Remember when you were asked what you wanted to do and be when you grew up? Do you remember your response? I imagine it was something along the lines of being a princess, doctor, or NBA basketball player. Where are you now? I’ll admit I’m not at all where I thought I would be because if I had listened to everyone in my ear, I’d still be in my hometown wondering what it’s like outside of West Virginia!
I was not supposed to “leave“ or “abandon” family as some have called it. Becoming a personal trainer/ fitness enthusiast was not on the dream list growing up. Heck, taking pole classes, modeling boudoir, moving out of country, and marrying a white man was not at all on the to-do list but I did it all!!! I’m so so glad that I chose the path of happiness and uncertainty over mediocre pleasure and comfort!
Not to say that the other path was a bad choice, but I was willing to take that route to keep from being judged and ridiculed for doing something unusual and “reckless”.
I’ve been labeled so many different things since becoming a full-fledged young adult. One minute I’m an inspiration, the next I’m an intimidating unapproachable woman. Lol! I’d agree by saying that I am pretty versatile in my life, and I strive to keep things challenging and entertaining. I’ve learned with my new lifestyle that there will always be someone trying to steal your joy. I’m hear to stay, forget them and Move Forward!!
Everybody feels the need to comment on one or more aspects of your life when you choose a path unfamiliar to them. “You look great, but enjoy it while your young.” Literally, I‘m rolling my eyes in annoyance at the ignorance of this statement. It’s true the body changes and evolves as you age, but YOU have the power to keep your body limber and in shape by exercising regularly and eating even somewhat of a healthy lifestyle!
That‘s too simple, you say?
Well, if you would re-evaluate what you’re prioritizing over your health, you might find that it’s actually pretty easy to live a healthy lifestyle. I’m not just referring to what you’re putting into your body, but I’m also referring to what and who you allow in your life.
“Is she referring to family?“
Yes, family fits this description all too well.
“But blood is thicker than water.”
Yes, you are right. However, when it’s used as a defense mechanism to continuously hurt, belittle, and outright disrespect a family member that statement is about as meaningful as the person saying it.
Another example of this might include the workplace, church, or a clique. If the environment you are in makes you unhappy, goes against your morals, and has you in a spiral of never ending negative energy and emotions GET OUT!! I know it’s not always super apparent that the situation has more cons than pros, but listen to your gut and don’t be naive!
Anytime I start out a sentence with “I don’t know what to do?” I think about it later, and I realize that I was lying to the person as well as myself because it’s clear that whatever I’m facing is causing more harm than good, or vice versa. Ultimately once again the decision is mine, and I’ll forever choose self-worth and peace.
Don’t get me wrong, I have learned A LOT from a few experienced, intellectual, mature adults in my life. But I can also say that age is simply a number and not a depiction of your maturity level or life experience!
Being healthy is not a fad, it is a lifestyle! It’s not achieved over night, but it is learned and expanded upon over the course of a lifetime! No matter what age, occupation, religion, political affiliation, and so on, know that your happiness and health can and should be prioritized over anything that goes against that. Your path might not look like mine, but if you’re happy, that’s all that really MATTERS!!
Stay tuned for more Real Rough Life topics! Let me know what you think!
Aleisha Kay
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