In the frigid winter months, I typically see a lot more movies since, in Indiana, there are not many activities after the holidays craze (other than a great outdoor workout of course!). The other day my friends and I decided to check out The King's Speech. I didn't know much about this movie other than I had heard wonderful reviews from a few clients. I absolutely loved this film due to the fact that while the story line was about a man with a rare condition, it was also about something that each and every one of us can relate to: personal struggles.

The topic of the film involves the debilitating challenges had by the Duke of York with a speech impediment (called "stammering" in the film). His condition was severe, life-long, and affected his entire life; his relationship with his daughters, wife, father, brother, and left him lonely and ashamed. It was truly painful to watch the look on his face when he tried to speak and you could feel the embarrassment coming out of his pores.

Now, you are probably wondering why the Fitness reporter is writing about a film. The Duke was inspiring to me because he faced his struggle by not just accepting it "as is" but by seeking professional help, taking support from his wife, and trying different approaches again and again until he was able to make progress against his stammering.

After hiring an unconventional speech therapist, the Duke was able to slowly, yet painstakingly, improve on his speech. Yes, he had some slip-ups, regressions and times that he fired his therapist altogether in frustration, but in the end he pulled through and was able to overcome his problem. Was he perfect? No. Did he continue to struggle here and there with his speech impediment? Of course. But he learned and practiced the tools he knew could help him to be the best he could be.

This lesson applies to all of us on some levels. For example, I see many people who struggle daily with their weight and health problems due to a sedentary lifestyle. I see a clear distinction between those who have seemed to have given up, and those who know if given the work, patience and dedication they can come closer to a healthy body and life. It isn't easy, and it isn't fast, and there may be times that you cheat and fall off of the wagon. However, it is so important to know that you can ALWAYS get back on track and leave the past in the past. You are truly the only person that can change your life. Yes, there are many wonderful ways you can and should use for assistance in your journey. . . a trainer, a diet group, family support. . . but in the end you are the master of your own fate and no one else can do it for you. All of us have it in us, and what works for one will probably not work for everyone. If you fail at one attempt, realize that it is normal and use it as a motivator to find something that helps you succeed. There is an answer, and it is possible. We are all human and should embrace our struggles instead of letting them control us!