I never thought I would be “that girl.” The one addicted to going to the gym. But I have indeed become, that girl. And I love her!

After a six month flare-up with plantar fasciitis, then an unexpected eye surgery which set me back another month, then a vacation where I returned home ill for two weeks, I had basically been sedentary for nine months. Which resulted in a very unhealthy physical and mental state.

So at the beginning of May, I decided to change that. I walked into a fitness class at our gym and loudly stated, “this is my first class. I am out of shape and I am intimidated.” And the instructor smiled at me and said, “WELCOME, we’re so glad you are here. Don’t compare yourself to the person on either side of you. Just focus on yourself and do the very best that you can.”

And so that is exactly what I did. And guess what, I survived. And the members of class, as well as the instructor, high-fived me when class was over and said I did great.

And I felt great. And proud of myself. You know why? Because I SHOWED UP. I showed up, even though I was intimidated. And I have continued to show up. Even on the days where I didn’t sleep well the night before. Even when I didn’t feel well. Even when I had a thousand things on my mind, or chores, or laundry waiting for me at home. I simply continue to show up.

I show up. I show up for myself. And I show up for the encouragement from the amazing women in my class. And I ALWAYS feel better after going.

And the weight loss has been a great result of showing up. But it is honestly more about what I have GAINED…and that is Confidence. Confidence to get out of my comfort zone and do hard things.

And an unexpected result has been that my shy self has developed the most beautiful “gym friendships.” A tribe of women, from all different backgrounds, all ages, all fitness levels. Encouraging each other. Motivating each other. Each on a different part of their fitness journey, each with their own story, their own cross to bear, their own hardships, their own battles. But for that forty-five minutes, they are showing up for themselves. And it’s BEAUTIFUL.

And now I am the one welcoming the newcomer. High-fiving her when class is over. Telling her how great she did. Encouraging her to keep coming back. Because it meant so much to me, when that group of strangers welcomed me just as I was- a hot mess to be honest.

Now you can find me there, six days a week. Prioritizing myself for forty-five minutes, no matter what else is going on in my life. Because goodness gracious, after fifty years, I have finally realized that I deserve that time. (Mom guilt is no joke) I have finally realized that I am not taking away from being a good mom or a good wife by taking time for myself. In fact, it is making me a better mom and a better wife.

So this is your sign, your gentle push, to take that first step. To conquer the intimidation, for whatever the scenario is in your life. For me, I was intimidated by the gym. But whatever the intimidation is for you personally, take a deep breath and just go for it. Push through. Because really, the fear is just all in our head, scenarios we have conjured up. Excuses. For some reason, I was afraid these beautiful, fit women would judge me because I was so out of shape. When in fact it turned out to be exactly the opposite, they honestly were proud of me for starting. Because everyone has to start somewhere.

So show up. Show up scared. Show up out of shape. Show up a hot mess. Show up frazzled. Show up on the brink of tears. Show up exhausted. Show up stressed. Show up overwhelmed.

JUST. SHOW. UP.

Show up for yourself.

Live with less intimidation.

You’ll be so glad you did.

And if you need someone in your corner, I’m your girl.