I was listening to a podcast the other day, and heard something that really struck me. The host was chatting with a very accomplished strength and conditioning coach about his coaching business, gym ownership, his professional writing, and other ventures. Here I was, meal prepping in my kitchen, hanging on the edge waiting for this guest to give me all of the insider info as to how to grow a blog or become more confident with writing… and here it comes: “I get this question all of the time. Someone says I really admire what you’re doing, how do I start?”

“Just go fucking write. Write to yourself. Write a movie review… who cares? Just do it”.

Wow.

The simplicity of his words deeply resonated with me. Let me tell you why:

Its no secret: As a touch-and-go blogger, I have a very small following. In fact, most readers are likely in my social circle in one realm or another (HEY YA’LL); so, it will come as no surprise when I mention that, over recent years, I have experienced a pretty drastic lifestyle transformation (WHAAAA?). Yep, cat’s outta the bag on that one. After experiencing some success In the ever-frustrating weight loss arena, I began getting questions from friends, family, strangers…

“how did you do it?” “do you have any tips?” “what can I do?”

*First, I feel the need to express that I am NEVER bothered when asked for advice, help, or guidance when it comes to health. It takes a lot of courage to ask a friend, acquaintance, or a stranger for help. It gives me such joy to hear that someone is empowered enough to know that they need to change and are looking for some answers.*

Here is the problem: I’ve often felt paralyzed trying to find a good answer to these questions. Why? Because my instinct screams… “just fucking do it.”

Now, I’m not saying this in a critical manner; I understand that weight loss and nutrition can feel overwhelming and complicated. when I say “just do it” what I really mean is “just try“.

When I lost the bulk of my weight, I was SO focused on the end result, I had neglected to relish in the journey. Yes, I celebrated the small victories (often in silence), but I would only take photos or document the larger milestones: 50 pounds lost, ONEderland , 100 pounds lost… and suddenly, five years later, I’m disappointed to see hardly any photos of the real champion: the girl who fought every damn day for what she wanted most. If you look at my photos there is a “beginning” and, mostly, a “now”. Hardly any photos exist of the best part; The journey that challenged, tested, and forged me into the woman I am now. I cheated myself out of that because the goal meant more to me than the work it took to get there.

So, what about writing? I have chronicled some interesting things since taking up on this health journey but, just like my photo album, there are large gaps. Perhaps I felt that I needed to have “accomplished” something major in order to reflect or write on it. I continuously was looking for the next important thing to share, or to get better before I shared the next post. How do you get better if you’re not practicing? Suddenly, a month went by, three months, six… You get the picture.

So, here’s to practicing and NOT waiting for the perfect moment, or MONDAY, or JANUARY 1st… if you really want to make the change for yourself: with fitness, nutrition, becoming more productive, or writing your damn blog, you NEED to start  s o m e w h e r e.  

“If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late”-Founder of LinkedIn

See you sooner than last time<3