matt: such a smooth talk already. I'm loving this

Krystalore: I already got the huge honor of the best, uh, intro you've ever heard. So why not have you back on my show when my podcast, uh, does air? It's actually happening this year.

Matt: Oh, fantastic. What's the podcast called? Do we Know?

Krystalore: not yet. I'm still working a couple angles. So. Still working, but I'll keep you posted.

Matt: Yeah, defo. Defo.

Krystalore: So, um, the person that I would love to have on my show is the dearest, uh, former NFL, uh, is Trent Shelton.

So, he has made such an impact. He has been a leader and a [00:06:00] mentor in my life, uh, helped me, uh, in the darkest of times and through podcasting is really, he was one of the first, um, podcasts that I started listening to about, what, six or seven years ago now and, uh, so he's made a tremendous impact in my life.

Matt: Well, in what way can I ask? Has he made a tremendous impact on your life? Mm-hmm.

Krystalore: So I would say the biggest thing for me in these seasons of change and the struggles and the depths of despair that I've been in is I have, um, I kind of Listened to a lot of people's opinions of how I should live my life as I was growing my business and moving away. I lost a lot of people in my life and so I kind of doubted myself and didn't always have the worthiness and confidence that you see right here now.

And so it took a lot of internal work, a lot of, A lot of work to get to where I am today, um, to stand up [00:07:00] powerfully and share a message that is unapologetically, um, just powerful to be able to affect the world and not be, not feel judged or, um, like I have to do something or fit in a box somewhere. So.

It's been a powerful journey.

Matt: well, well, let's start there. So the powerful message then, um, that you've sort of worked on and feel like you have to share. Let's start there. What is that message? Let's jump straight into it.

Krystalore: Yeah. So right into the message. Well, as the intro had shared, um, that I'm really on a mission to help empower every person, put themselves and their health first for just 34 minutes a day to reduce the stress and overwhelm of life and live a more fulfilling life. And it really starts with a heart centered leadership.

Message, right? It's like, we want to pour [00:08:00] into everyone and everything else, and I'm a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser. So, uh, it's no wonder why I, I kind of hurt, I listened to a lot of other people's opinions, um, other people's thoughts of how I should live my life. I needed to fit in certain boxes to look a certain way and act a certain way and check my feelings and emotions at the door.

And so for a long time, I just, I, I kind of listened to a lot of that and stepping into the power of entrepreneurship really opened up a lot of layers of what could be possible for what really is that Krystalore wants, like, who is she? And so back to the 34 minutes a day. Many times as servant leaders, whether we're in the military, um, maybe mothers, caretakers, or even business owners or aspiring business owners, many times our other people's priorities and other people's [00:09:00] schedules can take the front seat and our health and wellness can take a back seat.

And I found myself, um, A couple times in my life with my health and wellness taking a backseat and so I have vowed to make sure that I help empower those to create the habits and the healthy mindset to be able to put yourself and your health first so you can pour into everyone and everything else.

It's a you first movement, it's a yes you too movement so that, um, so that you can be your best self to pour into everyone else.

Matt: So this is a bit like the, uh, if I can put it this way, it's the analogy, it's whenever you're on the plane and the stewardess stands up and says, you know, in the event of an emergency, put the mask on your face first.

Um, I, I was, I heard, uh, on Instagram, you know, you get all these sort of things on Instagram, don't you?

Uh, one lady who was doing the call saying, listen, Um, ladies, we know you [00:10:00] have children in your life and those children take many forms. And, uh, but we're saying put the mask on you first. And if you have more than one child, uh, you know, uh, with you, then obviously you need to choose which is your favorite.

And it's a very funny, a very funny announcement, but, um, this is the thing where actually you've got to make sure you're okay. Um, before you start looking, uh, out for other people. I'm curious, where did the 34 minutes come from? Why 34? Um,

Krystalore: Yeah, so being in the military, uh, for the over 21 years, I, my bags are always packed. I'm constantly traveling. I'm always living out of hotel rooms and suitcases. And so what I found is, you know, when I first started working out in the gym before I traveled a lot, um, I would go to these classes. And I was the front row, I loved taking group fitness classes, and I would take Zumba, and I would do back to back classes, and I really enjoyed it.

