EXPANSION

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Dr. Erica Peabody

More opportunities for care. More flexibility for families. The same EXCEPTIONAL CHIROPRACTIC EXPERIENCE” you’ve come to know, trust and love. We are in the season of EXPANSION!

There is something incredibly special about growing alongside the community you love.

When I opened Café of LIFE Chiropractic in Fenton in March of 2005, I had a vision: to create a place where people of all ages could feel welcomed, cared for, heard, and empowered to live healthier, more vibrant lives. At our fourth location and more than twenty-one years later, that vision continues to grow. And today, I’m excited to share another chapter in our story.

Café of LIFE Chiropractic has expanded and incorporated another CHIROPRACTOR, Dr Sarah Rozboril, and also EXPANDED HOURS!!!

But before we talk about what’s changing, I want to talk about WHY we’re growing. It is BECAUSE OF YOU! Over the years, you’ve trusted us with your health, your families, your children, your pregnancies, your challenges, and your victories. We’ve watched your babies grow into teenagers. We’ve cared for parents who are now grandparents. We’ve celebrated milestones, witnessed transformations, and built relationships that extend far beyond the chiropractic adjusting table.

You’ve shared your experiences in our office with friends, brought your loved ones into our office, written heartfelt reviews, and continued to choose Café of LIFE Chiropractic as part of your family’s wellness journey.

Our growth is a direct reflection of your trust, loyalty, and referrals.

And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Expanding Our Hours to Better Serve You

Life is busy. Between work, school, sports, family commitments, and everything else that fills our calendars, making time for your health can sometimes feel challenging. Our expanded hours are designed to provide more opportunities to prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you’re an established patient continuing your care, a busy parent coordinating appointments for the whole family, or someone considering chiropractic care for the first time, we want to make it easier to find time for your health.

While our availability is expanding, our commitment remains the same: providing the EXCEPTIONAL CHIROPRACTIC EXPERIENCE built on genuine relationships, individualized care and attention, and a passion for helping people move and function at their best.

Growing Our Team, Growing Our Impact

One of the most exciting parts of this new chapter is the continued growth of our chiropractic team. Having an additional doctor, Dr Roz, and expanded availability allows us to welcome more individuals and families while preserving the personal attention and welcoming atmosphere that have always made our office so special. From newborns and growing children to expectant mothers, active adults, and grandparents, we remain committed to serving people through every stage of life. We believe that health is about more than simply responding to pain. It’s about supporting movement, function, resilience, and the ability to participate fully in the life you love.

The Best Part? We’re Just Getting Started.

After more than two decades in practice, my enthusiasm for chiropractic and the people we serve has only grown stronger. Our beautiful office in the heart of downtown Fenton continues to be a place where community, connection, and health come together. To every patient who has walked through our doors, referred a friend, trusted us with a family member, or encouraged us along the way: thank you.

Thank you for growing with us. Thank you for believing in what we do. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family’s health journey. And thank you for making Café of LIFE Chiropractic what it is today. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to serving even more of our Fenton community in the years to come.

Here’s to more LIFE, more opportunities for wellness, and continuing to grow together!

With love and gratitude,

Dr. Erica Peabody
Café of LIFE Chiropractic & Massage Therapy at Peabody Center for Well-Being

From History to Health: The Big Blue Building

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Dr. Erica Peabody

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fenton, the “Big Blue Building” at 202 W. Shiawassee Ave. has witnessed more than a century of change, growth, and community life. Built in 1889, this historic property has evolved alongside the city.

With its grand exterior, timeless architecture, and legacy of care, the building stands today as more than just a structure. It is rooted in history, centered on people, and always moving forward.

A Landmark Built in 1889

Constructed during a period of tremendous growth in Fenton, the Big Blue Building was originally built as a large residential-style structure, designed with both function and elegance in mind. Its impressive size and classic architectural character made it a recognizable presence in the community.

Over the decades, the building became best known for its role as an adult assisted living facility. For many years, it operated as a place of comfort, support, and care for residents in the later stages of life. The size (18 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms) allowed it to serve numerous individuals and families.

