Hey there, fellow fitness enthusiasts and advocates of self-improvement! Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been on my mind for quite some time, and it's something I believe deserves more attention and discussion – the celebration of fitness accomplishments.
In a society that readily celebrates achievements like buying a house, getting a promotion, tying the knot, or welcoming a new addition to the family, there's one question that keeps popping up in my mind: why don't we celebrate personal fitness journeys with the same enthusiasm? After all, working on oneself is an incredible accomplishment in its own right.
Sadly, I've encountered countless stories from individuals, particularly women, who have confided in me about receiving judgment and negativity from friends and family when they embark on their fitness journeys. This, my friends, is a problem worth addressing.
Let's put things into perspective for a moment. Imagine you had to make a choice between giving up your house, your job, or your health – your physically able body. It's a tough hypothetical scenario, but bear with me. Personally, I can't speak for everyone, but I know without a doubt that I wouldn't willingly sacrifice my health. Why? Because our bodies are the one thing we're guaranteed to have throughout our entire lives.
Isn't it only logical, then, to invest our time, energy, and yes, money, into maintaining and strengthening this invaluable asset? I believe it is.
Yet, despite the undeniable importance of our health, I've heard countless objections from people when it comes to joining me on their fitness journey. "Not enough time," they say. "It's too expensive," they claim. "I lack motivation," is another common excuse. I've heard them all.
You see, I understand where they're coming from because I've been there myself. In the past, prioritizing my physical and mental health wasn't on my radar. But after becoming a mom, I realized the significance of self-care and made it a priority.
So, here's my plea to you if you've made it this far: can we please stop making people feel guilty for investing in themselves and instead support and celebrate their efforts?
If you consider yourself a good person, a good friend, a good family member, shouldn't you be overjoyed when a loved one decides to work on their health and fitness? It means they're taking steps to feel better, be happier, have more energy, and quite possibly, live a longer, healthier life – all truly wonderful things, wouldn't you agree?
I'll admit it, I used to judge people for sharing their fitness achievements on social media. But you know what? It wasn't about them; it was about my own insecurities. It's far easier to judge someone else than to look inward and question why their successes trigger negative feelings within us.
I understand that one blog post won't change the world, but I implore you to celebrate your loved ones when they embark on their health and fitness journeys. Ask yourself this simple question: would you rather see their fitness progress or their obituary? Exercise is often recommended for those struggling with mental health issues, so let's practice kindness, even if their achievements trigger annoyance in us.
Instead of judging or leaving negative comments, let's channel that energy into our own self-improvement journeys. Together, we can create a more supportive, uplifting, and encouraging environment for everyone striving to be the best version of themselves. It's time to change the narrative and celebrate fitness accomplishments like the incredible achievements they truly are.
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