But when I started traveling a lot [00:11:00] for the military, I realized that I couldn't always get to a gym. And I couldn't always, um, have a membership that I could pay for and actually attend, because I was always traveling. And then, in the military, we start our days very early. So, the culture is like you start class or you start your duty day at, you know, 7 o'clock in the morning, and then once the duty day is over, you have camaraderie, so you go to happy hour, dinner, and you know, you stay up late and you tell stories and you tell jokes and then you wake up and rinse and repeat.

90 percent of the population don't actually... They, they don't schedule a workout. So I needed to figure out, okay, I have to start my day with a workout in, in a hotel room. So I figured out a 30 minute session that I could do with no equipment from a hotel room. So I, uh, I started doing these and I, then I would get some people together and everywhere I travelled I would say hey let's [00:12:00] go for a group run for 30 minutes.

Or, let's do a workout with some push ups, sit ups, burpees, you know, jumping jacks, run in place, you know, whatever we can do in the short time period. So with high intensity interval training, which is what my system is, um, so it's short bursts of high intensity interval training and your body cooks like an oven for hours.

And you can really maximize the time and the space that you have to really get the heart, heart pumping, the blood flowing and the sweat flying everywhere and I make it fun. So I developed this system that everywhere I go, I just create, get a bunch of people together to like sweat and have fun. And I'm a performer.

I'm a professional dancer and a former NFL cheerleader. So my energy is. up here. And so it's contagious. So it's just, I like to get a lot of people together and sweat and have fun and not take ourselves so seriously. And so [00:13:00] I started traveling all over and doing all these courses. And, um, so when all the gyms shut down in, uh, March of 2020, I had a friend call me.

She's like, Hey, all the gyms shut down. Can you teach something online? So I created a Facebook event, and this was before Zoom became popular. I had FreeConferenceCall. com because I had been certified as a coach through FreeConferenceCall. com. I started my online business in 2017, so, um, so yeah, I started teaching and created a, now a global movement.

So I have clients all over the world, and I stream 30 minute sessions three times a week at least. And everything's recorded, and it's a beautiful community.

Matt: so how, because I read in the the bio and I've, you know, in your notes, Krystalore, and I know in the conversation you had with Sadaf, the show's producer, on one hand, you were an NFL cheerleader, [00:14:00] and you've You know, you've done all these marathons, 26 marathons, 26 miles. I don't know if that's a coincidence or what, but is this the number of the 26?

Um, but on the other hand, it said, uh, that you were in a wheelchair, you've had cancer, you have, uh, So, what we read in the bio is not what I'm, I'm seeing now. It's, I'm kind of curious as to what happened in, in your story. I suppose sort of led you to the wheelchair, but it also got you out of the wheelchair.

Krystalore: Yes, so in 2005, when I was an NFL cheerleader, I did a runway show for Spirit Halloween Store, and I was a witch, and they had me wear these black stiletto shoes with the pointy toes, you

Matt: Mm hmm.

Krystalore: and uh, so I woke up November 1st of 2005. And my right baby toe was bigger than my big toe. It was bright red and I could barely put a shoe on.

I was in so much [00:15:00] pain and I went to the doctor and they said, Oh, stop wearing those shoes. You're working out too much. Slow down. You know, you're just. You know, it must be an ingrown toenail, like just suck it up, basically go away.

Matt: Yeah.

Krystalore: And, um, then I started getting pain in my knee. Um, and then it was my other knee, then my shoulders.

And then I ended up with a locked jaw for three months. And... They didn't know what was wrong with me, and I ended up stalking, stalking my doctors to just be like, no, something isn't right. And, um, I was in a pretty toxic relationship, uh, with an ex of mine at the time. Um, it was emotionally and physically abusive.

So, it was a very traumatic time. So, I felt very alone, and I ended up in a wheelchair for six months while they tried to figure out what was wrong with me. And it was in those moments where I had just started my military career, [00:16:00] I was at the height of my NFL career, I was in my senior year of my undergrad, I had so much going for me, but I realized that inside I was broken

Matt: Mm hmm.

