Thinking affects our health and well-being. How we think about ourselves and what we believe we can do matters. We interact with so many people day in and day out and encounter all kinds of obstacles and challenges. One thing I notice as I reflect over my life, experiences, and impact on my exercise journey is how I allowed others to dictate what I thought about myself. There were times that my thinking and feelings impacted my performance in the gym and my ability to consistently show up. If I could go back and teach my younger self something, I would say to her, “Your value doesn’t change because of what someone says about you, whether or not they respond to your authenticity, or the terrible things you went through because of another person’s actions. These things only show you what kind of person they are and where they are in their life. Their actions or inaction have nothing to do with you. Your value doesn’t change. You matter and taking care of yourself is an absolute priority no matter how you feel or what you endure.”

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This is a very hard truth to swallow, especially if you are someone who has a big heart and really cares about people. The hurt and disappointment is real and very painful at times. It is hard to grasp how someone could say or do something awful. Be grateful that you cannot understand these things. Be grateful that you are the person you are.

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Exercise provides a way to release emotions as our body is designed to move. Exercise often changes how we feel. Allow yourself to experience your emotions, without shame, because they are real and valid. Show up for yourself. Exercise. Eat right. Stretch. Walk. Cycle. Snowboard. Surf. Whatever this looks like for you. If tears happen while you are participating in activities, let it happen. It’s a normal response, you are not weak. Don’t let this prevent you from moving your body or taking care of yourself. I will be the first to tell you, I have cried through many workouts and continued to show up. And guess what, things got better. If people judge you for crying, that’s on them, not you. You had the courage to show up. That’s real strength.

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It’s not going to be easy to show up. Let me repeat that, if you are dealing with intense emotions, it won’t be easy. I know what it is like to feel extreme emotions and have deep hurt, but still chose to show up. I now know my value and no matter what happens to me, this truth won't change. I hope you know this too. Because we each value and our health and well-being are worth investing in. So instead of sitting in the emotion and shame of what happened, take action based on what you know is right and best and let the feelings catch up. The emotions will eventually catch up as you continue to consistently show up for yourself!

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So what are you going to do today? Will you choose to value yourself and show up for YOU? Will you choose to exercise, eat right, and honor the awesome person that you are despite how you feel?

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I hope that today you will choose to show up for YOU in all the right ways to better your health and well-being! You are worth it!

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How is it going with whatever action step you decided to add in this week?

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Reach out and let me know, I’d love to hear from you!

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