2008 Transformation Contest

Sometimes when I linger at the gym, I get embarrassed.  I watch people come, I watch people go. "Why must I take so long?" I wonder.

I develop a sense of shame, of guilt, for taking my time, for commiting myself to 2+ hours of hard work daily.

My boss the other day told me, "You are obsessed".  "Yes I am" I said.  

Yet this is an obsession that will bring me closer to my goals.  I choose to call it "single mindedness of purpose".

Bodybuilding gives me positive direction.  

It is something uplifting and positive to focus my energies upon.

Everyone has holes.  Everyone has unmet needs that demand filling.  

We can fill these needs with many things.  

We can fill these needs with things which are destructive and demeaning.  Things which will destroy us.  (drugs, food, sex, gambling addictions)

We can fill these needs with things which are neutral.  Things which simply take up space, time, and energy, until our lives run out.  (gossip, entertainment, television)

Or, we can fill our holes, these unmet needs, with things benefitting and positive.  

We can fill ourselves with that which adds worth, value, and meaning to our lives. Things which serve a purpose.  (education, community service, spirituality, bodybuilding, friendship, family, self-improvement)

The next time somebody tells you that you are working out "too much", or says that you are "obsessed",or "addicted" with exercise, ask yourself this simple and honest question.

"Is this lifestyle lifting me up or tearing me down?"

If you are being built up, feel no need to give explanations, or make excuses to any-one.  

Hold your head high!  Be free of the expectations to do things as are socially accepted at this time.  You are not a slave to this culture and day and age.  You are a free person choosing wisely for the sake of your own health.  Serve your own best interests.

Look around you.  Everywhere around you people are unhealthy. People are sad and depressed.  People are stressed and taking it out in unhealthy ways.  

Become stronger than your culture.  Become the example for exemplary health and living.  Become the source of pressure.  Be the ball.