Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. I often wonder why I question my abilities. Is it due to all the bullying I have experienced in my life (even recently)? Have I allowed all of the harassment to bring me to the point where I start believing the negativity? Do I suck it up, try my best to ignore it; or do I face it head on and push through the tears, embarrassment and struggle? This was once a difficult question for me to answer. Today, not so much. I have conditioned myself to use any negativity thrown my way, to self-reflect, evolve, use the energy from it and turn it into something good. How? Practice, practice, practice.

I came to this realization as I was taking my 464th squat. Yes, you read that correctly. I didn’t have a barbell this time. I used only my own body weight. You see, to me, fitness – just like writing and painting - is a form of meditation and stress management. I constantly challenge myself to test my boundaries, capabilities, and just to say that I can. Why do I share this with you? To prove to you that it can be done. Anyone can get through a challenge if they set their mind to it. If you ignore all negativity from others and even your own mind, great accomplishments can be met. 

Why did I choose squats this particular day? Easy. Squats help strengthen your core, help you develop strong glutes, help you burn a ton of calories, strengthen your hamstrings, increase and improve mobility, boost confidence, forge strong joints, support healthy posture, and they can be done practically anywhere. Go ahead try it. Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart. Roll your shoulders back and down, engage your tummy, but keep breathing, slowly send your glutes back as if you’re going to sit on a chair. When your knees get to 90 degrees (give or take, depending on your ability), slowly stand back up without hyperextending your knees. Repeat. That’s my challenge to you. Do as many as you can every day, adding one or two every week. Doing something so simple can help you feel good.  

Still, I wonder what it is that keeps me from believing in myself. As an introvert, one of my greatest challenges is allowing someone truly into my life. I don’t have an issue sharing the basics of life, as we are all simply human and often share some of the same struggles. However, when it comes down to it, I tend to retract when it concerns my deepest stresses, desires, secrets and dreams. I use the term ‘secrets’ very loosely, as I can’t seem to find the correct word to describe what I really mean.  I bet you’re still wondering what it is I have done, did and continue to do in order to find success within my own personal challenges. Well, I practice the one thing that most people find hardest to do in life. I simply trust myself. 

(Originally published in the November 26, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)