Hey there. We live in a culture that loves the idea of a fresh start. In life, there is a time and place for drawing that line and saying, “I’m going in a new direction.” But in fitness, the way “fresh starts” are often presented can actually work against us.
In the fitness space, we’re told that if we aren’t “successful” by a certain standard, we need to declare a restart. We’re encouraged to leave our previous attempts behind and focus only on the next one, as if the past doesn’t matter. The problem with that is we miss the opportunity to learn from the experiences we’ve already had. And if we don’t learn from them, we’re more likely to repeat the same patterns over and over.
I don’t want you to discount your experience. You’ve lived a full life with plenty of ups and downs, and you’ve survived all of it. The fact that you’re still showing up, still listening, and still willing to work on yourself says so much about your resilience. That’s something worth acknowledging and celebrating.
There’s another piece of this that’s often overlooked. Many of us avoid looking in the mirror because we only focus on what we wish was different. But the truth is, the things we often see as “flaws” are usually the very things that make us unique. That uniqueness is something we should embrace.
I understand that’s easier said than done. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy, which impacts most of my body. It causes challenges every single day. But I’m still deeply appreciative of my body, of what it can do, and of the way my experience shapes the way I talk about body image and self-acceptance from an inside/out perspective.
Over the years, I’ve seen how life runs in cycles. We might feel like we have everything figured out, and then life throws us a curveball. Without a solid foundation, that curveball can send us back to square one. But when you’ve built a foundation based on your experience, you can return to center more quickly. You know who you are, you know what works for you, and you’re not starting from scratch.
So instead of constantly chasing “fresh starts,” start appreciating the foundation you’ve already built. Take ownership of what’s within your control, and don’t internalize the things that aren’t. You already have more tools, lessons, and strength than you probably give yourself credit for.
If you’re ready to use your experience to build a lasting, sustainable approach to your health and fitness, join one of the YLF programs. Together, we’ll take what you’ve learned so far and use it to create the next chapter of your journey.