Beauty is pushing your body beyond the limits you set for yourself in your mind. It is when you have to buy larger shirts instead of smaller shirts because you now have shoulders that are strong enough for people to lean on. It is not body-shaming yourself for having thunder thighs, because really, they can deadlift mad weight. It’s having not the motivation, but the dedication to commit to something even when you’re scared, even when you don’t want to put the effort in, and doing it anyway. It is having the strength to pick yourself up when you fall down. It is lifting heavy items and not having to ask for help. It’s a smiling face, a new friendship or a shared laugh. It is a family you didn’t expect to find but found in the alleys of North Bay, right when you needed it the most. Beauty is being the best version of yourself you can be and continually pushing yourself to be better.
I have changed in so many positive ways this year because of CrossFit 705 and the many inspirational people that walk through that door every day and straight into my heart. Finding a family thousands of kilometers from home and also, finding myself again, because of Todd Gleason and Jerry Grabiec and the other coaches, is a precious gift I do not take for granted.
Through tears, lots of sweat, several hand rips and countless bruises, I have found pride, happiness, strength and finally, I believe in myself. You can accomplish anything if you’re willing to put in the time and more importantly, the effort. Thank you CrossFit – thank you 705! Couldn’t be more proud of this past year, here’s to new PRs in the next 365!
