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Feeling Guilty...

So I was at the gym today doing my time at the treadmill when I look up to one of the feature stories on Good Morning America. It's about Maria Kang and her “offensive” posting of a picture of her and her three boys. Can you believe that? A mother of three post a picture of herself in excellent form to motivate and inspire, yet people find reason to be insulted? How can that be? The pic was family-friendly, certainly nothing pornographic or “artistic” about it. No suggestive poses, or excessive cleavage. So, why the big hullabaloo!?!?

Then it hit me. It's the mirror. Know what I'm talking about?

It's the times when you look in the mirror and you really don't like what you see… It's those times when you notice the extra inches of flab or the little jiggle-in-the-middle that you just can't seem to get rid of. Then someone posts a seemingly perfect pic of themselves and we compare… What’s worse, we feel judged and our “defensive mode” kicks in quickly followed by self-justification.

To justify our late-night snacking or frequent visits to happy hour we tell ourselves; “Well, I work hard! I deserve this time, this treat, this... [insert vice here]!” We justify not going to the gym by saying; “I work hard, I have SO many things to do, I'm BUSY, I don't have time to go to the gym!”

Then, someone like Maria Kang shows up... Someone who has a full schedule, a competitive career, a husband, and three very energetic kids. And, the most offensive thing? She reminds us that it CAN be done! We CAN control our weight, our bodies, our health, and our lives. We CAN voluntarily limit our access to excessive calories and lack of sleep. She reminds us that, while working and earning a living is important, it's not an excuse to ignore your health.

In all honesty, I am 100% sure that Maria never posted that photo to snub to anyone. Not once did she stick her tongue out at us and say, “You're so fat!” Nope. Not once. Instead, it was the inner-voice that lives inside each of us that mouthed those words. The unfortunate and bitter truth is that this inner voice is often times correct. We just find it easier to blame her for our insecurities – our guilty feelings.

Clearly there is a whole lot more going on here than a controversial picture. Living life is complicated, and each of us must find the right balance for ourselves. So the challenge that I have set for myself, and hope you will pursue as well, is that we don't look at the Maria Kangs of the world and compare ourselves to them.

Instead, I challenge myself to be the best that I can be. Does that mean making more choices that lead me in the direction of better health and a leaner, stronger body? Absolutely!

The fewer self-destructive actions I take (like overindulging in food or alcohol), means the further I get from that flabby guy in the mirror, and the closer I get to actually living a life filled with energy, activity, and happiness. I choose to stop feeling guilty about all the choices I have made in the past that took me away from that goal and I pledge myself to move forward to the greater good. I hope you do the same.

As always - Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal
713-562-2474


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!
 
The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program.
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