Resiliance, and Adversity to Obstacle Course Queen

In the latest episode of Life-Changing Challengers, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kelly Majdan, a health and wellness coach, author, and resilient leader. Her story begins in the 1970s in Colorado, where she grew up as a latchkey kid. This term refers to children who return from school to an empty home because their parents are at work, a common scenario during a time marked by high divorce rates. Kelly's early life was shaped by a significant amount of independence and self-reliance, characteristics that would later serve her well in navigating life's numerous challenges.

Kelly recounts her formative years with a sense of nostalgia and reflection. Growing up largely unsupervised in the foothills of Colorado, she learned to be resourceful and independent. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping her resilient nature. At Fort Lewis College, Kelly initially pursued a degree in architecture, inspired by her general contractor father. However, she soon realized that her true passion lay elsewhere, leading her to pivot towards a different career path.

The episode also delves into Kelly’s experiences with military life. After marrying her college sweetheart, who was a Marine, Kelly faced the emotional and logistical challenges of frequent relocations. The couple lived at various duty stations, including Camp Pendleton and Pensacola, Florida, and had initially hoped to be stationed in Okinawa. However, life had other plans, and they eventually settled in Colorado. The frequent moves and the instability of military life tested Kelly's resilience, but she managed to balance her career while supporting her husband’s duties.

One of the most poignant parts of Kelly’s story is her struggle with fertility issues. Despite the challenges, she and her husband welcomed two children into their lives. The emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, coupled with the demands of military life, forged a strong and unbreakable bond within their family. The episode highlights a significant turning point when Kelly’s husband was called back to serve in Iraq shortly after their daughter's birth, underscoring the sacrifices and emotional resilience required in military families.

Health challenges have also played a significant role in Kelly’s journey. She was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the connection between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness. Despite the debilitating nature of LEMS, Kelly has remained committed to an active lifestyle. She shares how meticulous planning and organization have helped her manage her condition, whether it’s overcoming a 14-foot obstacle wall or handling the logistical challenges of grassroots event planning.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of resilience and perseverance. Kelly discusses the financial and logistical challenges faced by grassroots event planners in organizing races, particularly the rising costs of securing police and security services. She shares her experiences from starting the Best Damn Race series and the decline in participation in these events, speculating on whether societal changes, including a shift towards more sedentary lifestyles, are contributing factors. The discussion emphasizes the personal growth and resilience gained from participating in such races, lamenting the loss of entry-level races like Warrior Dash and Rugged Maniac.

In the final segments, Kelly reflects on the importance of perseverance and resilience, especially in the face of aging and life’s challenges. She highlights the critical role parents play as role models for their children, demonstrating that it’s essential to keep pushing and trying, regardless of difficulties. Through personal experiences with obstacle courses and triathlons, Kelly showcases how communities come together to support one another, highlighting the value of small acts of kindness and courtesy that help people feel seen and valued.

Kelly’s journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and adaptability. From her independent upbringing in Colorado to navigating the trials of military life and health challenges, Kelly’s story is filled with lessons on perseverance, community support, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone facing life’s muddy fields, inspiring listeners to push through their own challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

For those interested in learning more about Kelly Majdan's journey and insights, links to her book and other works are provided in the show notes of the episode. Tune in to Life-Changing Challengers to hear this heartfelt and inspiring story firsthand.