Krystalore: and I was not taking my health seriously because I'm a small human and I worked out for five hours a day.

Like, of course, I'm going to be in shape, but internally, I wasn't feeling my body, I wasn't feeling my body properly, um, with the proper nutrition. I looked good and I showed up, but inside I was, I was hurt. I was, and I didn't feel like I was worthy. I didn't feel like I had a voice. And it wasn't until they tried to kick me out of the military, because I had to take chemotherapy, uh, chemotherapy pill, and then steroid injections, and endless amounts of prednisone to be able to even walk.

And I gained a lot of weight, um, so I was miserable, I couldn't move. I was, my military career was over, my NFL career was over, I was no longer in shape, I was no longer an athlete, [00:17:00] and I had to be on endless amounts of medication for the rest of my life.

Matt: wow, that's pretty, um, that's pretty intense. Uh, and this all seems to have happened quite quickly. What was it that caused you to be in the wheelchair? The, the, the large, uh, baby toe, uh, small toe. What do they call that? Anyway,

Krystalore: They

Matt: the condition?

Krystalore: ended up diagnosing me, with a really rare form of rheumatoid arthritis.

Matt: Okay.

Krystalore: And at 22, at the age of 22, arthritis isn't really on the radar for doctors, right? It's, it's, um, pediatric or geriatric. It's like when you're really young or when you're really old, right? And so, I wasn't on the radar. They almost put metal plates in my jaw, um, because it, my, my joints were seized up.

And, um, they, they almost did TMJ surgery. Like, I was in so much pain, I had to crawl, like literally fall out of bed. [00:18:00] Because I couldn't put my two feet down when I got out of bed. And so, what you see now is the 34 minutes and this, the confident, energetic self. It's like, I put my two feet down every single morning.

Like, my life depends on it. Because there was once a chance, a chance, a time in my life that I wasn't able to do that.

Matt: Yeah, yeah. That's okay. So the, it sounds like this was quite a rapid onset of the, the disability and the, the, the inability to move. Um, so can I ask what NFL team you were cheerleading for?

Krystalore: So, the Buffalo Bills.

Matt: The Buffalo Bills. Okay. Um, you understand there's a friend of mine who is the biggest Buffalo's Bill fan. I have,

uh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

He's, um, he's, cause they're the ones with the orange, aren't they?

Krystalore: no, red, white and blue,

Matt: I wonder what team, Broncos, that's it, he's a,

Krystalore: Denver Broncos. Gotcha.

Matt: this is why you [00:19:00] should never talk to an English person about NFL. Um, so anyway, um, you're, you're with the NFL, this will get, this whole arthritis thing kicks off in quite a major way. Um, and, You're also kick starting your career in the military at the time, and you're in a toxic relationship, and you've got all of this going on, and it's at this point you realize not only externally is something wrong, but also internally.

I think you used the phrase you were broken, the inside you were broken. What do you mean when you use that phrase broken? So internally, when you say I was broken, what does that mean to you?

Krystalore: I didn't feel like I had a voice. I didn't feel like I could stand up for myself. And I certainly wasn't, um, you know, paying attention to the proper hydration and the nutrition and, um, the appropriate amount of movement and rest and recovery that [00:20:00] I now study and help others with, right? So, um, you know, looking back, I was burned out.

I was overwhelmed, overtrained, and I was listening to all the voices, uh, in the head, in my head, that were really the people in my life that were toxic. They were, they weren't on my team. Um, they weren't, they were no good. And so I, I had to start standing up for myself

Matt: Okay. Okay.

Krystalore: and say, no, there's gotta be a better way.

There's gotta be another way.

Matt: So what, what was that turning point for you? What kick started that, that change? Because I, I'm, I mean, I, you know, I'm, one, I'm really sorry to hear you're in an abusive relationship. I can't, I can't imagine what that was like. But my experience with that is they're quite controlling. And those voices are always telling you that you're no good.

And actually it's your fault. Whatever it is, it's always your fault, right? And so you're in these, in this relationship. [00:21:00] The Recovering Perfectionist, which I love that phrase. you're hearing this voice and other toxic voices around you. What was the turning point? What was the, was there an aha moment, you know, for you?

