I had planned to keep this next post completely relevant to the topic at hand, considering that fact that most people proceed into the scrolling abyss of Facebook when what they happen to read doesn’t make them cry with laughter or scream with outrage in the first paragraph. Nevertheless, and acknowledging the atrocities that unfolded earlier this week, it is inevitable for one to look at their current reality retrospectively, swiftly realising the sheer abundance of what they have, knowing what others have lost. Despite all the monstrosities, hate and scandal that has erupted on many of the social platforms, I have never been so grateful to experience such an overwhelming sensation of pride and unity with the people of this town. Forget how well-worded and eloquent raw emotion can be transcribed, the flux of inspiring words and heartfelt posts that have graced my newsfeed has left me in tremendous awe. Without further acknowledging those that continue to disease the lungs of a peaceful world with ignorance, It is certainly refreshing to see how once modest opinions and expressions have relented despite criticism.

It is this criticism that will bear to be the crux of ‘Transformations and Expectations’

First of all, we must quantify the purpose of the physical transformation.

In relation to my field of ‘expertise’ physical results are EVERYTHING. They suggest that one, or a multitude of things in the body have improved, so much so, that they can be seen. Without tangible reason to believe what we are doing is 1. Effective and 2. Worthwhile, what could warrant the enormity of effort that goes into making goals a reality? I would have loved to own a collection of old photos indicative of habitually letting loose and looking my worst purely to illustrate a contrast, but unfortunately I have always insisted on chasing my best. Equally, I would love to have an expensive camera, a film crew behind me condensing the superlatives of my body down to a single perfect image for IG, but unfortunately this is far from the case. While I cannot say that I am not partial to a party, I don’t think I could justify convincing one of my clients that they can fast-track a route closer to ‘success’ whilst insisting on a life without discipline, impending denial. Everyone operates at different speeds, the tracks of some longer than others, some finding themselves delayed on the way to their destination and others failing to ever leave the station. To base your own wealth of successes on that of others would be like *insert the Einstein quote about a fish judging its ability to climb a tree* Therefore don’t be thrown off by illusive examples of those that can afford to get ‘out of shape’ and intermittently lose it just to prove a point and get paid to do so.

In terms of how the latter ‘Expectations’ can take precedence in ones reality of fierce judgement and criticism, it is essential that these do not exist unless you make it so. If you happen to be a girl and post a seemingly ‘shameless’ progress picture in a bikini made from fishing wire, expect and anticipate that you will more than likely be judged and criticised than praised. Equally, if you choose to act, dress or  convey yourself in a manner that is not conducive to societal expectations of ‘black, 16, y’o, male’ or ‘white, 50 y’o, female’, expect an onslaught of criticism and embrace the fact that you do not need to conform to be contented.

I will now conclude with what may later come to be regarded as the somewhat mental ‘metamorphosis’

It’s all well and good having a great body, plenty of money in the bank, a nice car and the tools to carve out a stable life, but the novelty of all physical entities will eventually ensue just as briefly as the road to them, long. I’m confident on the fact that I no longer sit on the fence with regards to the great juxtaposition of mental and physical wealth, albeit I refuse to protest myself as an example of how to attain the happy medium. I believe that securing such a presence in a better reality is one with a firm acknowledgement of change and accepting it without contest. If a hectic work schedule consumes enough of your time to make exercise seem like a distant fantasy, insist on making it a priority when the opportunity presents itself instead of adding it to another weeks of ‘maybe next weeks’

–This is not just related to exercise– The mental capacity required to see something through without seeing tangible results, having to justify hours that could be spent earning more money or maintaining relationships with people, is one that cannot be quantified or matched by physical entities. Do so with the intention to progress on both ends of the spectrum rather than treading water in the ironic depths of shallowness.

Jake

👊