"You're so out of shape." "You have so much potential; it's a pity you're just wasting it." ----things my father told me, growing up, coupled with forced workouts. 🔹🔹🔹 My relationship with fitness is a complicated one. Due to associating a lot of trauma with it, I have despised exercise for most of my life. ______ It wasn't until transition that I started exploring fitness options that I enjoyed vs. ones that I had grown up being forced to participate in. 🏋🏽🚶🏽💪🏽 This is a process; I still have a ton of self-confidence issues when it comes to working out. I actually am mostly unable to go to public gyms, due to anxiety. However, every time I work out, about halfway through what I'm doing, my mood improves. I feel more connected with my body, with the movements, with the rhythm, & with the fact that I am CHOOSING this. Slowly, it's helped me to develop a more positive perspective. I'm still working on things; I'm nowhere near as positive-minded in relation to fitness as I would like to be. However, many folks in this community have helped me. A LOT. ______ It's important to know that others are, more often than not, here to help you & support you....not compete with you, or beat you down. I'm glad for the friends I have made, and the improved mind-body connection I am developing. I hope, as I continue down this path, I am finally able to relax and have fun. 🐾💕👌🏽