For all of our vision board makers and creators out there, please know there is definitely purpose behind putting your dreams and goals out into the universe. Morgan Rae Gardner shared with us that she added to her vision board this year that she wanted to participate in a podcast…..enter the Red Bra Project! 😊
In episode 78, The Red Bra project was provided the chance to sit down (thank you universe) and talk with the incredible and inspiring Morgan Rae Gardner. Living in Atlanta, GA, Morgan is a fitness instructor and entrepreneur, but it’s her story and journey to these roles that we found so moving. Morgan demonstrates there are paths in place for us, that at times seem like the furthest thing from reality. However, when given the opportunity we are able to see the beautiful design the world has put in place for us.
It’s hard to imagine the healthy, fit, beautiful woman of energy that we sat down with in our chat was completely different only six years ago. Morgan shared with us that about 5-6 years ago she was married, overweight, was dealing with depression and anxiety, and struggled with drug abuse. A doctor’s appointment gave Morgan some alarming news that she was pre-diabetic. Upon learning this information and living without insurance she knew she had to make some changes in her life. Going to a gym and weightlifting or hopping on a stationary bike in a cycling class were all unappealing and intimidating options for Morgan. She knew she had to find her niche; something that would make her want to keep trying. Thankfully for her (after a little IG stalking 😊) she stumbled into a “Dance to Fit” class by Jessica Bass and thus began the change in her life that makes her who she is today.
Dance fitness was fun for Morgan. She told us it was like being in a club without the alcohol. It was just enjoyable to be dancing and not feel pressured. It was achievable and she continued to set goals for herself while doing the classes. Now a certified dance fitness instructor who owns her own business she tells people who are on a similar journey and on the cusp of deciding whether fitness is for them or not that you cannot take on too much. She says, find the one thing you enjoy so that you have fun and want to keep doing it. Morgan’s business, Peace, Love and Squats is fitness for the free spirit in which Morgan welcomes people of all fitness levels where empowerment is always number one and fitness intimidation does not exist in her space.
Now as an instructor herself she creates an environment with her classes where she is authentic, real and unique. She believes by not being a carbon copy of other instructors it makes her clients want to engage and have fun with her.
Morgan has great self-reflection and is able to see where points of her life led her to her earlier depression. She dropped out of college and fell into destructive habits and bad choices because, as she shares, she was afraid of living an authentic happy life. She acknowledges that she was checking the boxes; she was doing what she thought was supposed to be doing, but none of those things were actually bringing her joy or happiness. She didn’t feel like she deserved it.
Morgan recognized her fear, self limiting beliefs and the desire to want to choose change. To choose happiness to choose differently and follow her heart and inner voice. She hasn’t looked back since and shares her story to support, inspire and guide others.
If she can make a beautiful and bold change, so can the person reading this who feels it, too. You have everything you need right inside of you and Morgan is here to support you.
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As she looks at her life, now five years later, she is divorced, in amazing physical shape, and owns her own business. As someone who has struggled with depression/anxiety – it has been really important for Morgan to check when she is getting fearful. Fear used to debilitate her to the point it would paralyze her, and she couldn’t live her life. Now she consistently checks herself and reminds herself that everything is on the other side of fear. We only have today.
Morgan wants to help inspire other women who are struggling like she was and to have change like she did. She reiterates although it can feel like magic at times where she is now, it didn’t happen overnight. She also explained she didn’t have the money to get the medicine to control diabetes. She was left with this choice and fortunately it was the right path for her. She lost 60 pounds, worked on her mental health, and then ultimately started her own business. Morgan is a big believer that pursuing your dreams can happen for anyone you just have to be open to it. In which her business, Peace Love and Squats is a wonderful example of consistent dedication.
There are truly so many wonderful snippets of Morgan’s story that she shares with us during our conversation that inspire. From the women in her life who lift her up and support her to one of her most favorite Mocktail Recipes (it is SO YUM!!!) through discovering how to love and respect your body through every phase of the way. This is a must watch episode – promise you will gain loads of positive vibes from it. Oh yea, did we mention Morgan also has her own tie – dye line of Merch – super cute, right?!
Morgan’s Red Bra Moment: took place in the summer of 2019. Admittingly she was going through some difficult things with her divorce and she just needed to get away. So on a whim, with ZER0 dollars to her name (ok not really, she had a $130 lol) she decided to go to a dance fitness conference, held by a former Red Bra guest Tanci Spencer. The class took $99 of her $130 but Morgan was ALL in for it. She and her friend Michaela drove on the one tank of gas they could afford to another state to ultimately change her life. Once arriving there she loved the community she gained from the women present at the event. She felt amazing energy and learned so much about herself that trip. She is now so proud to be one of the instructors in addition to starting her own business since she attended. That conference left her feeling confident and amazing!!! She said, “I’m like if I can do this I can do anything AND we made it back without emptying tank!” Morgan expressed she made a bold move for herself and not once did she EVER regret it. <3
Morgan is a true gem. She is real and raw, and her story is like so many of us. Life gave her lemons and she went and made the best damn lemonade she could!!! She shows us that your current path doesn’t have to be your only path and checking boxes that aren’t designed by you are not the boxes you should be checking.
Loving what you have read so far? Please share this story with a friend who may need it in their life. 😉
Thank you so much Morgan for joining and sharing your incredible story with us and others. You are a true shining light and the empowering work you are doing through fitness is awesome. Keep on rocking it!
Tap play on Episode 78 with us and let us know how you are feeling after listening in!
Here’s where to connect with the brilliant Morgan Rae Gardner:
Peace, Love and Squats Website
@peacelovesquats_ on IG
Episode 78– Peace, Love and Squats with Morgan Rae Gardner on The Red Bra Project YT Channel
Thank you for stopping by, you are so appreciated! We hope this story inspired you or someone you know on some level. We know it did us, please share away. Always wear that red bra underneath it all and make sure to join the party over @theredbraproject!
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Xx,
The Red Bra Project
