I am thrilled to have the award-winning personal trainer, Doug Bopst, joining me today.  Doug is also an author and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast. He is a former convicted felon and drug addict who spent time in jail and is now on a mission to inspire others to conquer adversity and realize their fullest potential. Today, Doug and I engage in a thought-provoking conversation on gratitude, how exercise enables individuals to confront their fears and connect with themselves, the distinction between healthy and unhealthy habits, and the restrictions associated with seeking validation externally. We also discuss the transformative power of resilience, faith, and learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Doug’s remarkable journey from adversity to triumph serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals seeking transformation, and I am confident that our conversation will resonate deeply with listeners. Stay tuned for Doug’s profound insights on personal development. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How gratitude reshaped Doug’s life How people use drugs as a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain Doug explains how he realized he had power and was able to control his life despite feeling powerless  How exercise can catalyze self-discovery and growth Why anxiety and stress are normal responses for those raised in troubled environments Why do some individuals constantly seek external validation instead of seeking self-worth internally? How self-awareness can help to conquer the need for external validation The benefits of coaching and therapy for overcoming unhealthy relationships with food Why many women avoid pushing themselves to the limit during workouts How faith helped Doug to transform his pain and become a better person Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Doug Bopst On his website Instagram The Adversity Advantage Podcast