Remember when you were a kid? Remember playing with your friends, choosing someone else to be? Cowboy, astronaut, doctor, pro athlete...someone who had attributes you admired? I always liked superheroes. People who had above-average abilities. Strong minds. Strong bodies.
As I grew up, and began exercising with the intent of adding muscle, this is what I had in mind. I always was just 'an average kid.' But with a barbell, a dumbbell, with these tools, could I lift more than the average person? Run faster? Jump higher?
After a while, I knew I could. I could be better than average.
And it was like having a secret identity. (Which was awesome)
With that secret came something else that I hadn't had or felt previously: self confidence. If you've already read 'Thank you, Seth Carr,' you already know what I mean. (If not, that post is below)
Training to be strong is about so much more than big muscles and sports. It is difficult, and it is supposed to be. More important, though, is that it is a difficulty that is taken on with intention - you have to make a decision to put yourself through it, and you choose it because there is inherent value. Maybe even more important in this era of Google and 24/7/365 media coverage of the planet, the results require process and patience.
Process and patience.
Good rules for life.
No matter what it is you encounter in your life - loss, sadness, anger - process and patience will bear out. Training to be strong is a microcosm of life's challenges. We choose a direction, understanding that the path is going to be demanding. Understanding that, in order to improve, we must choose to show up. To do the work. There is, of course, a well-established relationship between exercise and emotional health, particularly in the reduction of anxiety. (and who doesn't need that?!)
Combining the reduction of stress and the improved sense of confidence from pushing the physical capabilities creates the foundation of a stronger persona. Call it a secret identity, an invisible suit of armor, or something else; to me, physical strength is the cup from which all other strengths flow.
