Without it, I'd be lost

In the beginning of this journey, I lost so many friends.  So much of my life was left behind.  I had to start over....completely.  As I was making my transition out, one thing that I had constantly heard was that I have to "get a life outside of the gym". 

The gym is what has given me a new life.  The gym is where I found my inner strength.  In those mirrors, I watched my muscles grow and my thighs shrink.  Behind those office doors I made sales that allowed me to continue this new lifestyle.  In the free weight area is where I earned my respect.  At the rack is where I met Xavy.  Sharing the bench is where I made new friends.  On the Elliptical is where I was inspired watching Alicia, transform from an average Jane to a first place physique competitor.   Finally running on the treadmills is where I inspired other people.  During bootcamp, I dripped sweat all over that parking lot.  On the board, I chalked up my goals for motivation.  On the walls, are scuff marks from my first crossfit.  In the gym I created my first callous. Which now protects my hands and reminds me of the hard work that I put in. Near the guest door is where I finished my 100 push-up challenge.  At the cubbies is where I met Brent and Donny, both of whom push the hell out of me when Xavy is not around to.  In the cardio area is where I train Jen and Gina so that they can successfully embark on this same journey.  At the door is where I wave to all of my friends.  The friends that expect me there the next day, because they understand.

"Get a life outside of the gym", they say.