From One Shy Girl to Another

More and more women are finding their way to strength training — not to chase muscles, but because life has been heavy and they’re tired of everything feeling so hard.

I know, because that was me.

I didn’t walk into the gym confident.I didn’t know the exercises.I didn’t know how to breathe or brace or even be in my body.I was anxious, overthinking everything, trying to make myself small so no one would look at me too long.

At that time, the weight I was carrying had nothing to do with barbells.

And when I finally started lifting, I realized something no one told me:

Strength training strengthens your mind just as much as your body. It teaches you how to meet yourself exactly where you are — with love, patience, and curiosity.

Not rushing.Not forcing.Not proving.

Just learning yourself again — slowly, kindly, one rep at a time.

So when I say “Strength doesn’t have to be intimidating,”I don’t mean the gym is easy.I mean you don’t have to already be confident to start.

You don’t have to already know what to do.You don’t have to change your body first.

You get to start while still figuring yourself out.

Why I Built Happy Lifts

I built Happy Lifts because I wanted a place where women could come as they are — messy, emotional, unsure, overwhelmed — and still be welcomed.

A place where:

• You don’t have to pretend

• You don’t have to perform

• You don’t have to already feel strong to start

A place where women learn:

• How to pick up weights

• How to take up space

• How to listen to their bodies again

• How to trust themselves again

Strength is not the final destination.Self-trust is.

The weights are just the classroom.

This Month at Happy Lifts

We’re not focusing on perfect routines or trying to “get it right.”

We’re focusing on:

• Showing up even when confidence isn’t there yet

• Letting movement feel good again

• Re-attuning to the body instead of fighting it

• Reconnecting with ourselves

• Taking one small step at a time

No pressure.No all-or-nothing.Just consistency with kindness.

If You’re Here, You Belong Here

We’re not training to look smaller.We’re training to take up the space we deserve.

We’re building:

• Resilience

• Confidence

• Stability

• Emotional strength

• A deep sense of “I can handle my life.”

If you’re reading this and something in you said,“I need this…”

You’re already part of Happy Lifts. 💛

Reflection Prompt

Where in your life do you want to show up with just 10% more self-trust this month?

Write it down.Whisper it aloud.Move slowly toward it.

You don’t have to rush your own becoming.

Love, Brina

Strength & Mindset Coach

Founder of Happy Lifts