Today, I finally went back to the gym.
It’s been almost a month—travel, life, excuses, and all the things that seem to pile up and keep us from doing the things we know are good for us. I walked in with a water bottle in one hand and about a month’s worth of guilt in the other. And as soon as I started lifting, I felt it. The strength I had before? Gone. The rhythm? Off. My body groaned like it had never touched a dumbbell in its life.
And surrounding me? Guys lifting three times as much as me without even breaking a sweat. They’re chiseled. I’m… well… let’s just say I’m rocking the “dad bod” and it’s definitely still in season. I caught myself looking at them and wondering if they were looking back—judging me, laughing at the weak little weights I was struggling with. It’s wild how fast the mind spirals when shame enters the room.
But then something hit me.
They weren’t born that way.
They didn’t walk into their first gym looking like a Marvel superhero. They had to start somewhere, too. Maybe I’m just earlier in the journey than they are—but I’m on the journey. That matters.
And honestly? I’ve heard this truth in so many different places—in church pews, in AA meetings, across from a counselor’s desk. But still, it’s wild how quickly I forget it: what matters is that I showed up. What matters is that I keep taking a step. Even a baby step.
So if today you took a tiny step forward—I’m proud of you.
If today you slipped but you still have a desire to try again tomorrow—I’m with you.
If you’re miles ahead of me or just getting started, we’re still on the same road. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to measure your progress against someone else’s highlight reel.
Don’t let comparison steal your courage.
Don’t let someone else’s success make you forget how brave it is to begin.
And don’t let shame convince you to quit something beautiful before it has a chance to grow.
Start where you are. Start with what you have. Just… start.
And if you need someone cheering you on, I’m in your corner—chunky, sweaty, and determined as ever.
Let’s keep going. Together.