I would do it all over again.
3 weeks ago, I found out from a social media post, that the business I had built with Beachbody (Million Dollar Body, Team Beachbody, then BODi) spanning nearly 2 decades, was done. It took me a couple of days of shock and disbelief before I could even say the words out loud to my husband, followed by days of reaching out to people who were in my team, people who had mentored me and had been mentored by me, to check in and help process.
You’ve heard me say this before, but nothing on this earth is permanent.
It stinks and was like a punch to the gut. If you read this whole post, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Pollyanna. I was angry and frustrated. I hurt for all my friends. But, I’m making the choice to not let bitterness take hold. I’ve had reasons and opportunities to lead elsewhere off and on over the years. But my people were here, deep relationships were here.
During all the presentations I did from stage, in living rooms, and in coffee shops, I always shared, ‘I’m taking this across the goal line, and you can come with me.’ I never knew how far ahead the goal line was, but now I can see it, now I can cross it and know that I kept my promise to myself, my family and the team of people who became like family.
Even though the last 3 weeks have been a little rough, and I don’t like how this chapter was cut short, I would do it all again, because it was never just about a product. We built relationships. We led with passion and purpose. We loved, worked and played hard.
In the beginning, I had to grow myself before I could grow a team and then an income. And, God’s hands were all over this journey. I didn’t always like it that I was the income earner in our family, I even complained once in awhile, but 5 years ago it became clear why God had led us down this path, why he had put the people where he did in my life to help me be successful. [How young Alzheimer’s took my husband.]
I’m so grateful for the company and for the opportunity I was given nearly 20 years ago. I’m grateful for the incredible friends, the corporate staff, the friends who have come and gone, and those who stuck in with us, as we navigated all the change over the years.
I understand the stigma of network marketing so well. But, it was a huge blessing for me and my family. One of the greatest personal assets coming out of Beachbody, was that I had been given the gift of a safe space to learn leadership. The lessons I learned, the opportunities that came my way because of what we built, and the skills I practiced, will all stay with me, will help me lead going forward.
I’m staying in the network marketing space, even after the traumatic way our company ended our BODi careers. I know I could get a lot of traffic if I went onto tiktok or instagram and slammed my prior company, or slammed network marketing. But the truth is, it changed my life. I’m looking forward to working on some more personal projects, including a couple books and some creative pursuits.
I know it sounds crazy, but I really would do it all over again, even if you told me 18 years ago, that it would end this way. I’m proud that I didn’t quit. I’m proud of the people I called my team. Beachbody coaching was my vocation, but not my identity!
So, I choose to bless and release Beachbody, known as BODi, and see what the next chapter has in store, without harboring any resentment. And, that’s not a Pollyanna viewpoint. That’s a decision to lead with integrity and say goodbye to something that was good, that had many great things come out of it, and not carry any bitterness with me into my next chapter!
Your friend,
Anne Dovel Morris