Krystalore: Yeah. So there was one when I actually went to the emergency room. Um, because at one point my left leg had been filled with so much joint fluid. Uh, that it had extended to my entire leg, so it was extremely, uh, swollen and painful. And so I had literally like a kankle. So so much joint fluid has got, had gone through my whole leg and I went to the emergency room and this is when they were processing me out of the military.

Of course I wasn't, you know, going to be training for the NFL anymore, but, um. The ER nurse there, she, um, actually worked on the base, um, she, I worked with her in the [00:22:00] military and she was there at midnight when I, when I was there and she's like, something doesn't seem right. And they were just processing my paperwork.

They literally put, they packed up my, um, my office and put it on a cart and put it in the hallway. Like they just replaced me, moved me out. No one checked on me. They were just, they literally put my Christmas lights on it and plugged it in the hallway. And she's like, this doesn't seem right. You're an athlete.

Like you, this, something doesn't add up. There's got to be another way. And so she said, let's, let's look at other means of medication and something that isn't as harsh and that isn't disqualifying for you. And so it was in those moments where I saw a light of hope because my pill box was this big. I had to have refrigerated injections that I had to put in my end abdomen and my quads every other day.

Um, and so I just thought that I trusted the doctors. That's what I had to do for the rest of my [00:23:00] life. And she was the, that voice, that angel that said, No, you're different. Like you're an athlete. This isn't, this doesn't seem right. There's got to be another way because, um, so we started getting on a different medication.

I started reading, um, back in 2005, they didn't have the internet really, right? So I didn't have Dr. Google or, you know, Facebook to get on and say, Hey, I'm having this problem. Uh, you know, so I read Arthritis for Dummies. Like my mom bought me the yellow and black book, Arthritis for Dummies, and I started reading the power of nutrition and anti inflammatory diets and medication and supplements and, and, you know, now I use the acronym or the, the analogy that our body is like a vehicle and we have to like be a mad scientist with it, just like you are in your car, right?

You have to top off fluids, you have to check the engine, you have to wash it, you have to take care of it. The only thing that you have is the body that you live in. [00:24:00] And so it was in those moments where I was really alone, I shopped for my first apartment in a wheelchair, and I just started reading and researching and testing my body to say, okay, what can I do with what I've got?

And I worked with my doctors for an entire year. I started moving when it hurt, I started walking, um, and then I started running one light post at a time and then one mile at a time. And then I started, then I realized that I was healing from the inside out, from moving and feeling myself with the proper nutrition and getting out of that toxic relationship, standing up for myself and saying, advocating for myself and my health and what's right.

And it was in those moments that I rebuilt my core. And, um, my core values, my core posture, my, my internal, um, life and, and obviously how I felt externally as well. And it took an entire year. I got off of all the medication [00:25:00] and I started running and. 26 miles, 26 marathons, a 50 mile race, and I don't take ibuprofen even now to this day.

Matt: Well, that's a remarkable turnaround and well, congratulations, uh, would be, would be, uh, something to say there because that, I mean, it's not often you hear those stories. Um, I mean, was the, was the prognosis for you? Krystalore, basically you were gonna be wheel cha uh, wheelchair bound. You were gonna be, um, on that medication pretty much for the rest of your life according to conventional medicine.

At the time this all happened. They, the doctors weren't, it sounds like they weren't necessarily giving you a way out. It was just like, well, this is the way it's gonna be. It turned out it was your friend that said, well, hang on a minute. Maybe there's something else that we can do here.

Krystalore: Yes, um, so what I found, especially as an [00:26:00] athlete, I need athletes as doctors. I think that's so important. Um, when I go into a doctor's office and they are not an athlete, uh, and nothing against doctors, but athletes, we're... We're special breed, right? Uh, so you tell me to stop running, you tell me that I'm never going to be able to move uh, or perform again, I'm, I'm going to say, watch me.

Um, so, how can we keep moving and bounce back in a way that's healthy to recover in a way to get back to what is somewhat normal for the athlete's mind, um, I think is so important. And I think I took a lot of people's, like, they were like, no, you need to stop moving. But because a lot of times you don't know unless you've been an athlete, unless you've had injuries and you need to bounce back, um, that there is a safe and healthy way to do it.

