Yes, you. The one hiding in the back of the room. The one with your eyes cast down and lost their sparkle. The one constantly tugging at your shirt to cover your tummy or hiking your pants up. The one looking around to see if others are looking at you.
Yes, I see you.
You see the few extra pounds you’ve gained, or the way your shirt rides up or your pants fall down. You see the people beside you looking lean and muscular. You are gasping for breath and see your classmates rowing with ease or who add an extra 15# on the bar. You are embarrassed and shy saying to yourself, “I’m not in the shape I used to be”.
But I don’t see what you see.
I see a person who’s life got busy. Who sacrificed their own time for someone else, most likely their kids. Who gave of themselves to a work project so they could feel successful or provide for their family. Someone who’s been struggling with a situation at home, be it a marriage, an aging parent, the loss of a loved one, etc. Or even someone who needed a bit of time to decompress from the pressures of daily life.
I see someone with the courage to start up again, knowing that it will be hard; that soreness will prevail, and you’ll have to answer the repeated question, “Haven’t seen you in a while?” yet again. I see someone trying their hardest, to be the best they can be at this moment. Someone who’s willing to try again.
Please know you are never judged for the few pounds you may have gained over the winter or the few less pounds you’ve got on your bar. You are simply judged on your effort, your give-a-shit, and your supportive encouragement of your classmates who may be feeling the same as you.
So lift your head, blink your eyes, and awaken to the awesomeness all around you. Because there sure is a lot of it!!
Sweaty Hugs,
KK
