Gratitude in Fitness

First off I would like to start by acknowledging a prolonged absence on my part. It is important that I do this because blogging, much like physical improvement, requires adequate time management, commitment, and consistency. Let this serve as a reminder and hopefully encouragement for you that we are all working toward a better version of ourselves, and no one is perfect on the journey. Once you decide to embark, anticipate that there will be days when you feel less motivated and even periods where you will fall off the wagon; however, that does not have to be end if you make the decision to rise again and continue. That said, after some time away, I’m back!

With the recent Thanksgiving holiday behind us as of last week, I thought it fitting to address gratitude in health, wellness, and physical fitness. Gratitude in itself is a healthy mental state and we should strive to express it regularly. There is no shortage of disappointing circumstances in our lives if we look hard enough for them, but I prefer to flip this notion on its head, instead taking every opportunity I can to count my blessings. This is because fitness, much like every other part of our lives, is heavily dependent on mindset, so lets shift our minds to a mode of thankfulness as we reach for our goals.

Let’s start by giving thanks for the lessons learned.  No matter your current stage in your fitness journey you have undoubtedly encountered hurdles and overcome some obstacles. None of us starts out knowing all the answers and as such we get some things wrong. Sometimes this can result in disappointment and a temptation to give up. I am thankful for that spirit of resilience that doesn’t let us quit. Not only have you shown that you have the character to get back into the saddle, but you know things now that you did not know before; both about yourself and about what works and what doesn’t. That knowledge is a gain that cannot be overstated and should not be overlooked.

Let us now show gratitude for our progress and how far we have come. To those of you who are figuring out what works for you and are fine-tuning your system and finding your groove let’s celebrate that victory. You now have a workable plan in place and it is only up from here. You’ve got this. Some of us are stuck in what I’ll call the “messy middle”. You have lofty goals and have been getting after it for weeks or months. You may be getting tired or burnt out as you consider how much farther you may have to go, but I encourage you to rediscover your motivation by taking the time to compare yourself to where you started. Your accomplishments so far are commendable. 

Finally let us be grateful for the life, body, and health we currently have and the potential yet untapped. In the world of fitness it can be difficult to resist measuring your progress against someone else’s or comparing your physique to another. Comparison is the thief of joy. I am grateful for improved health. Not everyone has the ability to work out, so I am grateful that I do. I have not been afflicted by disease or disability and I am grateful. My life and my body are not perfect, but I am grateful for it and all the things of which I am capable. Everyday is a new opportunity to pursue a greater tomorrow than our yesterdays and that is a true blessing. Let’s give thanks this season, be well, and treat others well.

-        Chris