Why not try? 🤔

There’s something about this song about a (new) relationship that reminds me of the relationship we build with strength training…and maybe even with ourselves.

At first, it’s exciting. Everything feels fresh and new; showing up is easy with nothing but blue skies ahead.

Then come the harder seasons.

The days you’re tired. The weeks you’re traveling. The workouts that just don’t sound appealing. Maybe even fear of failure. Before long, those sneaky stories lies creep in; your brain starts telling you:

• 🤫“Skip today. One day won’t matter.”
• 🤫“You’re so tired you won’t have a good session anyway.”
• 🤫“Rest would probably be better.”

Sometimes those stories are true.

But sometimes…they’re just thoughts.

This week, between travel, summer heat in Japan, delayed trains, poor sleep, and the start of my cycle, I had plenty of opportunities to believe those thoughts and feelings.

Instead, I made one simple, grace-filled agreement with myself:

Just start. 🤷‍♀️

No pressure to finish; no pressure to hit PRs.

I even gave myself full permission to stop if movement truly didn’t feel supportive after I gave it a try.

More often than not, though, once I began, my body had a very different story to tell than my mind.

And now I’m happy to report:

• ✅ Three more workouts in the books.
• ✅ Several unexpected progressions.
• ✅ Zero regret for showing up.

I think that’s one of the biggest lessons strength training teaches us: we are stronger than we think we are…and we don’t have to believe every thought or follow every feeling.

I’m not saying our bodies are liars…but I am suggesting that oftentimes, movement dictates mood.

Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is gather a little more evidence before deciding what you’re capable of.

So if you’re in one of those moments when you are just not in the mood, this is your gentle encouragement:

Just try.

You can always stop.

But you might also surprise yourself. 💛💪