I keep replaying this moment in my head:

Yesterday, I was taking a class at the gym. It was the final set of brutal and new-to-me workout moves. I was struggling, sweating, heart racing. You get the picture. And the trainer yelled - "It's okay if it's hard! It's supposed to be!"

First, some back story: I started going to this gym at the beginning of the year (mostly because my friend Emily convinced me), and I AM NOT A GYM GIRL. My biggest fear as a child was gym class. I've never dared to venture into the weight area of a gym. I feel safe on a treadmill, and that's about it.

And this new gym is more tough-serious-athlete than fun-girl-power. It's intimidating. Everything is black and white. There's a lot of sweat. Everyone seems to have a tripod and abs—the whole thing. I often joke that it feels like people are training for the Olympics or something in there – the intensity is real. And it's way outside my comfort zone.

But something about it being the opposite of where I would typically find myself - or showing up to these intense classes with the ex-military musclemen trainers is healing a part of my 10-year-old self who couldn't bear the thought of an athletic challenge.

And yesterday, when the trainer screamed that it was okay if it was hard, I did feel some relief. There's nothing wrong with me if it's hard. I'm not failing if something is hard. It's supposed to be.

This can obviously be applied to much more than a ridiculous set of burpees. If something feels hard - there's nothing wrong with you. We're all making life look too easy.

Just because it's hard doesn't mean you should quit. Difficulty doesn't mean you're in the wrong spot. Keep going!

You're doing a good job. Have a great weekend!

Xo,

Caroline