Participating in the Tradewinds 31-Day Challenge has allowed me to re-evaluate some of my goals and reflect on where I’ve been, what I’ve accomplished, and how much more I still have left to do. It’s reminded me how easy it is to lose track of time and get caught up in life. It has also reminded me how hard it can be to get started for the first time, “start all over again”, and even keep going. And to that note I say, I see you…
I am, was, and will be you. Many others have been where you are now, and few will get to where you want to be. But please know, you are not alone.
I see you…
The one not sure where to start. The one who’s afraid to get started. The one who is sick of starting over.
The one who struggles to show up. The one hiding in the back of the room. The one looking around to see if others are looking at you.
The one that thinks there isn’t enough time. The one who doesn’t have enough energy. The one who doesn’t want to add one more thing to their to do list.
The one with more excuses than actual reasons. The one not willing to make sacrifices for real changes. The one who wants results now, but isn’t willing to put in the work for real change.
Yes, I see you.
Though we may actually be very different, have lived different lives, and have many different experiences, I have been where you are. I have felt the way you feel. I continue to struggle with the same challenges you have. Others are where you are, have been where you were, will be where you want to be.
You see something different. You see… The hard work ahead. The questions others raise. The doubts you have built up in your mind.
You see the extra pounds you’ve gained, the way your clothes don’t quite fit the way you want them to, the photos of yourself that you don’t recognize.
You see the people beside you looking “fit”; while you’re gasping for air, they run with ease or add an extra 10 pounds on the bar. You’re confused, upset, annoyed, frustrated, and embarrassed. You question; “why are you here?” “what even is the point?” “How did I let myself get to this point?”
But I don’t see what you see…
I see an individual who has a life. A person who has gotten busy. Someone who has sacrificed their own time for someone else, or to make something of themselves. A person who doesn’t know where to or how to start. Someone who wants to change but isn’t sure how to make that change. A person who has fears and doubts. A person who has lost themselves in the craziness of life.
I see someone who needs help. Help understanding the value and how to commit to the hard work. Help with getting committed and staying committed. Help with finding the courage to give it another shot, knowing that the only way to get results is through hard work.
I see someone who will prevail because I have been you. Others have been you. You are not alone.
Please know that you are never judged for where you are starting, you are not judged for the times you feel like you’ve failed, you are not judged for the way you look, and you are not judged for pressing the restart button more than once. Instead you are praised for your courage and your effort to try, and try again. Praised for your ability to recognize that you need help, your ability to find it, and willingness to accept it. Praised for your commitment to set goals and to work towards crushing them. Praised by those who have walked in your shoes, who have felt what you feel, and are where you are. There is a supportive, encouraging, and amazing group of individuals who have had the same feelings as you.
So raise up your head, widen those eyes, take a big breath in, and take another step forward. It’s a new day, and you can do this.
Coach Mary