Through time trends come and then they go only to reappear again some time later.

Fitness is in style. Period. We live in a culture that has moved to the extreme in everything. Not only is fitness hip, but there are so many ways to express it.

When I was young I was always attracted to an athletic frame. Not just in men—women also. I had a deep regard for muscle tone and that “healthy” look. I found it appealing. Probably one of the reasons I became a sponge for all things health and fitness when I was very young. No one else in my family like that. I created my own culture and lifestyle with that.

Back then bodybuilding was bodybuilding and that was all. Now it’s got all kinds of divisions, classes and each require a different standard for physique and muscle mass. Choices to the extreme. I’ve been shopping for a new figure suit and the choices are beyond too many. Not only style and cut and fabric, But fasteners and gems and where or how do you want them?

If your not into muscle you’ve got so many other choices. We’ve got extreme sport called “CrossFit”, or you can yoga and pilates your day away. You may not swing an axe, but find a kettlebell is where it’s at. How about just going for a walk? You can stroll or power walk? Run, jog or sprint, you’ll get leaner than lean with all of it!

I always tell people I am consulting with to find something they enjoy doing. If you enjoy it—you’re more likely to stick with it.

Fitness hasn’t always been in style. Strong is the new skinny, but back in the 20’s skinnier than skinny was the rage with celebrities like “Twiggy” representing the rage. Back in the day being as fair as can be was representation of some sort of privilege or royalty. It symbolizes that you weren’t “working class” so you had no need to go in the sun because your servants or workers did all that for you. But now you can be tan all year round with lotions and bronzers, spray tans and beds.

So what’s the point of my pen this a.m.?

When you work hard at something it will show. If you work hard outdoors it will show. You will be tan and you will have the lines to prove it. When you work hard on your body you will have the lines on your frame to prove it.

When you work hard on your relationship with God it will show, your spirit will shine like the sun and penetrate those around you—a different sort of tan I guess.

When you work hard on your health and fitness, minding your nutrition, your medical file may slim as well as your waistline. Your muscles will firm and the jiggles disappears giving rise to your Joy and self confidence. When you focus on your friendship with Heaven your spirit will strengthen and grow just like your muscles. You will increase in endurance and stamina. You will withstand more...believe more...become more. You will be more.

So no matter how your bod is shaping up or your tan for that matter. Know that today could be the first day of many that causes your spiritual momentum to rise. You’ve got muscles of heart and sunshine inside. Go out today and tan the world around you for the good.

Shine bright—

You are heavens delight.

Never be ashamed of your muscle it shows you’ve got hustle!

~Nicole🌹