I’m just sayin…

Every choice that we make today has a side effect - some are good; some are bad. I noticed that we have the tendency to think we are invincible. We’ll do things to our bodies that we know are damaging but since the repercussions are not immediate…we bypass the nagging thought in the back of our mind that is begging us to stop. We know the side effects, done the research, seen the TV specials…but it still doesn’t stop us.

Whether its an addiction, a way to deal, or just boredom…its a choice that we are not sorry for-well, not right now; but what about the future? One day we’ll get to the point where our lifestyle will catch up to us…what we do now will effect that outcome. So…will you welcome it or regret it?

‘Just make it to the light and then you can walk’ - This is the pep talk I give myself every evening while running. I’m at the bottom of the hill and all I can ever see is the red traffic light at the top…a half a mile up! I never make it. I run as fast as I can or I try to pace myself but that red light never gets closer…actually, it taunts me as it scoots back!

Tonight was amazing…I had downloaded a Benni Benassi megamix; the weather was perfect; and my spirits were high. One mile down-I turned the corner and started heading up the hill. I looked up and saw the light….red! Okay, go! I stopped looking at it. Instead, I looked at the ground right in front of me. I paid attention to my breathing and every step that I took. I didn’t even realize that I had gotten to the top of the hill until I looked up and saw…green! I made it!! I almost pulled a Rocky ‘Victory Dance’ but I hadn’t downloaded the song yet. Instead, I finished my hour.

Have you figured out that this is not really about a light? I’m 5 weeks out as of yesterday. My first competition will be  on October 6…there is no stopping me. When I realized that I had to look for a plan B…that big red Light was creeping away from me. No, I don’t have everything that I need…but you know what? I need to focus on my breathing and taking this one step at a time. I’ll look down at my next move instead straining to see the end!

Instead of focusing so hard on the finish line…Run the race! My Coach is always saying that to me…it bugs me. LOL!!

What’s next in line for you? Whatever your goal is you have to learn to be patient. You have to put it into perspective and you have to slow down enough to run the race without burning yourself out. Don’t let anyone or anything (especially yourself) get in the way. There is always an obstacle…what are you going to do with it?

You can accomplish your goals…the light is red right now…but, wait…oh, there it goes! Now its green so go!

The title sounds kind of dirty…I like it!

Its hard to eat the same thing everyday, its hard to get up in the morning to workout just so you can turn around and do it again that evening. Its hard not grab a piece of candy and snack…So, why do it? Because at the end of the day, it just feels good.

No matter what it is…it feels great to do the right thing. Besides, you never know who is watching. Especially, the critics. If you set a high standard for yourself, or make a goal that is unattainable to the average citizen they will watch your every move…just so they can see you mess up (They feel better seeing you portray a human trait). We’re not expected to be common. We are not allowed to be normal. Don’t get mad…take it as a compliment. When someone hates on you because you won’t go to the restaraunt, or stay out late, or can’t accept plans because of your training schedule…don’t sweat it! Don’t even waste your time trying to explain yourself because they won’t hear it. They don’t get it. To them, this is torture and what earthly reason would you have to put yourself through this? 

Hmmm, Bodybuilding is a sport and to a competitor it is an art form. You have to work extremely hard to develop your muscle groups and then skillfully and artistically display those muscles on stage. You are Superhuman…whether you compete or not - if you have chosen this lifestyle you are an artist…and even though you put yourself through hell, at the end of the day…because you did exactly what you were supposed to do…that feeling of accomplishment and the results in the mirror are your trophies! Why do I do it?

Because it feels good.