Let Your Light Shine!

We all know life is about adaptation.  Constantly modifying ourselves to meet the changing demands of the world.  The thought has often crossed my mind that people, too many times make big issues out of trivial things.  Doing so takes the focus off of the things that matter, yet even though we know better, we do it anyway.  Was that night at the bar really more important than spending time with your family?  Of course not, but our emotions often win out in seeking fun over obligation, but why?  Is taking time everyday from your busy schedule to at least check-in with those important to you THAT difficult?  I can only speak for myself, but I try and do this as often as I can.  I'll send my friends good morning text messages from time to time saying things like "I just want to say Good Morning!  And to let you know that I appreciate you being in my life." or "Here's a smile, pass it on!"  I'll send my mom FaceBook messages just asking how her day is going.  I also make a point to have coffee meetups and such with friends to catch up on their lives and the projects they're working on.  Like the one I had just about an hour ago with my great friend, Andy.  I really don't get to see him that much due to his work and the fact that he's not a
trainer at my gym anymore. Although we all have to move on at some point, it's a downer to not see him there everyday. He was telling the things that he is pursuing in his professional life and I couldn't be more happy for him...his marketability as a Personal Trainer is starting to take off to a new level and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. It makes me happy to know that everybody I know is doing well in their current situations. Later this week, I'm planning on having a 'bro-date' with my little brother from another mother, Joe. Just this past Sunday evening, Joe, his sisters Ashley & Nikki, his cousins and I spent the evening at Kennywood Park.  His little cousins are so great!  At one point in the evening, his cousin Dylan said to me, "You need to go to the bank tomorrow!"  I asked him why and he said so that I could get more dollars out for my wallet.  I had given him a dollar earlier that day that was actually Joe's but I thought it was awesome that he said that to me:)  At the end of the night, we all watched the laser show from the bridge in the park.  As I stood there watching and listening to songs about America, pop culture and Cheeseburgers In Paradise, I thought, "This is what true friendship feels like."  And I think I was right.  Friendship isn't about where you go, what you do together or the bitching that goes on between friends.  It's so much deeper and symbiotic than that.  Friendship to me is knowing at the end of the day that you can count on that person at the times when you need them and they allow you into their lives 100%.  That's a true and genuine friendship.  It's almost like being in a relationship, so 'bro-date' would definitely be an appropriate term.

The world needs healing, motivation and positivity now more than ever.  Everyday as I gloss over my FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, they are bombarded with quotes, anecdotes and addages that are meant to keep people motivated, thinking less of themselves, etc.  Fitness, Health professionals as well as Therapists are in a unique position for being able to help allow people to see the light in the darkest places of themselves.  What we do is help motivate that person to aid them in letting their light shine, hopefully illuminating others' as well.  It should be no surprise that about 90% of a Personal Trainers' job is being a Psychologist.  Very little of the focus is on the actual fitness component, depending on your clients' 'needs'.  I can't tell you how many times I've talked to my trainers about non-exercise issues.  And most of the times, the advice given was solid.  It also made me feel comforted, even loved on some level.  Personal Trainers and other health pro's get it because odds are that they were in a similar situation as you at one point.  They just decided to get angry at their situation, get healthy and help others do the same.  Personal Trainers' titles are probably going to be changing in a few years to the more appropriate Exercise Therapists and rightfully so, because the therapist part is such an important part of the work that we perform from day to day.

At the end of the day, are you happy?  Why or why not?  If you can't answer the first question, then I would suggest looking at the very thing that made you feel that way and deal with it ASAP!  The less negative energy in your life, the better.  Maybe it means letting go of toxic people in your life or finding a way to supplement the anger such as running, writing, etc.  The possibilities just keep going on and on!  The one thing you shouldn't do is take it out on other people, especially those you care about!  What's the point of that?  You ACTUALLY create BIGGER problems because you get mad at your wife.  Because she'll return the anger onto you even more and pretty soon you're in divorce court or you've racked up some assault charges and jail time.  Orange jumpsuits and chains around your ankles....even Lady Gaga would frown upon that.  I'm reminded of a member of my extended family who is going through probably the most difficult thing that we as humans have to go through - death of a loved one.  I've said before that even know that we know that this comes for everyone, we still fear its wrath.  And usually when we decide to reconcile, it's too late.  When that day comes, you can no longer tell each other how you feel, outside of your own thoughts.  Most of us recognize when a person is ready to make the transition to wherever it is that we go.  Aside from the physical symptoms, there's usually some 'death speak' that occurs.  People who are dying and are at the very end of their journey, usually talk in very out of character ways.  "I'm waiting in line." or "I have to catch the bus or train" are common examples.  My awesome friend Haley said that her grandfather talked with Abe Lincoln.  Who knows?  Maybe he did just that!  Anyway, that's where this person in my family is now with his spouse.  At some point, he's going to have to face fact and let go.  Whether you're scared, angry....whatever, you're trying to hold onto a soul that needs to move on.  People need to be able to die in this life, it's just the way things are.  Eventually everything will fall into place for this person but I hope he is able to find some peace and comfort that he so needs right now.

This is why friends, as well as the family unit, is so important.  You shouldn't be afraid to open yourself up to people and tell them how you feel.  Every feeling is valid and you should have the opportunity to convey your emotions to people.  If those individuals care about you and your best interest, they'll understand.  At the end of the day, be a motivator, but also be a person who is not afraid of loving people so much so that it breaks down the tunnel walls and you can finally let your light shine!