And it might look a little bit different, but finding alternative ways to be able to still fuel the mind and the [00:27:00] body in the way that the athlete is, uh, is needing, um, because it's our, it's our identity. So when you strip that, and that's, you know, I think that's at the core of what really happened is I was losing many identities.

I was no longer a girlfriend. I was no longer in the NFL, and I was no longer going to be an athlete. I was no longer going to be in the military either. So stripped of all of those identities, who was I?

Matt: That's such a powerful question, isn't it, because we, we, I think unknowingly wrap our identity around what we do so often, especially in the West, um, and we can wrap our identity around what we've accomplished. Uh, quite a lot, quite easily as well, because, you know, it's about, um, uh, the, uh, a friend of mine, um, Caesar Kalinowski calls it the do to be lie, you know, the stuff that we have to do to be, um, and, uh, it's, it's a really interesting phrase that he uses.

But [00:28:00] this. So here you are then, uh, in your mid, I think you said you're in your mid twenties. Your whole identity then is stripped back because you're no longer the, like you say, you're no longer the cheerleader, you're no longer the military, you're no longer the, the girlfriend, you're no longer the, the athlete or the dancer. Who were you? So how did you answer that question? How did you start to rebuild that for you?

Krystalore: I started, well, I got therapy, that's for sure. I got help. I started, um, really recognizing that I am not alone. Um, so I got help. I asked for help. I got coached. I started moving. And it was through running, though, that I really found myself. Because it's a lot of time alone in your thoughts, right? So I was, I would spend...

I spend hours by myself, you know, and I think a lot of people are afraid of spending those lonely times with themselves and their, and [00:29:00] their thoughts, afraid of what could come up. But I've just gotten really good at spending that time alone and really just dissecting who am I down to the core and what have I gone through, what have I grown through and how can I help others, you know, shorten that time period of self doubt and overwhelm.

To, so they can live a more fulfilling life because, um, you know, I think anybody that meditates or, you know, spend some alone time, uh, or runs or any individual sport, like I was a runner, a cheerleader, a dancer, none of those, this is a powerful part of my story. None of those sports enabled me to use my voice.

And it's ironic that, you know, that pivotal moment of that toxic, you know, abusive relationship, I was choked. And so I didn't feel like I had a voice and then I certainly didn't have a voice anymore. And now you can't shut me up because I realized that I do have a voice and I am a [00:30:00] thought leader and I can impact the world.

My heart and, you know, the things that I've gone through and the things that I've been able to process internally. Now fast forward. I'm an emotional intelligence coach and temperament facilitator, right? So I study the brain. I study psychology and I put it into the health and wellness space because I've been literally this vessel for many, many years, almost 20 years now.

And so I've been studying internally, the stress, the trauma and the heartache and the worthiness and the identity crisis so that I am so intuitive with my clients to be able to say, Hey, I've been there, like, you might see a beautiful, like, woman, you know, petite with a six pack, but I've been in your shoes before.

And so I'm able to really meet my clients where they're at to help them move and um, and literally down to the breathing and your body [00:31:00] language, I can almost to a t know exactly what to say in those moments to help you move from the self-doubt. 'cause I've been in the depths of it. ,

Matt: yeah, yeah, no kidding, no kidding. And it's, well, can I ask you then this question, Krystalore, like I'm getting very into this conversation, I have to be honest, um, if I was to say to you, who are you now, how would you answer that question?

Krystalore: I am, let's see. I am an energetic, powerful woman on a mission to help just. I serve women so that they can really just live a more fulfilling life and be healthier and happier. And I'm here to literally help people ignite. Um, I, I truly believe that no matter where I'm at, I, um, I know I bring a smile to people's faces.

My energy, my light [00:32:00] is, is a true alignment. of what I'm put on this earth to do. Um, I am a, you know, a woman of God, a child of God, and I do believe it was really in those moments where I, when I aligned everything and I took, I took that, I took the gift, I took the mission, um, that I was put through a lot of these things to be able to serve others. And so now, I literally travel the world, um, I'm on virtual stages, physical stages, I host retreats now, um, I help, I just want people to see the beauty of their unique gifts and Be happier and healthier and not hold back.

