Today at work, I was talking to a few of my co-workers about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. They got to the topic of having abs and how great it would be to have a body like that. Honestly, I agreed with them, it would be nice. But, is that really what I want out of my fitness journey?

The next thing that came out of my mouth shocked me. I'm not a person to talk about my personal fitness goals because, frankly, I sway between goals every day. Some days I want this perfectly sculpted body, no fat in sight. Some days I say "screw it."

Here's what came out of my mouth: "There are two kinds of lives you can live. The first life is for the abs. For the sculpted body. You go to the gym 6-7 days a week, eat nothing you enjoy, and burn yourself out. You live for your image. The second life is for you. You work out when you can, doing exercises you actually enjoy. You sweat because you want to sweat. You can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. If you're craving ice cream, you listen to your body and get that damn ice cream. You live for your happiness and health. So although those abs may be 'goals,' my dream is to live my happiest life, so I'm going to have to go with option number two."

Fitness and health are so so so important. But, everyone's fitness journey is different. If you want to go after those abs, do it. If you want to eat whatever the hell you want, do it. Do whatever makes you happiest.

In my case, I'm going with option number two. I'm working out because I feel strong when I sweat. Eating what I want because it tastes damn good. Taking more opportunities to go on adventures instead of confining myself to 3-hour gym sessions every day.

I'm doing what makes me happiest, and you should too.