The man in the mirror.

Who is the man in the mirror? And what does he do to you?

I want to apply those questions to a topic I have yet to drop lines regarding, fitness. At this current point in time, it is a passion, not something I am certified or licensed to hand out information to guide you down the road of accomplishing. But I really have something I want to share with you in this area, and it is fear.

If you have never had to overcome this fear, count yourself honored and blessed. Because this fear paralyzes someone who desperately wants to be a better version of themselves, but the fears stops them in their tracks. What is the source of the fear? The man in the mirror.

Let me paint the picture for you. Fit Fran has been coming to the gym for three years now, as she asks her body to perform, not only does it accomplish the task, but the muscles show up for the party with ease and beauty. Fran deserves to be here in the gym. She has worked hard and fits in with everyone around her. She may have some difficulty in accomplishing a lift or two, but overall she is the picture of fit. Meanwhile, Susie is just now thinking about going to the gym. She has been a few times to check it out, but never actually put on the gym attire and walked through the door with purpose. This is where the fear begins. As Susie watches Fran, her mind begins to wonder in self-defeating thoughts. "Wonder what she thinks of me?" or "I am too fat to be in the gym." or "I do not belong here, everyone thinks I should not be here." As these thoughts begin to swim, the motivation to be a fitter version of self slips away. Fear and self-hate begin to take over. Susie may come once, and never come again. Or she may come only when NO ONE else is in the gym, so with no support or accountability, she stops coming all together.

If only there were thought bubbles above everyone else's head to reassure Susie how far from alone she truly is in her fears and lack of self-esteem. IF there were those bubbles floating above each and every persons' head, she would be assured how not one single person is thinking negatively about her being there. In fact, many will not even notice her at all. Why? Because they are all consumed with the "man in the mirror". Even Fit Fran is watching and working against the man (or woman) in the mirror. Her thoughts? "Why can't I rid myself of this lumpy part of my thigh? Maybe if I stop eating _____, I can slim my middle down finally." Or, "gosh, I could lift more last week."

The man in the mirror is one of our greatest enemies. Stopping us from realizing how far we have come or how great we truly can be. The man is mean and unrelenting. Constantly nagging, and trying to defeat. If only, we could respond to the man with the truth. YOU are beautiful. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made. YOU are more than the mirror tells you. YOU are strong. YOU are courageous. YOU can.

So if you find yourself paralyzed with fear, remember the man. Defeat your man. Tell him the truth, drown out the lies. Embrace where you are now, but know you can be more. Do not battle everyone's thoughts, instead battle your own. Winning against yourself will be your greatest victory. Learning to take your thoughts captive, and speak truth.

Put on your clothes and go.

Everyone started somewhere, and everyone battles the man in the mirror.

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The most interesting aspect of this concept is, it applies to every area of our lives. NOT just the gym self. The man we look at every day, trapped and defeated, can be so much more. Easily defeated in the gym? How defeated are you in life? When you are criticized what does it do to you? Instead of listening to the man in the mirror, listen to the whispers of God. YOU ARE MORE. He created you for more. He has plans for you.

Overcome the defeat and step into the plans God has for you. This is different for every person, yet the battle still remains between you and the man in the mirror.

#fitness #faith #goals #strength