Matt: It's a great answer, it's a great answer. So if, knowing what you know now, um, if somehow, you know, you found yourself 20 years ago, you know, back in time, you're wandering the halls of the [00:33:00] hospital and you see your 20 year younger self in the wheelchair in despair with life and what's going on, what would you say to her?

Krystalore: It's gonna be okay. You're not alone. It's okay to ask for help and there are good people out there that will help you and that will cheer you on and You know what you're going through right now is what you're gonna grow through later to be able to help others

Matt: Super powerful. What you're going through right now is what you're going to grow through later. I like, I love that phrase. So how did the, the military get, the military situation sort of get redeemed or turned around because you're still in the military yet, uh, the sort of, you're left as hanging where you're, there's a box in the hallway with Christmas tree lights.

So I'm kind of curious, what, what's the rest of that journey?

Krystalore: Yeah, so I had another angel who, [00:34:00] um, you know, in those time periods where, you know, I really didn't feel like I belonged, um, I am a four, I'm four 11 and three quarters NFL cheerleader. I would just been a wheel in a wheelchair, like they kind of moved me out and said, all right, she's gone. Um, there was another angel that I worked with that took me under her wing.

Her name is Melissa and, um, everyone needs a Melissa in their life. Someone that says. And this is where a lot of that, that, um, that message to my 22 year old self came from. She told me in those moments, she said, I, I hear you. I know you're going through hard things right now, but one day you're going to be a motivational speaker.

And I was like, what? No. And every single time I take a stage, every single time I get a new opportunity, she's the first one, the first person I text. And she has been my personal and professional cheerleader since then. And she saw things in me in those [00:35:00] moments that when I didn't believe in myself, she believed in me and saw that potential.

And she helped me step into that by pushing me, um, by challenging me, by giving me opportunities, by introducing me to a new. Projects, new spaces, new places. And, you know, she has just been an incredible advocate for me. And I just, I want to be that for everyone else. Like that, just that little angel to say, you know what, this could be possible for you.

And that's how I get to pay it forward with all of my clients. And it's incredible.

Matt: So how, which is great, Melissa, thank you, um, so how does that, so just do join the dots for the military for me.

Krystalore: Sure. Sorry. She, um, she took me under her wing and I ended up getting promotions and I ended up staying in. I had to go through a five year process to, I mean, submit all the documentation from all the doctors and all the medication and to be able to be cleared [00:36:00] and fit to continue to serve. Right. So that was a very strenuous process, uh, that most people quit to be honest.

And, you know, of course I'm a marathon runner. I don't quit anything. Everything I start, I finish. And so I'm very proud of that. And so I finished that and, um, you know, went through my master's and, um, ended up going active duty, working full time. And then, um, I met my husband, uh, he was also in the military and we met volunteering for a nonprofit.

And then we ended up having to move away. So six years ago, I moved away from my full time career in the military, my life, my family, my friends, everything I knew to a city that I knew no one. So once again, I was stripped of a lot of identity. And, um, that's when I hired a coach, reached out for help and, um, ended up starting my online business.

Uh, six years ago now. So, uh, [00:37:00] that's, that's to piece that puzzle together. So hopefully that

Matt: Yeah, no, absolutely. I like to close the circles. I like to understand, you know, how the story joins up, as they say. So,

Krystalore: I like to keep people hanging too. So

Matt: well, that works

Krystalore: that's part of my charm.

Matt: And I'm just going to ask more questions.

Krystalore: Good.

Matt: That's brilliant. So... So here you are now, you've got your online business, you're helping, uh, people all over the world and, you know, you've got an infectious sort of joy and passion around you, haven't you, which is, which is wonderful, actually, and lovely.

Um, I appreciate there might be an obvious answer to this, but let me ask it anyway. In terms of your personal recharge, your personal keeping your batteries, obviously there's the internal work that you've been doing with coaches and so on and so forth, there's the external work you've been doing over the years, but what does a typical sort of day [00:38:00] look like for you in terms of recharge, or a typical week, or are there certain things that you have to do, they're like, they're your routine?