A significant addition was completed in 1962, expanding the building’s footprint and functionality while preserving much of its history. This blend of old and new helped the property continue serving the community.

A Place Centered on Care

What makes the history of 202 W. Shiawassee Ave. especially meaningful is its long-standing connection to health and wellness. Whether as a residential care facility or more recently as home to Cafe of Life Chiropractic , office of Dr Erica Peabody, alongside several other wellness-based businesses, the building has consistently been a place where people came seeking support, healing, and connection.

Today, the space has transformed into a collaborative hub where local entrepreneurs, practitioners, and service providers work together under one historic roof.

Preserving History While Embracing the Future

Historic buildings carry stories that new construction simply cannot replicate. The walls of 202 W. Shiawassee Ave. have seen decades of community life. As downtown Fenton continues to grow and evolve, preserving spaces like this helps maintain the character and identity that make the community unique. The building serves as a reminder that progress and preservation can coexist.

Today, visitors stepping inside may notice the blend of historic charm and modern purpose. Original architectural details stand alongside updated spaces designed to support today’s businesses and clients. It is a place where history still feels present.

More Than a Building

For over 135 years, 202 W. Shiawassee Ave. has adapted to meet the needs of the community. From residential care to chiropractic care to wellness services, from long-term residents to local businesses, its purpose has always centered around community.

Its story stands as proof that historic spaces can continue to thrive when they remain connected to the people they serve.

FENTON ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Dr Erica Peabody

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Dr. Erica Peabody

FENTON ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Erica Peabody

This week, we are catching up with a Tiger who took a journey across the country—only to bring her talents right back to the heart of our community! Meet Dr. Erica Peabody, Class of 1995.

Best Chiropractor Fenton Michigan Dr Erica Peabody - Fenton High School Alumni

From FHS to Dr. Peabody

Erica’s path to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic was a true adventure, taking her from Michigan State to Boise State and the University of Alaska, before she earned her Doctorate in South Carolina.

Today, Erica is a local business owner, running her chiropractic office out of an iconic historical building right in the center of downtown Fenton!

Breadsticks & Small-Town Vibes

Growing up in Fenton left a lasting impression on Erica. She fondly remembers the “small-town feel” that remains today. One of her most relatable memories? Grabbing a bag of Fenton House breadsticks as a perfectly acceptable dinner before heading off to sports practice!

A Multi-Sport Tiger

If there was a season, Erica was likely on the field (or the slopes, or the trails!). Her time at FHS was packed with:

Varsity Soccer (all 4 years!)

Equestrian Team

Volleyball

Ski Team

She also admits that while “Typing Class” seemed silly at the time, she realized later just how much FHS prepped her to be a great student and a connected member of the community.

Mentors & Science

Erica shares a wonderful memory of Mr. Jackson, her Chemistry and Physics teacher. She can still hear him saying, “Miss Peabody, Dow Chemical needs people like you.” His big-hearted and entertaining teaching style made learning fun and impactful!

Erica’s Advice for the Road Ahead:

“It’s impossible to know exactly what the road ahead looks like—keep moving forward, keep taking steps and the road will unfold beautifully along the way.”

Let’s show Dr. Peabody some Fenton love!

Do you remember seeing her on the soccer field or the equestrian trails? Or maybe you’ve visited her beautiful downtown office? Share your memories in the comments!

COFFEE TALK – JANUARY 2026

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Dr. Erica Peabody

Your Healthiest Year Yet: A Coffee Talk Recap…and an Invitation

There’s something special that happens when good people, great coffee, and real conversations about health come together—an not to mention FUN!!!

On Thursday, we did our first Coffee Talk: Your Healthiest Year Yet and it was exactly that—easy, energizing, and full of curiosity. Sitting around coffee with me and Rachel Peabody, a wellness nurse I adore collaborating with, we spent an hour talking all things REAL-LIFE HEALTH: how the body works, how to support it, and how small, intentional choices add up to big results.

