I have been called a “health freak,” “fitness craze” and even sometimes “psychotic.” Sometimes, it truly gets to me, but I have learned how to ignore it because I know it is not true. I love to exercise. Now, there is a difference between loving to exercise and exercising simply to burn calories. Exercising is something I am truly passionate about. But, I do not exercise for superficial means. I exercise because I fell in love with the way it makes me feel mentally, physically and emotionally. Yes, I will admit that I had to learn, but wholly appreciate the concept of balance in life. Exercising is not the focus of my life, but I do make it a priority in my life. I exercise to free my mind. I exercise to love myself. Most importantly, I exercise because it is when I am happiest.

Okay, the aforementioned sentence might have made me sound “psychotic,” but let me first explain what it is that I meant. I am happiest when I exercise for an array of reasons. It is when I exercise that I am completely alone with my thoughts and I have time to think. It is often when I exercise when I have my greatest thoughts. It is when I exercise that I let out all of my feelings. If I work out in the morning, I start the day with an intention of feeling good. If I work out at night, I end the day with a release of my frustrations of the day and the entrance of renewal. If I take an exercise class or even if I do my own workout in a gym, I get inspired by the people around me that push me physically and even mentally. If I take a yoga class, I learn the importance of loving the flow of movements and meditation. You get the point. Exercising is not supposed to be a chore. Exercising is supposed to be a release and a type of escape. So, if you find exercise being a chore. I want to tell you to find a type of exercise that you like and enjoy because even just thirty minutes a day can transform your mind, body, and spirit.

When you start exercising, you might get obsessed. Now, that is okay only if it is an obsession for the right reasons. Balance, balance, and balance. Balance is one of the most important things in life. Listen to your body and do not overdo it. Do not expend more calories that your body can handle and do not become “psychotic.” Exercise has the beauty to do wonders. I mean actual wonders. It is amazing what a simple thing like exercise has done for me. It has thoroughly transformed my outlook on life. I have learned to find joy in movement. It has motivated me in other aspects of life. It has been there for me when I have been completely down on myself and where I felt hopeless. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.

See, the thing is it would be a lie if I said I never loose motivation. However, there is a little voice in my head that tells me to keep going. I have gone this far and I want to see what happens if I do not give up -- even when I feel like giving up the most. However, when I feel like quitting, I often think about why I started. Exercising and living a healthy life has become a part of me and a core tenet of my personality. I have to block out all negativity that surrounds me in order to seek a life of continuing betterment of myself in mind and spirit. I invite you to do the same.