Krystalore: Yes. So, um, a couple things I published, uh, the Krystal clear life planner. Um, so it's a 90 day action plan to embrace chaos and live a fulfilling life. So I start every day by not hitting the snooze button. Um, and starting with Gratitude, Goal Setting, and Intentions, um, every single morning, um, And mapping out my 30 minute workout, so making sure at least 30 minutes of a workout is complete.

Um, also I published a 30 day habit tracker, so I have a set of non negotiables that um, that really helps me understand that, okay, today's a good day. I wouldn't fire myself today if I accomplished these things. So, just a couple of them, just not hitting the snooze button, having a morning workout. Doing my journaling and intentions.

I meditate each day. Um, [00:39:00] I do, I declutter something, whether it be cleaning my office, putting away laundry, you know, cleaning out my underwear drawer, whatever it is, you know, like I clean something every single day. Um, because I do believe the environment, um, you know, your physical environment impacts your mental space.

Matt: big difference, yep,

Krystalore: Um, so I do at least three lead generating activities for my business. I read for 10 minutes, um, a present moment with my husband, and then I try to be in bed by 10 o'clock. So, um, I track those each and every day to be able to say like, Hey, today was a good day.

Matt: yep,

Krystalore: And then evening reflections. So I take two minutes in the morning, um, of goal setting intentions, um, and gratitude, and then 30 minutes of movement.

And then the last part of the 34 minute mindset is two minutes of reflection and celebration in the evening. How did I do today? Did I do everything I said I was going to do? Because especially as an [00:40:00] entrepreneur and as an athlete, like you may have a goal that's three months or three years away. And every day is going to be a grind.

It's going to be a challenge. And so, really sink in each day of the needle making moves that we are accomplishing. Focusing on, I love to focus on what I have accomplished versus what I have left to do, right? Because I think we can put ourselves in a lot of overwhelm and guilt and shame. And then that leads to comparison.

Matt: mm

Krystalore: So, I'm really on my own path and my own journey. of one day at a time, one step at a time, you know, like progress instead of perfection. And so, um, those, that's really like what I, how I structure the day. Um, as far as recharge, I nap every day. I make sure that, um, I eat every two hours. I'm like an infant, you know, I literally eat every two hours, I nap in the afternoon.

[00:41:00] And I always have something on the calendar to look forward to. And I think this is super important, um, you know, many of my clients, they, the first, when we do the intake call for my clients, the very first thing I ask is, how are you going to celebrate when you achieve your goals?

Matt: mm hmm,

Krystalore: Especially as women, we don't always like celebrate ourselves.

We want to do everything for everyone else, right? So, um, so that sometimes is a very difficult thing. Um, so my husband and I, we always have either a date night planned or a trip planned or have a marathon planned. I'm trying to get into London by the way, so I might see you next year in April.

Matt: Yeah,

Krystalore: But yeah, so that might be number 27.

And so just having that date, um, and that carrot, I think is so important. Um, to be able to have hope and be going, you know, looking, having somebody to look forward to, in a sense, right? So that, um, the days, they can be monotonous and they can feel like you're, you're just [00:42:00] trudging through the mud, but you're moving one day at a time, one step closer.

Matt: Wow. Super powerful. How do you find, um, it's interesting, I was having this conversation with somebody yesterday about the, the celebration aspect of it, you know, and how for thousands of years, people would have big celebratory feasts, you know, and something And a lot of the feasts that we have now, that people celebrate now, can be traced back thousands of years.

You, you know, you, you take the Jewish feast, Passover, for example, you know, this is a celebration, some momentous type event. Um, and it's interesting you talk about this, putting something in the diary that celebrates the achievement of, of something. What's been the craziest thing you've done to celebrate achieving a goal?

I'm, I'm super curious.

Krystalore: Oh gosh. Uh, so. I love going on, uh, beach vacations, right? So, um, the craziest thing I hope, well, I'll just tell you a quick story of how I met my husband [00:43:00] and I, you know, before him, I ran maybe like 12, 13 marathons and I would run a marathon and then I would take an all inclusive vacation. Now, early on, I didn't have a lot of money, so I would just find, like, the cheapest place, and I would just, like, try to find this crazy deal, and I would just go travel.

