“Indestructible Faith”
In 2018, when the doctor told me that autoimmune disease would be with me for life, the severity of symptoms would depend on my lifestyle. From childhood to adulthood, I focused solely on studying hard, living, working, and caring for my family, but neglected to learn how to care for my physical and mental health, and how to love myself.
I want to find peace with this disease. I fear losing my health and burdening my family. I strive to be healthy, to support them when they need me most, and to be there alongside them.
I aspire to aid more families in reducing chronic illnesses, lowering the incidence of relationship breakdowns and divorces, and reclaiming health, happiness, and joy. This drive has fueled my commitment on stage for over five years, leading over 600 Zumba classes. Throughout this journey, I’ve crafted more than 300 songs and dance routines across 24 courses, and produced 19 online courses for students seeking exercise solutions at home and abroad.
Each time I finish an offline class, it not only benefits my own condition but also enhances the physical and mental well-being of my students, helping them restore a joyful and calm state of mind. By encouraging them to consistently engage in exercise, I believe I contribute to a brighter future for them and foster greater harmony within their families.
This conviction empowered me to travel across various cities in Australia, obtaining Zumba licenses for diverse age groups. It drove me to memorize the dance steps of 77 songs, even when faced with uncertainty about my students’ preferences. Despite challenges, I persisted, knowing that influencing even one person to adopt a healthier lifestyle can positively impact an entire family.
By the time I reached my 88th song, I had gained a deep understanding of my students’ needs and achieved a stable class attendance. However, new challenges emerged. Just before the pandemic, I re-injured my knee in a rush up the stairs. In 2023, the old injury resurfaced, and my doctor warned me that surgery might be necessary, confining me to half a year of immobility. Despite my fear, I remained resolute. I spent two months recuperating at home, and with my doctor’s reassurance of full recovery, I resumed teaching three classes regularly, prioritizing rest and minimizing excessive movement.
Driven by this determination, I journeyed from Kuching to the distant OE Academy, enduring a two-hour flight and an additional hour’s drive, to attend six classes. During the MCO, I dedicated eight months to earn the British Nutrition and Diet Therapist Certificate, followed by completing the six-month Hong Kong Hero Ladies Relationship Consultant Certificate this year.
Later on, I founded Joy Zumba and 565 Zumba, designed to cater to students from 5 to 65 years old, making it enjoyable and accessible for everyone to complete an hour of simple Zumba. This initiative fulfills families’ aspirations to exercise together. My ultimate vision is to integrate Zumba fitness, dietary health, and emotional well-being into every household and school. By doing so, I aim to safeguard the health, happiness, and joy of family members and pass on a legacy of happiness across generations.
The impact of serious illness or divorce within a family extends far beyond the individual involved. It affects the entire family, causing widespread suffering and long-lasting consequences, especially for children. Recognizing the critical importance of health and emotional well-being, I lament not having learned these vital lessons in school or at home.
In the time I have left, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families. My goal is to impart essential knowledge about health and emotions, helping to pave the way for a brighter future and greater resilience among families facing challenges.
Transitioning from a website engineer to roles such as Zumba fitness coach, diet and nutrition therapist, and relationship consultant, I am steadily approaching my dream. I have dedicated myself to continuous learning, designing health courses tailored to my needs, and diligently practicing daily. By participating in student membership programs, I aim to empower individuals and families to safeguard their health effectively.
Now, six years later, upon receiving my blood test results and medical report, I’ve found that aside from the autoimmune disease marker, which remains elevated but stable at 600, all other indicators are within normal range. Previously, it peaked at 2560, a level typically associated with significant symptoms. Today, despite this ongoing challenge, others perceive me as a healthy individual. I am immensely grateful and content to have achieved a peaceful coexistence with my condition.
This marks the beginning of Sandra Fitness and my ongoing journey to peacefully coexist with a terminal illness. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey with me.
Love yourself, and extend that love to others as you do to yourself. 💕
Nissi Publishing & Sandra Fitness Founder:
Sandra Sii
19.6.2024
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