To The Girl At The Gym:
I noticed you walking into the expanse that is our gym. You looked lost, confused, but most of all, determined. I don’t know what you were determined to do, but I saw it in your eyes as you perused the cardio equipment. My guess is that you’re new to this; to the working out and the gym rat life. As I watch you step onto a treadmill, my suspicions are confirmed. You struggle to get the machine up and running, but after a few minutes, you’re off. A mile run nearly kills you. You’re hunched over, sweat pouring down your back, breaths coming in rapid succession. But you did it.
The next day I see you walk into the weight room, looking just as lost as before. But you pick up a set of free weights and try your best. Your form’s a little shaky, but you get the job done. I see you leave on wobbly legs and a red face. But you did it.
Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months. It’s the end of summer and I see you again. This time, you walk into the gym like you own the place. Some new definition in your legs, a new cut in your arms, and a smile that simply cannot be ignored. I watch as you take on the weights. You toss a few plates onto a squat rack and finish your set without much struggle. You take on a couple more complicated regimens. As you did before, you finish with sweat dripping from your cheek and hands on your hips as you struggle to catch your breath. You move to the track. Forty-five minutes later, you finally slow to a walk with your hands above your head.
Your entire being has changed since that first trip to the gym. You look more confident in everything you do. You can run for hours where you could barely hold up for ten minutes before. You can lift serious weights, and hold a plank for minutes. You should be proud of yourself. You’ve accomplished things that many people only dream of doing. The person you were the first day you walked into that gym and the person you are today could not be more different. Of course, you’re still You. But now you look healthier, happier, and stronger. And it’s all because you didn’t give up.
You didn’t give up when you were clueless wandering around the gym not knowing how to properly do anything.
You didn’t give up when it was six o’clock in the morning and you’d rather be in bed fast asleep than at the gym.
You didn’t give up when you were sore from the workout the day before, and would do ANYTHING to just not move for a few minutes.
You didn’t give up when all your friends went out partying, but you stayed in to get another workout in.
Most importantly, you didn’t give up when it got hard.
Everybody starts somewhere, and I’m proud to say I watched you grow over the years. Keep striving for greatness, and don’t you ever give up.
Love,
Your Future Self.
