I remember when I first started Crossfit – July 8, 2008. Yeah. I remember it that much. It was a workout I went in thinking I was going to do well with. A good starting point to see if this Crossfit was for me.

And then I didn’t do well. It took me 40:48 to complete. And in some sick, twisted way in the competitive nature of myself, I knew I could do better.

Always doing better. That was the goal. Going faster and harder. Beat my times. Beat others times. More reps. Faster reps.

I was 27 years old and found something to fill the competitive drive for me.

I’m not 27 anymore. A lot has changed. I’ve had 3 different jobs since. We added 3 kids to family mix. I totaled a car (maybe 2 ->one was NOT on me…one might have been). We moved twice. MS news hit. That is the Cliff’s notes version.

Here’s what has happened: my goals have changed. I actually get mad at myself sometimes. Why don’t I have the same competitive drive? Why am I not as fast as I was? Why don’t I seem to be able to lift as much weight? Because I have changed – physically, mentally, emotionally. And then I remember that there are pieces that didn’t have nearly as much value back then as they do now.

I love to exercise. That hasn’t changed. How I exercise, has. But what is important is that my health and wellness has to be a priority. That provides longevity. And longevity allows me to: be there for my 3 kids, be able to pick up boxes if we move again, give my family and the gym the best version of myself.

What’s your current perspective for showing up? Competition (awesome!)? Moving (great!)? Hanging out with friends (cool!)? That may shift (and maybe has). And that’s ok. Be present in why you are doing what you are doing today. Don’t worry about why others are doing it or why you think you should be doing it or….Do you. And own it.