The vibe?
Casual. Fun. Curious. Zero pressure. Great coffee. Actionable steps.
This is not a “let’s-kick-this-New-Year-and-resolutions-into-high-gear” kind of talk. it was the kind of space where no question feels silly and everyone leaves a little more empowered, with 3 steps that they could take and one on their radar for January.

What We Talked About (in plain English)

We dove into some foundational wellness topics that matter to every body:

Immune function – how your body is designed to protect you every single day and the orchestration of the immune system.
Vitamin C – more than just an “I’m sick” supplement, it is a supplement that should be taken daily as proactive protection to the immune function of the body.
Vitamin D – why it’s so critical, especially in modern life, it’s role in the immune system, and no matter where in the country you live, that you should be taking it year-round, not just in this gray Michigan season.
Magnesium – the unsung hero behind 300 reactions in the body, and just how critical that particular supplement is to take for health, healing and longevity.
Vitamin Injections and Infusions – Their role in keeping the body working optimally, how they are administered, how long they take and how long they last.
Chiropractic care – and its role in helping your nervous system support healing, balance, and resilience

No lectures. No overwhelm. Just expert conversation translated into everyday understanding.

The Best Part? The People.

We had a fantastic group—engaged, thoughtful, and full of great questions. These were people we had already known, and also some brand new faces! There was laughter, lightbulb moments, and even a super fun drawing at the beginning just for showing up because learning should be fun!

What I loved most was watching people connect the dots between:

What their body is doing
Why it might be struggling
And how they can start supporting it—right now to make it the HEALTHIEST YEAR YET!

That’s where real wellness begins.

Why We’re Doing This Again

Because health shouldn’t feel intimidating.
Because wellness works better in community.
And because 2026 deserves to be different.

If you’ve been thinking:

“I want more energy.”
“I want to feel stronger and more resilient.”
“I want to understand my body instead of fighting it.”

This is for you.

Join Us for the Next Coffee Talk ☕

📅 Thursday, February 12
⏰ 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 Bring a friend. Grab a coffee. Come curious.

Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or looking to level it up, these conversations are designed to meet you where you are—and help you take the next step.

Let’s make 2026 YOUR healthiest year yet—together.

I can’t wait to see you on the adjusting table this month and again for a COFFEE TALK next month! Mark your calendars and reach out to us to save your seat! (810)629-6023

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Dr. Erica Peabody

I think I speak for everyone when I say that it seems like we just started 2025 and here we are at the end. I wanted to challenge you to make it a December to Remember.

What do I even mean by that?

Many people are in a waiting period to get the New Year started before they focus on their health. I don’t mean that you are all neglecting yourselves completely, but what I do mean is that many are waiting for January 1st to make some big and powerful changes.

Let’s reconsider this idea and here is why…

Once December starts, we realize that by taking a closer look at our calendar for the month, we oftentimes realize that the entire month is filled to the brim with festivities, fun and family…sometime it is willfully aligned with the obligations and sometimes it is just simply out of obligation.

Soooooo….this also often means that our selfcare and our commitment to ourselves ends up on the backburner waiting to refocus once we hit the New Year.

BUT…once January 1st rolls around, we are sometimes so deep into eating tasty, AND INFLAMMATORY, foods. We have had a little too much alcohol, sugar and other processed foods. We haven’t prioritized hitting the gym, taking walks, yoga, meditation and other things that help improve our health.

We become stagnant and, I don’t know about you, but it can be VERY DIFFICULT to get the ship turned around and heading in the right direction.

We can hit January 1st and have to make MAJOR SHIFTS, or we can really make it a December to Remember and make some simple daily moves now that gets is some serious momentum heading into 2026!

Simple moves can be as simple as this: Drink extra water, walk 20 minute minimum per day, do 15 minutes of stairs inside of your own home, take 5 minutes daily for meditation and stillness, get your workouts put right into your weekly schedule, grab some simple hand weights and start doing some reps, jump rope, clean up your plate by adding a lot more greens and good quality protein, split desert with your partner…so many simple small things- I am SURE you could easily name 10 more.

