Here at Greatist, we believe in taking a day off. Instead of our regular programming Saturdays, our writers get a chance to write about living the greatist lifestyle and, basically, whatever they want. This is one of those awesome articles. Enjoy!
Yesterday at the gym there was someone new. I work out at the same time and see the same people every day, so it’s easy to spot a new person. This girl definitely stood out, because she was ripped. Her muscle definition was awesome. Boy, I wish I looked like that.
We all do it: check out the girl (or guy) next to us on treadmill, at the park, in line at the grocery and compare our bodies to theirs (I wish I had those biceps. Or why doesn’t my butt look like that?). We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t compare and even obsess a little.
As I watched this new girl to see what exercises she was doing, I started to notice that her body type was completely different from mine. Even though she had the physique that I wished I had, I realized my body could never look like that- ever. Not because of lack of trying, but because of genetics. I started to appreciate my own physique as well as hers.
Learning what we can change about ourselves is important for personal growth, but recognizing what we can’t change about our selves is equally important to reach our greatist potential. So if you come from a long line of basketball players, deciding to be a jockey is probably not the best career move.
Will I continue to compare myself to other girls? Most definitely, but I know that I will never be a Monica Brant, so I will appreciate my own body and tap into my inner Kelly Ripa.
