What exactly does that mean? Pick up a pair of dumbbells and work only on strengthening your muscles? And why do I deserve to do this? Isn’t it my choice to lift or not? Let me break it down simply, it doesn’t just mean lifting weights. Don’t get me wrong, I am a lover of weightlifting. I actually love to get strong and see my hard work because it pays off. I feel that out of all my journeys into the fitness world, this has become the one thing I can do and I feel I do it well.

But LIFT means so much more than that. Let’s begin with the “L” - LOVE YOURSELF. Yes, the first letter of lifting is to find within yourself your love for yourself. This is not in any way vain or being self-centered. This is truly finding oneself and being grateful for that body that we were given. This is loving yourself so much that you want to take care of it, and well, don’t you deserve that? Eliminate any shame around this phrase and change the mind. Which will change the behaviors of “I am too busy, too tired, not interested” in caring for myself or loving myself.

The “I” in LIFT refers to inspiring others or your closest associates. Through inner confidence we can be an example to our circle of friends and family. Sometimes unbeknownst to us, we are being watched and of course, judged. You will be surprised by your influence to those around you. When you are passionate about something, the need to share your dreams comes naturally. As you share and live according to your aspirations, those friends become our cheerleaders and advocates for your chosen goals and dreams.

Feeling fit in your body or the “F” in LIFT. That can mean so many different things to any person. What does that mean to you? Is it a change in the way you eat? Could it mean, I have this important thing coming up so I want to ‘look’ a certain way? Is it a goal to be able to accomplish a yoga pose, or maybe run a half-marathon? This term ‘feeling fit in your body’ means something different to everyone. For me personally, the goal to do pull ups on my own has been my goal for so very long. I have just been able (after many long years) to do 10 pull ups on my own. Wow! After long years of working on this, I am finally able to do it. What’s your “F?”

Today I learned….is the “T” in LIFT. What have you learned today? This literally can be in any aspect of your life. Today I learned that through lifting weights, I have to eat more food or more protein to build lean muscle mass. Which gives the body a beautiful shape. But this phrase can pertain to anything in your life. We should be in a constant state of learning and growing. Everyday, one small mindset change is just enough to catapult our understanding of something new.

Lifting means so much more than just lifting. Love yourself, inspire others. feeling fit in your body and today I learned, embodies this term and how we view ourselves and those around us.