Baltimore Gym Member Shares Thoughts on Gratitude
Earlier this month there was a Brick Bodies blog with the title “Grounded in Gratitude.” This well-researched blog cited various publications and practices that conclusively show that a positive attitude and regular exercise are powerful and beneficial attributes; but, way too often, we choose to go down a path that is best left untrodden. Too often we become bullies, and the person that we pick on is most often ourselves. “What a fool, I am.” “Why did I let that happen?” “Why did I eat that third helping?” and on and on it goes. Hey, lighten up. These are choices that we make, and probably the worst thing we can do is to always second-guess ourselves. In hindsight, almost everything could be done better or easier but, whatever it is, it is done; let it go and get on with the rest of your life. Allow yourself the great pleasure of not having to be perfect. You will find that this simple thing can liberate your very soul. Besides, there are plenty of others who are quite anxious to tell you how you could have or should have done something better; so you don’t need to kick yourself, too.The many benefits of exercise to mental happiness is something that I am quite sure we all are aware of. After all, if you are reading this then I assume you most likely are a Brick Bodies member (or are at least considering joining the club), so I will leave the explanation of physical conditioning, and cardio workouts to others more qualified than I. However, one of the benefits of becoming old is that you can more clearly see younger folks making the same or similar mistakes that you made. Having developed a “honey badger” attitude, I shall dispense some of these observations even though they will tend to be ignored by those who might benefit most. I know because 35 years ago I was you.