WHY I STARTED THE CHALLENGE
To be honest, I started the #gymshark66 challenge because I followed several influencers whose lifestyles I admire. I look up to them; I love the way they live their lives and their commitment to fitness. This is exactly the lifestyle I want for myself. I was tired of constantly complaining about not being happy with my life, and I realized that I had never truly put in the effort to reach my goals. I think many people can relate to this; we often don’t push ourselves beyond our limits.
Now, I’m committed to going beyond those limits. I want to see what I can achieve if I really put everything into it—if I give my best 24/7, what will change? I’ve reached a point where I’m determined to pursue my dreams with all my heart. This is what I want, and I’m ready to fight for it. I feel like it’s the right time for a big change in my life, and nothing will stand in my way.
STRUGGLES WITH SELF-IMAGE AND PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges, particularly with my self-image and knee problems. I’ve always struggled with my weight, standing at 1.60m and weighing nearly 100 kg. Simple tasks like walking long distances left me breathless, and I couldn’t run for a train without feeling exhausted. My knee pain made it difficult to stand for long periods, especially working in a kindergarten where I need to be active and full of energy.
Turning 36 and approaching 37, I realized that I didn’t want to live like this anymore. I wanted to improve my health and overall quality of life. I felt heavy and uncomfortable in my body, and I longed for the energy to engage fully in my job and everyday activities.
THE BATTLE WITH SELF-PERCEPTION
My struggles with self-image have been ongoing. I often found myself comparing my appearance to others, particularly from a young age. I perceived other girls as prettier or more feminine, which led me to a constant battle of self-acceptance. It’s been a journey to learn to view myself as enough and to recognize my own beauty.
Receiving compliments from others is wonderful, but if I don’t see myself in the same light, it doesn’t uplift me. This internal conflict has required significant work on my part to align my self-perception with the positive feedback I receive from others.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Having a support system is crucial in any journey. While I genuinely support my friends and family in their endeavors, I often feel that the same level of support isn’t reciprocated. It can be disheartening when those closest to you don’t acknowledge your efforts until you achieve significant milestones.
During the first 31 days of the #gymshark66 challenge, I was grateful for the connections I made with others in the same boat. There were moments when I felt like giving up, wondering why I wasn’t receiving the support I expected from those I knew. However, I learned to focus on my path and not dwell on who was or wasn’t cheering for me. I put all my energy into my goals, and I’m thankful for those who genuinely support me. I believe that with hard work and faith, I’ll reach my destination.
MY DAILY ROUTINE
My daily routine has become quite structured. From Monday to Sunday, my days often look similar, with the exception of weekends when I don’t work in the kindergarten. I aim to wake up as early as possible, typically around 5 AM, to give myself time to mentally prepare for the day.
My mornings begin with gratitude; I thank God for another day, for my health, and for the opportunities ahead. I ask for strength and guidance to be the person He wants me to be. This spiritual practice helps me center myself before diving into the day.
After my morning routine, I work out from home for about two hours. I focus on making the most of this time, though some days I can only manage an hour and a half. Following my workout, I shower, get dressed, and prepare for my workday.
At work, I typically put in eight hours, from 10 AM to 6 PM. I try to maintain my connection with God throughout the day, and I keep my lunch healthy. My meals usually consist of a green smoothie for breakfast and plenty of water; I aim for at least 1.5 liters daily.
I’ve also learned to listen to my body. If I feel hungry between meals, I opt for healthy snacks like apples or bananas. Once I return home, I take a moment to reflect and thank God for keeping me safe throughout the day.
EVENING RITUALS AND REFLECTION
After work, I try to unwind by cooking a healthy meal. However, I’ve noticed that I often feel too tired to cook elaborate dinners, so I’ve started to simplify my meals. I also enjoy taking evening walks to cool down and reflect on my day, which has become an essential part of my routine.
GOALS FOR IMPROVEMENT
While food is still an area I need to grow in, I’m working on building a better relationship with it and enjoying good meals. My go-to breakfast consists of bread, sausages, eggs, and mango, accompanied by black tea. I’m not the best cook and don’t have a set meal prep routine, but I’m eager to learn and improve my cooking skills. I admire influencers who share their cooking techniques and hope to follow in their footsteps.
I want to ensure that fitness becomes a lifestyle for me, not just something I do for the #gymshark66 challenge. My goals extend beyond the challenge; I want personal growth in various areas. I plan to read more, improve my cooking skills, and deepen my relationship with God. Additionally, I enjoy working out at home and want to enhance my calisthenics practice, especially outdoors.
LESSONS LEARNED
In this journey, I’ve learned that if you give your all and maintain a clear vision, you can achieve anything. If your dreams are genuinely yours, you’ll find the energy to pursue them, even on tough days. This month has taught me that hard work leads to support from others and that I can overcome obstacles if I stay committed.
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in the first 31 days of the #gymshark66 challenge, and I look forward to continuing this journey. I invite everyone to follow me on Instagram and my website, where I share my experiences. I’m open to collaboration and learning from others, so feel free to reach out!
CONCLUSION
This journey is ongoing, and I’m committed to working on my self-image, health, and relationships. I’m learning to embrace who I am while striving for personal growth. I believe that every step I take brings me closer to the person I want to be, and I’ll continue to share my experiences along the way.
Thank you for being part of my journey, and I look forward to connecting with all of you as we navigate our paths together!
