Since lifting weights I have learned a lot about myself. I tend to stay away from the weights larger than 20 lbs. - I think for the majority of women - we tend to go lighter while lifting. My form is really not the best because lets face it - there is so much to think about. Is my back straight and are my abs tight so that I don't stress my lower back? So, my goal when lifting is trying to "be present" while actually doing the moves. I don't want to have sloppy form - and then get injured. I also think that as women - we tend to think about the 1,000 other things we have to get done for the day - then the mind wanders.

I have noticed also that I am stronger in certain areas - I feel my back is strong but my legs are weak. I don't really enjoy lifting when it comes to my legs. It's hard - very hard. I know that I do need to work opposing muscle groups - so I don't get injured. I also try to work both sides of my body equally - I know that my right side is stronger than my left side. So, when I do any lifting on the left side - there is a lot of heavy breathing. It's hard!

As I have learned these things about myself, slowly very slowly I have increased the weights I lift. I can now pick up 30 lb dumbbells and do squats - and chest presses. But I stay lighter - maybe 15 - 20 lbs. when doing lunges - and I go slow. The minute I speed up - my form is bad. So much to think about!

Finally able to pick up the 30 lbs. and do squats with them.

I know it is like this with any sport or interest - keeping focused and determined to do and be the best that we can be. And then - afterwards - being happy with what we did - and having that sense of accomplishment.

Finding our weaknesses in our every day lives - is hard to embrace - its working hard every day to strengthen them. I think it can change your mindset - and it keeps you humble. Be present - stay in the moment - focus and be set on your goals.