Fitness didn't become an active priority until I realized there was more than just because it was expected that you be able to pass your physical fitness test. It was my first year in the military and out in the fleet...I ventured into the gym, aka the "Meat Market" and tried to ignore all the eyes following, judging, assessing, dismissing me as a human. It's a choice...everyday from that point forward was a decision. I just didn't know how rewarding this path was until I was in it for myself and not because someone said so. Deployment was another milestone...getting promoted to Captain was another...but the true test didn't come until I hit the civilian world and realized I only had me. What was I going to make of myself? How would I keep moving forward? Fitness, health, focus. My world now revolves around fitness and becoming confident in my own body of my own making. That's my truth and it is satisfying to know I am who I want to be.
Once you have a balance between your wants and needs, flexibility in getting what you want, all of what you want, becomes manageable-given time and patience of course.
I learned to be patient with myself, that flaws don't make me imperfect, that mistakes aren't the end of the world, and failure is a learning and turning point. I've learned I can be strong, I can be emotional, I can want, and I can dream. I allow myself to reach for the impossible and it's ok to struggle. I love fitness because it keeps my world spinning and there are always new adventures to go on if I'm willing to try something new.