NOTES TO SHARE WITH FUTURE CAMPERS:
There is no way I can possibly write the entire thing here and so I won't attempt it. But I will pass on the wisdom Billy gave that worked through me the strongest.
Physically: I was prepared. I knew that this would be tough and so I faithfully worked out for months to increase my endurance and strength. That doesn't mean I didn't struggle, I did, but I never quit (thanks to my team) and always worked to the best of my ability. Nothing will really prepare for you a live Billy class, but that makes it even more exciting to attend! So my advice to future campers is to be prepared physically. Even Billy said that to not come to camp physically prepared is just unwise. He used the example of saying: Suppose you are about to be in a boxing match and ready to fight the greatest boxer in the world, but you haven't trained for it or prepared. Then you pray to God to help you do this and give you the ability. So what happens when you get in that ring? Well, you get your rear kicked because you went in there unprepared. God isn't going to do His part if you don't do your part. So BE PREPARED! Be able to do numerous sit ups and push ups. Be able to keep your heartrate up to do 1-2 hour classes. It is called BOOTCAMP for a reason and so make sure you can physically handle it. This doesn't mean you have to be at your goal weight or be super lean because there are overweight people who can keep up with Billy's Ultimate class, just be prepared to endure.
Mentally: I am not sure anyone can fully be prepared to handle something like this mentally, but you can go into it with enough wisdom to know what to do when the mental part becomes a battle. I stayed strong until day 3 and then had big struggles, but Billy knew this and he even equipped us with the wisdom before it happened and the key to succeeding in camp is LISTENING to what he says and keeping it all close to your heart so you can use his wisdom to conquer the mental challenges. I cannot stress enough the importance of listening. Do not let one of his words pass through your ears without it sinking in. He knows if you are listening too as he watches you from the moment you enter the building. The test is going on the entire time. He is everywhere and watching everything you do the entire time, so LISTEN to Billy. That is one of the BEST pieces of advice I can give to future campers!
Here are some bits of wisdom that blessed me beyond belief and will carry with me forever:
Billy asked us "When is the Body in Shape?" How do you answer something like that? I know I couldn't. What determines when the body is truly in shape? Billy told us, "When your spirit leaves your senses". Wow. Senses being your 5 senses of see, hear, feel, taste, smell.
Billy said our body is like a field and our 5 senses are the landmines. When you exercise your mind and will, it exposes your 5 senses and they open up your mind to make a decision--to move on or quit. Your 5 senses are WANTS that make you selfish and limitations are put on you by others if you let your senses receive it. We have to learn to shut off those senses and let our spirit rule us.
I have a great example on how this worked for me this weekend. As we were awaiting to go test in front of Billy, I started feeling every pain in my body. First my toes were swollen and toenails were about to pop off, then I felt my hip burning and hurting, then this pain started going from my neck into my head and a migraine was developing, I just fed off that and then I became sick to my stomach and felt nausea. Suddenly my body was so consumed in pain & physical illness that I was now filled with fear and couldn't concentrate or focus except on my 5 senses. Then my wonderful husband came and whispered scripture into my ear and I started remembering what Billy said and how our senses make us selfish if we allow them to be fed with negativity. So I went into the vault which was very dark and quiet and started ignoring my senses and allowing my spirit to take charge. Suddenly, I didn't feel pain anywhere and my confidence returned. I went up to take that test the second time with no fear, no physical pain and left it all behind me, just as Billy instructed. It was awesome! When I finished the testing, I came downstairs with joy, peace and a renewed energy, like I conquered the world! I didn't do perfect in my test, but I did it with confidence and without fear.
Emotionally: This camp will really help you see whether or not you truly want to help people and be an instructor. Billy makes it clear that God gave him this wonderful creation and he is NOT going to just give it to anyone. I totally respect and honor that. What a HUGE responsibility we will have as instructors to represent Billy Blanks in ALL we do and the responsibility we have to the public, to love them and care for each individual as we bring Tae Bo to them. Wow. Powerful stuff! And above all, to think that the CREATOR himself is willing to personally train and certify his instructors, not someone else he has trained, but he does it HIMSELF, is an incredible honor it itself.
So future campers, do not fear this camp, just be prepared physically, come with open minds and ears to listen, and practice now overcoming those 5 senses that can limit you from all you can be and all you can get from this wonderful camp and appreciate and realize what a total honor it will be just to be there! All I can say is that 2 years ago, at over 200lbs, this is where my mind put me and God Bless--I was there! Put your mind there too and you will be there and take hold of your dreams!
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