I urge you to start today or at least by tomorrow. Commit to your health and share some of those healthy activities with your spouse, children, other family members and friends to allow this to be a great MOMENUM-BUILDING December to Remember.

You will be happy once January 1st rolls around and you have already set things in motion. I am simply putting this message out so that awareness is on it and maybe 2026 can get started off on the right foot!

If you have some ideas about what things you can change and want to share below, I encourage you to do so! I want to see and hear your ideas!

We get one chance in this life and what if you considered making this month truly a December to Remember!!!

BIG BLUE – 7 YEARS

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Dr. Erica Peabody

We Bought a Big Blue Building… and Turned It Into a Thriving Center for Well-Being 7 Years ago!

On June 14, 2018, we took a leap of faith and purchased this BIG BLUE BEAUTY right in the heart of our incredible downtown. It was bold. It was bright. And it had potential written all over it. Fast forward to today—and that building is now a vibrant Center for Well-Being, full of life, healing, and community energy. We are beyond proud to say that we’re thriving!

This space has become more than just a building. It’s a place where people come to feel better, move better, think more clearly, and reconnect with their health. What started as a dream has grown into a home for chiropractic care, wellness services, positive energy, and meaningful connections. And we’re just getting started!

To celebrate 7 amazing years in our downtown wellness hub, we’re throwing a party—and not just any party. It’s called “Orange You Glad You’re Here?” and it’s going to be as fun and funky as it sounds! Think vintage orange VW buses, fresh oranges, an orange-themed dress code, orange snacks, orange drinks, and enough photo ops to make your social media shine. We’ll also be hosting a trivia game, a fun scavenger hunt, and some exciting giveaways and specials!

What’s even more exciting? Other health and wellness tenants from our building will be joining in the fun too. It’s going to be a full-on community celebration of health, happiness, and the power of showing up for yourself, your family and others. Whether you’ve just driven by 1 million times, you are a longtime patient or new to the neighborhood, we want you here to share in a fun and joyful community celebration.

This celebration is more than just a party—it’s a thank-you to the community that believed in us, supported us, and grew with us. From day one, our goal has been to create a welcoming space where people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Every adjustment, conversation, and step forward we’ve shared with you has helped shape what this building stands for today. We couldn’t have done it without you—and honestly, we wouldn’t want to.

So orange you glad you’re here? We sure are. Join us in celebrating this milestone, our beautiful building, and the amazing community that continues to grow inside it. Here’s to health, connection, and many more years of thriving—together at BIG BLUE!!!

Mark your calendar: Saturday, June 14th 9a-11a

DOWNTIME

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Dr. Erica Peabody

It is so critical to our well-being to take some downtime.

This past week has been just that for me. We only close the office 2 weeks out of the year and we choose to focus one of the weeks around the Fourth of July. Everyone is heading in so many different directions with vacation plans that it is simple for us to take the downtime too.

But is it simple? Do you have an easy time relaxing? Do you take moments to breathe? Do you schedule your own downtime?

For me, it is not easy. What I have discovered over the 18+ years in private practice is that it is just simpler to stay open and keep going rather than mark off downtime.

I actually find that I do a whole lot better with regular scheduled days filled with routine. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to just allow myself to sit still.

Last summer, I decided for the first time to just stay home and have a “staycation” instead of trying to get out of town. I live just 4 miles from the office and knowing things are building up around there is hard not to go in and try to keep up with it all. Running a business like we do, people often think that it is just patient care that is the work to do. If you had any idea what happens behind the scenes, you would soon realize that patient care is about 60% of what goes on.

Patient care is something to set aside for a week just for my mental health and to give my body and mind a rest for the week. The rest of the work is the part that haunts me as I try to sit home and sit still. And if I admit to the truth of it all, it has been really hard to let it all go.

When I am out of town, it is easier because I am not just 4 miles from all the work. Next year I will probably go into debates about how to spend this week because of the internal battle I have faced this past week…and this is just me being honest as to really how it all feels.

