Story & Lesson Highlights with Crystal Waltman of North Scottsdale

Crystal Waltman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Crystal, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A Normal Day for Me Right Now

My day begins before the sun comes up—usually before my alarm even has a chance to sound. My eyes flutter open, and I take a quiet moment to notice how I feel. I tell myself, Today is a great day. Feet on the floor, I reach for a glass of water while the coffee pot hums in the background.

In the kitchen, I squeeze half a lemon into warm water, hug my dog, and head downstairs for a ten-minute stretch. Timer set, I begin in child’s pose, then flow into cat-cow—a ritual I’ve detailed in my book Quitting to Win.

Back upstairs, I pour my coffee and sit on the patio to watch the sunrise. The world is still. I glance over my schedule and send gratitude texts to those I’ll meet with later. After a quick shower, I slip into a yoga set and wake my daughter with powerful affirmations. Soft music fills the house as I make breakfast: avocado toast and a protein shake for her, my post-workout shake to-go for me.

I savor our drive to school, grateful for these moments before she’s driving herself next year. Then it’s off to my own yoga class before settling into my home office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for writing, podcasting, and Zoom interviews. A quick power nap at 1:30 fuels me for the afternoon “mom Uber” shift—school pickup, snacks, and volleyball practice.

Three nights a week, we gather for family dinner. By 8 p.m., the house grows quiet, and the day gently winds down.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
👤 Author Bio
Crystal Waltman – Athlete, Award-Winning Author, Speaker, and Coach

Crystal Waltman is the Amazon best-selling and award-winning author of Quitting to Win, recognized as Health Book of the Year. A passionate speaker and certified coach, Crystal brings a message of faith over fear to audiences across the country.

For over five years, she has shared her experience, strength, and hope with thousands—recovering out loud and encouraging others to take bold, healing steps toward emotional wellness.

As a contributor to leading platforms in the wellness space, Crystal offers 1;1 coaching keynotes on sobriety, nutrition, mental fitness, and emotional transformation.

A proud fourth-generation Arizonan and graduate of Arizona State University, Crystal earned a collegiate softball scholarship and was part of a national championship-winning team. Today, you’ll find her under the Arizona sun—between the chalk lines of a softball diamond or hiking a summit with her husband and daughter.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Earliest Memory of Feeling Powerful

I can still remember the crack of the bat—hitting a home run in Little League was the moment everything shifted for me. I was already a strong athlete, often a step ahead of my classmates in maturity, but that hit lit something inside me.

A few years later, at a homecoming game, I noticed a former female athlete who had gone on to play college softball on a scholarship. I remember thinking, If she can do it, so can I. From that day forward, I had crystal-clear goals as a teenager and the determination to make them happen.

Now, as an adult, managing my family, parenting with intention, and building my business, I’ve discovered a new kind of power—the freedom to say yes or no without hesitation. I live with purpose, I have a life of choice, and I believe wholeheartedly that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Was There Ever a Time You Almost Gave Up?

I didn’t almost give up—I did. Over ten years ago, when my daughter was just four, I made the decision to quit drinking. Alcohol never metabolized well for me, and it no longer aligned with the kind of parent I wanted to be.

I share the raw details in my book Quitting to Win, because I believe “almost” doesn’t get you where you want to go. For years, I was always two feet from gold—close, but not quite there. With the help of a strong, supportive community, I was finally able to stop for good.

Recovery gave me my legs back. Writing my book gave me my wings. And now, I live a life I once only imagined—one built on purpose, gratitude, and the freedom to say yes to the things that truly matter.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
What Truths Are So Foundational in Your Life That You Rarely Articulate Them?

One of my foundational truths is that—for me—life can feel a little harder than it might for others. A recent brain scan confirmed something I already knew: I have to work at happiness. I don’t wake up in the morning feeling joyful; I have to ignite it.

That’s where my Daily Dose comes in—a non-negotiable recipe for my mental well-being:

Dopamine — fueling my body with great food.

Oxytocin — nurturing deep friendships and genuine connection.

Serotonin — protecting my sleep with a bedtime ritual so I wake up with a full “mood battery.”

Endorphins — moving my body every single day, not to manage my weight, but to protect my mental health and release those natural pain relievers.

These four “happy chemicals” aren’t just concepts for me—they are daily practices. They form the foundation of my life, helping me show up with purpose, energy, and love, no matter what challenges come my way.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Are You Doing What You Were Born to Do—Or What You Were Told to Do?

I’m doing exactly what I was born to do.

I’ve had the privilege of working for some incredible Fortune 500 companies, and those experiences taught me so much. But my entrepreneurial spirit has always had a way of getting restless—it craves freedom, creativity, and connection.

Today, I’m right where I’m meant to be: an entrepreneur in the health and fitness space, retired from personal training and 25 years of teaching yoga, and now thriving as an author and speaker. I work when I want, with who I want, and for as long as I want. That flexibility fuels me, and it aligns perfectly with the life I’ve always envisioned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crystalwaltman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalclearfit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-waltman-58900b14b/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystal.waltman.374

Image Credits
Tony Mandarich