When I decided to commit to my fitness pursuits, I had a big problem. It wasn't when I was going to start, it wasn't what gym I was going to go to, and it wasn't what I was going to wear. No, my problem was getting over myself. "oh god, everyone is going to be looking at me.....everyone is going to be laughing at me.....they are going to be judging me....what is this BEAR doing in a gym?....he's making a fool of himself." I was convinced all this was going to happen. Well, guess what? No one paid any attention to me. Everyone was going about their business, doing what they were there to do. And then something snapped and I realized EVERYONE has their first day in the gym. None of those guys were born there...none of them magically appeared inside. They ALL had to walk into that gym for the very first time once upon a time.

I realized something else even more important during that first day in the gym: These guys were there to improve their bodies and their lives, whatever their own reasons for that might be. And I admired them greatly for that. Then it occurred to me: they just might view me in the same light. Instead of laughing at me, they could be applauding me for making an important decision to make my life better. The bodies at my gym may cross the spectrum, but we are actually a lot more alike than I had ever considered.

There is something fearful about stepping into a world where you feel you don't belong. I took that step and I feel incredible about it. The men I feared would scrutinize me have welcomed me. I've even made some new friends. We're really all on the same journey.

A verse in a popular folk song tells us "so many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way." Pick out the clouds that are in your way...take a deep breath...hold your chest and head high and exhale strongly, blowing those clouds away and walk through that door. You'll be so much better for it.

Until next time,

Hugs (and licks if you want 'em)