Vulnerability is not merely an emotion; it’s a powerful catalyst for living your most authentic and fulfilling life. At Fit Foodie Finds, we believe in embracing challenges and stepping outside the familiar, a philosophy beautifully embodied in our recent collaboration with Lorissa’s Kitchen. Our event, aptly named Bloodys and Bouldering, brought our vibrant community together, inspiring participants to explore new boundaries and courageously lean into vulnerability.
Our partnership with Lorissa’s Kitchen has flourished for nearly three years, built on a foundation of shared values centered around nurturing a **balanced and healthy lifestyle**. We deeply admire Lorissa’s Kitchen’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare and their dedication to sourcing the highest quality meats from responsible farmers. This commitment is evident in their use of 100% grass-fed beef, where cattle are raised ethically and completely free from antibiotics. Beyond their ethical practices, their products boast an exceptional taste that consistently exceeds expectations.
Over the years, Fit Foodie Finds has proudly collaborated with Lorissa’s Kitchen on numerous projects, from crafting dynamic workout routines to integrating their premium protein snacks into our festive charcuterie boards and essential pre- and post-workout fuel. While every collaboration has been rewarding, the recent Bloodys and Bouldering event stands out as a personal favorite. It perfectly encapsulated our collective vision: fostering community, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating wholesome living.
Exploring Our Partnership: Favorite Lorissa’s Kitchen Collaborations
- Ultimate Killer Cardio Strength Workout + Our Favorite High Protein Snack
- Low Impact Strength Workout
- The Ultimate Holiday Charcuterie Board
- What I Eat Pre-and-Post Workout!
For those who couldn’t join us, I’ve compiled a comprehensive recap of the entire Bloodys and Bouldering event. It was an absolute blast, filled with laughter, challenges, and genuine connection. So, let’s relive that incredible day! And as you scroll further, you’ll discover more of my reflections on the profound impact vulnerability has had on shaping my life journey.
The Genesis of Bloodys and Bouldering: Embracing the Unknown
The inspiration behind Bloodys and Bouldering stemmed from a desire to create a unique event that would genuinely bring our community together to try something truly *different*. We firmly believe that embracing vulnerability often leads to profound self-discovery, revealing strengths and passions we never knew we possessed. Our goal was to empower our community to step into that vulnerable space, proving that such courage invariably makes us stronger individuals. To illustrate this, I recall my own trepidation just five months prior to the event. The thought of bouldering, a sport entirely new to me, filled me with dread. It took about ten persistent invitations from my friend, Linley, before I finally agreed to give it a try. Looking back, I’m immensely grateful I did, because it quickly transformed into an addiction!
Bouldering has now become one of my favorite post-work activities, constantly pushing me beyond my comfort zone both physically and mentally. As I shared my bouldering journey on Instagram, I received a flood of questions from fellow Fit Foodie Finds followers. Many confessed they had never tried bouldering due to the intimidating factor – a sentiment I completely understood. This widespread curiosity and shared apprehension made it abundantly clear: gathering our community at our favorite bouldering gym for an event dedicated to trying something new was an absolute no-brainer.
Our Venue: Minneapolis Bouldering Project – A Community Hub
We chose the Minneapolis Bouldering Project (MBP) as the perfect host for Bloodys and Bouldering. I first discovered MBP in November, thanks to Linley. More than just a bouldering gym, MBP is a multifaceted wellness hub, boasting a state-of-the-art yoga studio, a comprehensive fitness studio, and even a coworking space, all conveniently located in the vibrant North Loop of Minneapolis, MN. However, what truly sets MBP apart and what we cherish most, is the incredible community it cultivates. It’s a space where judgment is absent, and the staff consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of skill level.
The Event Itinerary: A Journey from Novice to Enthusiast
The event kicked off with an engaging “Climbing 101” class, expertly led by some of MBP’s most talented instructors. This introductory session was crucial, allowing participants to gradually ease into bouldering by learning essential safety techniques and fundamental climbing movements. This gentle initiation helped everyone, especially the newcomers, to slowly come out of their comfort zones. Following the class, attendees enjoyed about an hour of free climbing. The climbing area was a lively mix of experience levels, with seasoned experts offering encouragement to enthusiastic newbies. It was truly heartwarming to witness so many people bravely trying something entirely new and having an absolute blast in the process! Post-climb, everyone transitioned to MBP’s comfortable co-working space, where the “Bloodys” part of our event truly began.
A Feast for the Senses: Delicious Food & Drinks
No Fit Foodie Finds event would be complete without an array of delectable food and drinks! We curated impressive charcuterie boards, generously laden with an assortment of Lorissa’s Kitchen protein snacks, artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and, of course, plenty of rich chocolate. For those with a sweet tooth, we delighted guests with bespoke Glam Doll Donuts, specially spelled out “Bloodys + Bouldering.” Because who can resist a gourmet donut after a challenging climb?
