Gina Colonna

Today I choose Happiness.

Happiness keeps you sweet
Trials keep you strong
Sorrow keeps you human
Failure keeps you humble
Courage keeps you going!

Happy Fri-Yay everyone!

What do you choose?

What’s your fight?
Lately mine has been motivation!!

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve worked out, had any motivation to do much of anything.
Can’t lie, between my health issues, anxiety, depression, life, I have been stuck.

BUT today I CHOOSE to no longer be stuck!
I forced myself to workout at the park during my sons baseball practice. Yup, I was that mom! ( ) I needed a little self love in the form of a good sweat, endorphin rush!!

I am no longer slave to fear, anxiety, depression, pain ect. I can’t allow myself to go there or let it control me!

If you see me failing to deliver on my role in your life as a friend, co-worker, neighbor, family member .... I need you to hold me accountable! Step up! Call me out! Push me! You know I will always step up for you!

Let’s do this people! Take a stand for what you want more of in your life, get rid of what no longer serves you. Take back control and live your best life! After all, I’ve got some gyms to open on May 1st.
Are you as excited as I am???

Who is with me?

I don’t really know where to start.
First of all Thank for the messages, calls, comments, gifts ect.. I am truly humbled by your outpouring of love & support.

As Kyle said, it has been a rough, very rough few years. So much heart ache, pain, hurt. But what has stood out more was the LOVE. the LOVE I have always had for him. I’m not gonna lie and say it was easy, but I can say is this, there is nothing that we can’t get through with Gods grace.

There were many moments that I wanted to give up. Times I felt so alone, isolated, embarrassed, worthless, unloved, INVISIBLE to the world. The problem was I hadn’t felt truly connected. Cared for or loved. I knew he loved me, but couldn’t accept my love since he didn’t love himself. The more I tried the more hurt I felt. Not to mention, I became so drained, I couldn’t even LOVE myself. My tank had become empty. I became someone I didn’t know. I lost my zest for life...

I finally hit a wall & refused to live in that place so I reached out for help. Not for him - trust me, I knew that he had to do that for himself, so I got my own help in the form of SAGE - a retreat for spouses of First Responders. A group that understood the life we live. Always in the shadows of our hero’s, 2nd in line to work, mom & dad, life manager, mom-Ager, boss lady, carpool, housekeeper, the list goes on. Then add the emotional part of it. Stress! Non stop worry - Will my husband make it home. He’s home but why isn’t he here?

Over the last 5 years - about 2 of that was the ugly side, the last 2.5 was the dark side - sober but still not present. All to get to the last few months! My going to SAGE initiated the spark in him to get the help he needed, we needed. I have seen more growth in him, us, life in the last 2 months then I could have imagined. SIMPLE and SAW has given my husband back to me. That is the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.

So when I celebrate his sobriety, I am celebrating the battle we have fought along the way. I am celebrating the strength that got us through each day. The courage it took to push through the hard times and the wisdom to lean on God!

Thank you to everyone that has supported me in my dark times, and Kyle in his. Thank you for loving us through it all. Thank you Kyle for being my Rock. My Person, the love of my life! For fighting this fight. But most of all thank you to the man upstairs that showed us the way!

If you can relate to any of this, you are not alone. Reach out. No one should ever feel Invisible or alone, you have people! You have US! Let us be there for you! You got this!!! We got you! It might get ugly, enjoy the mess, the beauty will still shine if you let it!

PS - In the last 890 days, I think I have had 3 drinks! 🤪 Alcohol has never been my thing!

🎉🥳Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing women I know. Not only are you a beautiful woman, but you have a beautiful soul. One that would do anything for anyone. One that lives for the Lord. One that is a fierce friend. One that is unapologetically you. One that does not give up or give in. One that is Loyal. One that knows her worth and deserves the best!

I have learned so much from you. I am thankful you are in my life, because I know I wouldn’t be who I am today with out you. I am so proud of you for everything that you have accomplished and will accomplish in this lifetime. I am honored to call you my friend.

I’ve seen you go through some crazy times. What stands out the most is your strength and perseverance! I am so proud of you! I will always be your biggest supporter! And will always be here for you. No matter how far away you are. The world is a better place because of you!

Wishing you all the happiness and joy one can embrace. I can’t wait to celebrate. It is happening soon!!!

I love you

For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Save A Warrior - "SAW". I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. It has allowed for a pivotal shift in my families life. We want others to experience the same. Every little bit will help me reach my goal. I've included information about Save A Warrior - "SAW" below.

Save A Warrior (SAW) is committed to ending the staggering su***de rate plaguing our veterans, active-duty military and first responders. We conceive, originate and invent Integrated Intensive Retreat (IIR) experiences to transform the way our heroes live their lives.

Save A Warrior is an original, Warrior-led, well-grounded and timeless journey for active duty military, returning veterans and first responders who feel desperately alone. Give us a week and you will change the way you see - and live - your life.