In saying all that, I am excited to get back to work, get back to helping people and begin the catch-up game that will go on for at least 2 weeks.

I have spent the week with the dogs and my family. I have enjoyed a ton of time outside and gotten a lot of good sunshine. I have had time to break bread with friends, catch up with a few online tasks, take a TON of yoga classes (www.discoverthespace.com), walk the dags and float around in the lake. It has been glorious.

I know for a fact that I could continue on and not take downtime, however, when I do, I am able to return more refreshed and ready to take on the second half of the year. I am a person dedicated to and driven by progress. As long as life has progress happening daily, my soul is happy.

What I am now realizing is that downtime is still making progress. Live and learn…see you tomorrow!

BE MINDFUL

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Dr. Erica Peabody

I am hoping that you are connected with us over Facebook, but if not, HERE IS THE LINK to go straight there. You can also look me up individually and follow that way. I have been doing some live shares over facebook as I drive and think and the last one was a warning to BE MINDFUL!!!

…and here is why that came up.

Last Wednesday I was in my practice and a woman came in that had been under care in the past but had to take some time off to heal from a fall where she fractured a vertebra in her neck. She was carrying a box down a set of stairs and stepped off the side in a bad way and hit the back of her neck on a steel handrail resulting in a fracture. She has healed well and is ready to get back under regular chiropractic care (some of you may be curious at this point that I can even adjust someone with this kind of injury. I want to remind you that I have a lot of tools in my bag of chiropractic techniques that allows me to work with and around all kinds of injuries as each person’s care is tailored for each individual and their needs).

I see a lot of people with injuries which probably goes without saying. Some of the stories make my stomach churn as the phrase that follows is always “WOW! That could have been way worse!!”

The next patient that same day was up north and cleaning up the kitchen and tripped over the dishwasher door that was out of her line of sight. This resulted in yet another conversation that went “Wow! That could have been a whole lot worse!” The final one that day was a slip and fall while getting into the car and sliding right underneath the vehicle…which “Could have been a whole lot worse!”

Our lives are super busy these days. I have to be honest, I am trying to do too much at once, carry too much at once and my brain is filled with all kinds of running thoughts also!!! I am in that same club however when I get to see these kinds of injuries, I take note of the theme. The running theme of all of these injuries…trying to do too much at the same time. Me too!! Me too.

Be mindful. Easier said than done often. What I notice for myself is that if I can slow down my mind to focus on the task at hand, I am so much safer, healthier and happier.

Being mindful wouldn’t necessarily have prevented these injuries however, we can’t know for sure, it may have. It is always hard to say at the time and easier to reflect backwards to see situations retrospectively.

I was getting ready the very next day and listing to a podcast or making a video for a friend AND curling my hair at the same time. Without looking down at my curling iron, I didn’t realize that it had spun around and was facing the other direction. When I reached down and thought I was grabbing the handle, I was actually grabbing the hot barrel, resulting in burning the pads of my thumb and two fingers.

When that happened, my first thought was how easily that would have been avoided by simply being present, looking up and then looking back down. I am notorious for trying to do too many things at once. As I navigate through my days, I notice just how many things I drop and realize that is a strong indication that I am not fully paying attention.

Look around in your life. Where do you find yourself trying to do too many things at once? Have you stumbled as you were trying to do something else? How many different directions do you think the mind can handle going in and still pay attention?

Be mindful.

Being mindful is much easier said than done however I am hoping by just having this brief read and reminder, it is more in the forefront of your mind as you navigate through your days.

I am not minimizing any of the things I mentioned before nor am I saying that they for sure could have been avoided. I just wanted to share this theme of the week so that you can be mindful too.

DARKNESS

Posted on November 14, 2021 by Dr. Erica Peabody

It has been an interesting year of darkness to say the least. <—-truly an understatement in many ways.

A couple weeks ago I traveled to Colorado to visit some friends. It happened to be Halloween weekend and a friend of a friend was having a “Dia De Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) housewarming party.

