ANYONE, NOT EVERYONE: Reb shares his story on living with Type 1 Diabetes, finding health through Rhapsody CrossFit and challenging us all to choose happiness each and every day.
What is your story?
Nice to meet you, I’m Reb Boyd – a 26-year-old from Columbia, SC. I went to Furman University, and I am currently a third-year dental student at MUSC.
When I was nine-years-old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This diagnosis has been devastating at times, but I have never let my disease define me. It is and will always be a part of who I am – without it, I would’ve never met the love my life, Lilly. Although mostly retired, Lilly was my diabetic service dog who faithfully alerted me to highs and lows.
What brought you to Rhapsody CrossFit?
Although I majored in health and exercise science and have trained other people, I never really exercised myself. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned the importance of staying active and healthy. A classmate of mine, Blake Turner, invited me to try Rhapsody CrossFit and I was sold.
Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant when I received texts about working out on the weekend before the class even began, but, eventually, I was convinced to come in, and I loved it.
“Whether your day is going your way or not, you can always change your attitude and try to laugh.”
What have you gotten out of your experience with Rhapsody CrossFit?
Through Rhapsody CrossFit, I’ve gained new friends (well, I consider them friends, but don’t know if they would say the same), a new sense of health and well-being, and more motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I also have begun to feel better about myself and my life. Before I took my national board examinations for school, I came into CrossFit at 6AM to wake up and get my body going. Had someone told me that I would be doing that a few weeks earlier I would have laughed at them, but it was exactly what I needed to get my head right for the challenge ahead.
To the Rhapsody community, you are a prime example of what it means to be happy – tell me about that drive to be better and what motivates you?
Given that at 9 years old, I was told I’d statistically have a shorter life, I’ve never taken life too seriously. People worry about too many things, be it how they look at trying to complete a workout or if the day is going their way or not. You need to relax, not take anything too serious and smile.
Whether your day is going your way or not, you can always change your attitude and try to laugh. I can’t say I’m still thrilled to come in and workout, but I do like to make others smile. It’s a shame people take everything seriously, and if I can get just a few people to joke around and laugh, then I am happy.
Reb, you are a shining example of what it means to make happiness a choice and are helping to raise the bar for all of us at Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston! To get your sweat on with Reb and our awesome Rhapsody community, sign up for your first class today!
Reb Boyd at Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston, SC.