And um, so I saved all my money to be able to take these vacations as a as a treat to myself after the marathon to be able to go to a swim up bar and just kick back and hobble around as I was recovering. Right. And just kind of give myself that time. And, um, so when I met him, he had run a couple of half marathons and he's like, I always wanted to run a marathon.

And so I told him, I was like, well. I'm running one next month, so if you really want to, you really want this, then let's do it. So, I trained him for his first full marathon in a month. Um, don't recommend that. I am a [00:44:00] marathon coach. I definitely don't recommend that unless you're an athlete and you've... Um, but I got him there safely and I told him, I said, Hey, you want a part of this life?

Uh, we're going to go on a vacation. So three months after dating, um, we booked an all inclusive vacation, uh, and people thought we've been together for years and, um, you know, we, that actually, that trip brought us together and we're always in one and it just, uh, we basically moved in with each other right after and, um, we're going to be married seven years now.

Um, so it's, that was probably. A wild trip because I never would have gone on a with a stranger. Um, but, um, through running, we really grew together really quickly. And, um, so it was pretty cool. So I think that was probably the most impactful one.

Matt: I liked how you changed the language, because I said, what was the craziest one you've done? And basically all you said was, I went away with my husband. And[00:45:00]

Krystalore: Well, he broke all my rules. Like I didn't want anyone in the military or like, it just wasn't on the radar. And he literally is, um, such an amazing man. Um, he's just. Everything that I could have dreamed of, and so I took a chance, and

Matt: it

Krystalore: we are, living the dream.

Matt: Well, that's lovely to hear. That's lovely to hear, it really is. Chris Law, I'm aware of the time, and apart from the fact I have a thousand more questions. If people want to find out more about you, if they want to connect with you, want to see what you're doing, maybe find out more about your training programs, or your coaching, or your journals, I mean, you know, the 20, 000 things that you've got that people can use.

If people want to know more about that, what's the best way to find out more information?

Krystalore: Um, so I'm on all the socials, Krystalore Crews, it's K R Y S T A L O R E C R E W S, and then my website's krystalorecrews. com, um, so please send me a [00:46:00] message, I'd love to connect and just, See how I can support you, cheer you on, happy to hop on a call, um, you know, I'm a real human and I just want to connect and help others, so, um, shorten that time period of self doubt and overwhelm, and so I'm here for you, just reach out anytime,

Matt: Shorten that period of self doubt and overwhelm. I love that. Uh, listen, uh, Kyrstalore, I honestly, I've thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. There aren't many people that I've met in life that feel like they've been through as much and still come out. You know, with the smile that you have, which is lovely to see.

And so thank you for coming on the show. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations to you and your husband and you know, for making it this far and long may it continue.

Krystalore: thank you.

Matt: It's been great. Thank you. Wonderful. Well, that's a wrap on another invigorating conversation. A massive round of applause to Krystalore for joining us and just being totally honest and just loving that, being super [00:47:00] inspiring and a huge thanks again to today's show's sponsor, aurion Media.

For all you change makers out there contemplating podcasting as your new vehicle of marketing, do connect with them at aurionmedia. com, A U R I O N M media.com. Uh, and remember, keep pushing to be more. Don't forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts from because we've got some more seriously compelling conversations up our sleeve.

And I don't want you to miss any of them. And in case no one has told you, let's, uh, told you yet today, let me be the first. You are awesome. Yes, you are created. Awesome. It's just a burden you have to bear. Krystalore has to bear it, I have to bear it, and you've got to bear it as well. Now, Push To Be More is brought to you by aurion Media.

For transcripts or show notes, swing over to our website, pushtobemore. com. And also a big kudos to the team that makes this show possible. Sadaf Beynon, Tanya Hutsuliak, and also a shout out to Josh Edmundson for the incredible theme [00:48:00] music. So from Krystalore and from me, thank you so much for joining us.

Have. An awesome week, wherever you are in the world. I'll see you next time. Bye for now.