The undisputed highlight of the post-climb celebration was our magnificent Bloody Mary Bar. We provided stylish thisFem pint glasses, ready to be filled with an organic Bloody Mary mix and an impressive selection of garnishes. The bar featured skewers of cheese, crisp celery, and, most notably, Lorissa’s Kitchen’s new 100% grass-fed beef sticks. Guests had the option to enjoy their Bloodys with or without liquor, and it’s safe to say a mighty fine time was had by all. We were thrilled to see not a single drip of Bloody Mary mix left by the end of the event – a true sign of success! These new 100% grass-fed beef sticks from Lorissa’s Kitchen are available in Original, Smokey Sweet, and Jalapeno flavors, easily found on Amazon and at select convenience stores, making healthy snacking incredibly accessible.
Exclusive Swag Bags and Exciting Giveaways
To express our gratitude to our amazing community, we curated incredible swag bags filled with products from some of our absolute favorite Minnesota-based brands. Naturally, these bags were generously stocked with a variety of Lorissa’s Kitchen snacks – a proud MN brand itself! We also included a selection of other beloved items. The first 40 lucky attendees had the pleasure of taking home these fantastic bags packed with goodies, making their event experience even more memorable.
- Lorissa’s Kitchen Protein Snacks
- Bizzy Coffee Shots for an energy boost
- Momentum Motivate Wraps for inspiration
- Wholeme clusters for wholesome snacking
- A Whole Foods gift card for healthy provisions
- A Minneapolis Bouldering Project Day Pass to encourage more climbing adventures
Beyond the swag bags, we also hosted exciting giveaways, adding an extra layer of anticipation and fun to the day. Prizes included a generous Lorissa’s Kitchen prize pack, a relaxing massage session from our wonderful friends at Well Adjusted, and a free month of bouldering at MBP. It was truly an extraordinary day, made even more special by the participation of over 60 enthusiastic individuals. The sense of community and shared accomplishment was palpable, proving the success of our unique event concept.
The Unfolding Power of Vulnerability: How It Transformed My Life
The concept of vulnerability holds a deeply personal significance for me. Way back in 2012, I penned a heartfelt post about vulnerability, a pivotal moment in my life. At the time, I was a senior at the University of Minnesota, embarking on a new relationship, and silently grappling with the early stages of an eating disorder—a struggle I hadn’t yet fully acknowledged. This period marked the very first time I truly contemplated the profound meaning of vulnerability and how its principles applied not only to my personal journey but to life in its entirety. It was a realization sparked, in large part, by Brene Brown’s impactful “Power of Vulnerability” TED Talk.
Here’s a poignant passage from that reflection in 2012:
“However, she (referring to the Ted Talk: Power of Vulnerability, by Brene Brown) describes vulnerability as the way of life. Everyone is vulnerable. Risk taking is vulnerable. Relationship is vulnerable. Letting yourself be wanted and loved is vulnerable. You need vulnerability in order to live.”
I feel compelled to revisit this crucial notion of vulnerability today, six years later, because its principles have undeniably shaped every facet of my life since then. Embracing vulnerability provided the courage I needed to secure my first job out of college, and then, a mere year and a half later, to bravely leave that position to dedicate myself full-time to Fit Foodie Finds. This pivotal shift wouldn’t have been possible without a willingness to take a significant leap of faith.
Furthermore, vulnerability empowered me to confront the painful truth of having a horrible relationship with food and fitness. It allowed me to acknowledge this mental illness and actively seek the help I desperately needed. It was through vulnerability that I recognized I was trapped in an unhealthy relationship, understanding that my self-worth extended far beyond simply having a boyfriend. This list of transformative experiences goes on and on, but the core message I aim to convey is simple yet profound:
When you are truly vulnerable, you open the door for the most incredible things in life to unfold.
In my view, this embrace of vulnerability is absolutely essential for living your best, most authentic life. While this may sound philosophical, considering it in simpler, practical terms illuminates its truth. For instance, had I not chosen vulnerability by attending an eating disorder support group and starting antidepressant medication, I would likely still be suffering from the grip of eating and exercise obsession. If I hadn’t taken the vulnerable step to quit my full-time job, Fit Foodie Finds might not exist as it does today. And, had I not been vulnerable enough to end an unhealthy relationship, I would not currently be sharing my life with the love of my life. Do you see the pattern? Taking significant risks and intentionally stepping outside your comfort zone can be terrifying, but it’s precisely these brave acts that pave the way for a truly fulfilling and good life.
So, why bridge the topics of vulnerability with Bloodys and Bouldering in the same discussion? Because, for me, bouldering was a completely untried activity, demanding that I become vulnerable to overcome my initial fears and eventually fall deeply in love with this new form of exercise, which I now integrate into my routine multiple times a week. It serves as a tangible example of how embracing the unknown, however small or large, can lead to unexpected joys and significant personal growth.
Thanks for reading! This post is proudly sponsored by Lorissa’s Kitchen. I was compensated for this feature, and all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.