Traveling with a carry-on bag, I was limited to what I could pack considering I was there a three day weekend and needed to pack light. A skeleton onsie it is!!! …and it was perfect for a Day of the Dead party.

As I look back on previous Halloween celebrations, I have a very clear pattern of being light and happy in my costume choices, many different versions of hippies, nerd costumes or animals…all in the light.

The only addition to my costume I needed once I got there was makeup. I had googled “skeleton makeup” pictures and tried to follow along. It turned out pretty good if I don’t say so myself.

Of course 5’10” in a skeleton onsie, adding heels and hair I was at least 6’3″ and a bit of a sight!

The party was fun and everyone had put a lot of effort into their costumes which just raised the energy! I was surprised when a roller-derby couple rolled in off the sidewalks in roller skates – off those particular sidewalks THAT WAS COMMITMENT!!!

We had great food, a bit to drink and took a lot of pictures.

It was interesting to feel like me but look so, so different in the mirror and so I posted some pictures on social media, and many others thought the same.

Some comments on the posts and many more messages behind the scenes were of the tone “Wow! I have never seen you look like that before!” ‘I’ve never seen that side of you!”

One of the things that has happened is our culture has taught us that to have a good life, things always need to be good. We need to find the light in all situations and to “always look for the silver lining”.

All of this is great and wonderful but life is both; moments of lightness balanced by moments of darkness. That is just how it goes. One of the biggest challenges we face today is that life has become very comfortable…until it became very uncomfortable about 20 months ago.

When we look out at the lives of the people we are connected with over social media, we get the “highlight reel”. Of course we do! Why would anyone put their moments of darkness on social media? We wouldn’t. But the game of comparison we all play with those connections can lead us to stop believing in ourselves if our life doesn’t look like that.

A super near and dear friend used to do a weekly Facebook Live share called “Best Day Ever”. The irony of it was that she would sit with a cup of tea with the phrase “Best Day Ever” written on it. She was also in her beautiful office in a wonderful area of the country. BUT she never preached “Brightest Day Ever” or “Good Vibes Only” or “Stay in the Light”. She would share how LIFE IS BALANCE. It is the light and the dark, the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly…and our expectations that it should be any other way is what creates the suffering. Truly the Best Day Ever is when we can accept and embrace all of it.

It is an ebb and flow, an expansion followed by a contraction, highs and lows.

So let’s stop pretending to be any other way…and I am also talking to myself here.

When I post up a simple picture of me dressed as a skeleton, I realize even how polarizing of an imagine I have put out as well!

We are both light and dark, life is filled with moments of lightness and moments of darkness, and it is ok. It is supposed to be that way.

When we really look around, and especially in the seemingly crazy world we find ourselves in right now, it feels like a whole lot of darkness. It feels polarized, divided, disorganized, unpredictable, inconsistent and actually scary at times.

Is it because we were so comfortable for so long? Is it because we had it so good for so long? Has there been too much flow and not enough ebb?

Gosh it is so incredibly hard to say and absolutely no way to predict exactly what is ahead for all of us.

I have to share a little life hack that may or may not be helpful for you, but it helps me tremendously:

Breathe into the resistance.

“What does that even mean, Peabody? It is not that simple.”

I agree. Sort of.

I would say that it is not EASY but it can be SIMPLE.

When you feel your insides bind up, alarms go off and you go into high alert, stop and take a moment to see if you can breathe into the resistance you are putting up to what is in front of you.

Then realize that you have survived 100% of all the bad days so far, you will get through this too. There is a great quote that goes something like “If this is not going to matter 5 years from now, do not give it even 5 minutes now”.

Life is always going to be both, light and dark, that is how the Universe stays in balance. I was a little taken aback by the response to this simple Halloween costume but the darkness that I appeared to embody that day is something that I will be looking closer at in my own life.

Are you noticing lightness and darkness in your life? If you get a chance, share with me what you do when you see that resistance come up for you. Let’s make the most of this life…we only get one chance.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Dr. Erica Peabody

Last weekend, I spent Sunday morning at my niece’s first volleyball tournament. Through the years, she has grown fond of the game. This is the very first year she has had the opportunity to play on an organized team.

