I work at a small town gym in southern Ohio. This setting invites characters that are outside of what we consider the norm of fitness enthusiasts. Most members are farmers, factory workers, parents, or high school athletes. The population is quite diverse and allows for some interesting conversations.

I feel that an authentic talk with anyone is the most enriching experience one can have. To have the soul open up and allow oneself to truly express their whole-hearted thoughts is a divine opportunity. To me, there is nothing much more grand than these treasured moments.

At Court House Fitness, I get at least one altruistic conversation with somebody per day. This breathes the life-force into what it is that I love to do and helps me to endure the most challenging of people or circumstances. On a Sunday evening, I got to splurge in a daily talk with one of our fine members.

"What is it that aspires you?" I asked him.

"Well, I just want to feel good about my body and myself." He replied. "It's just that sometimes I get so busy that I take a couple of days off from working out. It's crazy how addicting exercise is, and when I go without it I get to feeling down about myself."

"I agree that exercise does make you feel good, but I dont think that is an addiction." I responded. "Maybe exercise is what is normal and the addiction, or what makes you feel bad, lies elsewhere. Perhaps work is your addiction and exercise is what is normal."

It's frequent that I hear people talking about the lack of motivation and just not feeling "it". This is a normal thing. We become fearful of being too far away from our work that we get afraid to lose whatever it is that we are pursuing. It could be a degree, a family, or retirement. Although, the moments we do allow ourselves to pause and breath are what give us refinement and mental clarity.

There is a phrase 'Just stop and smell the roses.' This not just a simple hearsay statement. It come with much profoundess. As we do stop and smell the roses we regain insight as to the reason that we are here and re-connect with our purpose.