Common Sense

from an article by Jen Hamilton at Lean Bodies Consulting

I have witnessed far too many women looking their very best around their competition time, only to find them in a semi-depressed, out of shape condition a few short months later. What happened? First, we are not merely defined by how we look on competition day or the routine we perform. Each and everyday of our lives we shape who we are. If you find your self worth in those few weeks each year, then I urge you to step out of that bubble. Life itself is meant to be enjoyed. So back to the post competition “blues” (as I have heard it termed). I find too often in the fitness industry women supporting other women with the notion that is is OK to rebound. No it is not.

Think of it for a moment. You had a dream once. You did everything you could possibly could to reach those goals. Judgement day came. Wether the outcome of what those judges thought was to your liking or not, you still reached YOUR goals. Does it make much sense to you to take that dream and crush it with nonsense after you get where you wanted? I dont think so. While maintaining that competition-day-look is not healthy, staying in shape is.

If someone told you “you can never have a piece of cake again”, how would you feel? I’m going to bet you would think about the cake a lot. You would start to notice cake everywhere. You would crave it. Do you feel a sense of power when you deny yourself? That is false power. A short time later you find yourself laden in guilt for over “indulging” in not just one piece of cake but several. Here’s the thing, cake will always be there. Food, in our nation, is plentiful for most. That piece of cake should not define you or have the power to make you feel weak or strong.

After my competition period each year, you will find me eating cake. Not everyday, but yes I will enjoy it without guilt. If something is causing you guilt and you do not have a sense of peace about how you feel about something, then its time to make a change. Balance is a necessity, not a luxury. If you keep spinning your wheels year after year, you will never truly be satisfied with who you are and the life you are living IN THE MOMENT. While keeping a vision on your dreams is important, your now-life should not have to be sacrificed as a result. What good is reaching your dreams if you didn’t enjoy the journey it took to get there? If you can’t, then maybe its the wrong dream you have conjured.

My point is you need to find that happy medium now. Not later. Trust in your body, trust in your inner voice - that common sense. You know you hear it, don’t let it be drowned out anymore.