I had a sleepover with her the night before and she was very disciplined to be in bed and sleeping early enough to get good rest for this first tournament of the season. We had to leave at 7am to make it to the tournament on time and she knew she wanted to feel her best.

A few of the teams backed out of the tournament and so there were 5 team total in the 12 and under age group. I rode with her Mom and her to the courts and chatted about the team, practices and preparation for the tournament. I realized they hadn’t had an opportunity to do more than just a couple practices since the team was just established that week.

I think there were even conversations from the coach ahead of time that sounded something like “Let’s go and do our best and this will probably be a good learning experience.” “Some of the other teams had been practicing for a couple months together and had played the previous season together.”

I wasn’t expecting much but I wanted to be able to go and watch since these opportunities are few and far between these days with all the limits and restrictions inside of pandemic team sports seasons.

So they began to play, and even though they didn’t have any super fancy moves to showcase, they knew how to serve, bump and set the ball and get it over the net.

It was interesting to watch some of the other teams. It was easy to see that they had been playing together for an extended period of time because they had all the cheers and team comraderies that you will generally see from an advanced team.

One team in particular had all their cheers synchronized, from warm-up all the way through each game for the whole tournament.

At the 10-12 year age, if you had interest in volleyball, some have been studying parts of the game and had some “plays” to run inside of their sets. I could see it from the stands that they had very ambitious coaches teaching them just how to put and bump, set and spike together, “3 hit plays”.

But let’s be realistic, not a lot of these “3 hit plays” panned out. They had good understanding of the plays but inability to continually execute. They would keep trying and ultimately they would lose point after point after point.

Our team, with very limited practice time together and minimal understanding of how to execute the advanced plays, would continue to bump and set the ball back over the net to a team that was busy trying to gather their thoughts and “plays” again. They ball would drop as players were scrambling around and another point was scored by our team.

Serving was the same way. Yes, every volleyball player strives to have a powerful overhand serve but age 10-12, it was rare to have consistent strength and power to get it over the net. Consistent UNDERhand serves by our team were getting unreturned and more points added to the scoreboard.

Set after set they won. If you know volleyball, you know that it is best 2 of 3 sets wins the match and if you win the first 2 sets, you don’t even have to play a third set and is a win for the match. Our team won the first 2 sets of each match for the first 3 games of the tournament. The final match they won the first set and lost the second set. This time they were playing against the team with all the coordinated cheers and team comraderies. There isn’t a super high competitive level at this age but you could feel the tension in our team after finally losing a set.

They played that final set, beat the other team to win the match, AND ultimately that put them in first place for the entire tournament. Great job team!!!

I have been thinking about the tournament and the successful experience these young ladies got to have that weekend and it reminded me about the big picture of life in general.

This brand new volleyball team winning an entire tournament after just 2 practices together can give us great perspective about moving forward in life. Simply focusing on the basics and keeping the passes simple led my niece and her inexperienced team to win an entire tournament. “Get the ball over the net” turned out to be a winning focus. Starting with the basics is the very best way to build a great foundation for moving forward.

Those young ladies left the gym that day with their heads held high. This is the very beginning of their season and to start out by keeping things simple and winning, gets their group off to an awesome start. Rest assured, when they are ready to add some more strategy into their play, they have the best place to start from.

Looking around your life, where are you trying to set up the “3 hit plays” and fumbling where just bumping and setting the tasks could lead to more consistency, ease and success? Where can you simplify your progress and keep things simple? Where can you go back to the foundation that you started from and review/practice some of the steps that got you to the place you are? Can you look back to the simple first steps and find more consistency to build on?

Life has gotten pretty complicated these days. The world has gotten complex and confusing. Let get back to the basics and keep it simple wherever possible.

LIFE in Motion w/ Dr Erica

WELLNESS. ADVENTURE. COMMUNITY. WHAT'S NEXT.

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