I am whatever I say I am..

I was looking for an image to go along with some recent thoughts I had about making a major life change, changing your mindset, and being open to new things, and I came across this.

It got me thinking of how often we do fall into some bucket or category that we, or that someone else, puts us in?

I think back to when I started training for a half-marathon about two years ago; people started to label me as a “runner,”.. which I didn’t like to associate myself with because I didn’t have anything emotionally invested in the sport, other than wanting to challenge myself. But the things I do believe in, the things I am passionate about. sometimes are not always perfect.

We all have an image in how people perceive us, and it is almost as if we are expected to live up to this image and as soon as you change your mind about your goals or your vision, or as soon as someone can call you out for straying from who you are “supposed” to be, then negativity ensues.  After I wrote a public response to a negative blog comment, I was thinking about my image, and about what I portray to others. How do I want others to see me? How do I want to be known?

And what it comes down to is this: I want people to know that I am a real person. A real person who can be indecisive, a person who can be flawed, and a person who can change her mind. A person who can support and uplift and encourage, while being perfectly imperfect in her own life. As I wrote before, I am not sorry for being who I am. Ever.

So, I am not a runner..

..though I have finished a half-marathon and multiple 10ks and smaller races.

I am a Crossfitter..

…though many times I would just rather do the weightlifting than the metcons.

I do about 4 WODs a week..

..yet even after two years, am often one of the last to finish, or slowest on the run.

I follow Outlaw Way..

..though sometimes like to do a class workout because I miss the people and coaching.

I am a positive body-image advocate no matter where you are at in your journey..

…yet I wish I had less body fat.

I am a blogger..

…yet many days I have nothing to say so don’t share anything.

I write about things I feel passionate about..

..though sometimes I have done posts because I was offered compensation to do it, and that is how I support hosting my blog and paying some bills.

I preach about patience and learning movements properly to avoid injury..

..yet I won’t deny trying to max a lift without perfect form, or workout when I probably should not be.

I am a people-person..

..though the introvert in me often wants to tell everyone to go away and not talk to me for a few days.

I work my butt off in the gym 5 days a week..

…yet I am far from elite and my progress may not reflect the work I put in.

I am a believer in clean eating..

…though my freezer has a good supply of Reese’s Eggs that I indulge in one almost every night.

I’ve been complimented on my booty..

..so may wear things to encourage more comments.

I like to tell women to focus on what they can do rather than what they look like..

…but I also like to look good naked.

I will claim that it is important to eat your veggies, and sometimes post pics of mine as proof that I do..

..when I remember to eat them. Or I supplement them with Greens in a glass.

I share a lot of my life online, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter..

..but you are only seeing such a small piece of what really is going on.

I may not share everything I do online..

..but what I do share is real.

We all have things that we associate ourselves with and often this is in line with how others see us; but not everyone will always see the full picture. We can only do the best that we can do within our own lives and hope that others see us the way we want to be seen. And for those who do pass judgment or who are unable to see past a label that either they, or you, imposed, then the best thing is to ignore the haters, the naysayers, and just move on, surrounding yourself with positive people who accept you as you are.

Be unapologetic, and stand for who you are, perfectly imperfect.