On Saturday, September 16, I will embark on a journey that has been many years in the making. With all the challenges I’ve endured this year health-wise, I was beginning to think it wasn’t going to happen . . . again. In 2008, I planned a trip to the Oktoberfest in Germany which is on my bucket list. I had to cancel the trip at the last minute when my mom fell ill and ended up in ICU. Even though I have been to Germany twice (study abroad in 1995 and again in 1998 for work), I have always wanted to attend what is considered the largest Volksfest in the world. Now, that dream will become a reality 25 years later.
Equipped with a positive mindset about turning 50, bucket list goals have been the order of the day. Two goals included: traveling to all 50 states in the U.S. (completed in 2019) and finishing my master’s degree (EDC: December 2024). The original Oktoberfest in Munich is yet another bucket list goal. I decided the year that I turn 50 would be the perfect time to finally cross off this item on my list and celebrate abundantly. I was looking forward to turning 50 for a variety of reasons, one being that I was in such excellent health. At the beginning of the year, I decided that I was going to celebrate for 50 nonconsecutive days as part of my birthday celebration with the culmination being the Oktoberfest in Munich. While I was able to celebrate intermittently, some plans were sidetracked. Little did I know that shortly after I turned 50, my life would be turned upside down with major surgery and a diagnosis of a rare and debilitating disease. Just proves how life can turn on a dime even when you’re doing all the right things.
Life has changed drastically for me over the past few months. Unfortunately, this new diagnosis has limited my abilities but I refuse to let it take away this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from me. Life must be lived to the fullest and pleasure shouldn’t be postponed. Having things to look forward to motivates us to keep going. So, while you can . . . take the trip, buy the shoes, connect with a long-lost friend, and do more of what makes you happy. Despite my decline in strength and endurance, I still intend to make the best of this time to celebrate a milestone. And, I get to do this with a long-time friend, a retired German teacher. I appreciate those who have supported me and cheered me on in this endeavor particularly my parents and brother who are no longer here. They are no doubt giving me the strength to move forward on this journey.
I look forward to sharing about our adventure nearly 5,000 miles away as we celebrate with the largest beer-drinking, lederhosen-clad crowd in the world. Bis später, und bleiben Sie dran. Prost!
I developed a passion for wellness after I experienced many years of health issues. Taking care of myself through exercise, healthy eating, and reducing stress, is what led me to a career in wellness. I decided I wanted to help others learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I have been the Wellness Director at Ivy Tech since 2013. I previously worked as a Health Advocate and Personal Trainer at St. Vincent Healthy Lives and prior to that was a Fitness Tech for Ivy Tech and personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the Dunigan YMCA. I also taught classes in senior living centers and conducted private personal training sessions for people of all ages.
I have two Bachelor’s degrees from USI in Communications and German. I am a certified Health & Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches and received my personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine. I am also Reiki Level II certified and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine® and the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion. I also have a background in mental health and certified in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and I'm a QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor. In December 2024, I graduated with a Master of Education in Student Learning and Wellbeing at the University of Missouri.
When I'm not exercising, I'm busy volunteering for several organizations including St. Vincent’s No One Dies Alone program. In 2011, I ran in the Marathon for the Cure in Washington, D.C. and raised over $6,200 towards breast cancer research. My mother, who passed away from breast cancer, was my inspiration for doing this. I also competed in several triathlons and love to travel and spend time with my 16-year old daughter, my friends, and my dog and three cats. I love animals and started a pet therapy program at Ivy Tech called Paws ’N Relax to help students manage stress and anxiety during final exams.
At Ivy Tech, we are more than just a Fitness Center. We believe in treating the body as a whole and working on body, mind, and spirit. We have programs that focus on the nine area of wellness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, creative, environmental, and occupational. We offer a Relaxation Lounge and emWavePro Biofeedback program to help manage anxiety. Stress is a contributor to many health issues and we want to make sure you have tools to manage it better. We want to help you live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Update: In the Spring of 2023, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis which is a rare auto-immune disorder that causes rashes and attacks the muscles. I have developed severe muscle atrophy, pain, and weakness. I am still exercising, eating healthy, and managing stress now more than ever. There is no known cause for this condition but it is treated with medication and a healthy lifestyle. I am just taking it one day at a time and continuing to help others learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.
View all posts by alutzel
takegoodcareofyou.blog 