I may not be able to help you get rich and famous, but I can help you get fit.

What’s being rich and famous without being healthy?

Today was my first run since the marathon 10 days ago. I ran 2 miles straight.

I tested my legs a few times over the past week, but they weren’t ready. I’m still not 100% recovered.

As hard as it was for me not to run, it also felt good to take a break, rest, and recover. I never thought these words would have ever come out of my mouth.

I have been doing strength work, walking, foam rolling, and stretching.

If you’re recovering from an injury, ease back into it. If you’re new to exercise, ease into it. If you took some time off, ease back into it.

As much as I would like to jump right in where I left off, I know taking is slow is the right move.

We’ll hit full stride before we know it.

Be willing to try. Be willing to learn. Be willing to put yourself out there. Be willing to fail.

Every morning we wake up, we’re faced with choices.

Will we work out or will we skip our workout?

Will we eat decent foods or will we eat junk?

Will we drink water or will we drink sugary beverages?

Will we go to sleep or will we stay up engaging in meaningless activities?

Will we read and learn or will we waste our time?

Each choice we make will either put us closer to where we want to be or further away.

How much do we care? How bad do we want it?

The choice is ours.

We may not be able to help others in the exact way that they need, but we can be there for them.

We can listen to them. We can try to help them.

We can support them with our words and our actions.

We’re self-absorbed. We only care about ourselves. We’re focused on our lives.

We’re constantly rushing around thinking and worrying about our own issues and problems.

In the midst of the chaos, we forget about others. We forget about our brothers and sisters.

We can be better and do better. We can be more selfless and make sacrifices for others.

Over the years, I’ve faced some tragedy and trauma.

These experiences have hardened me.

I’ve turned into a no tolerance, no nonsense, and no excuses kind of person.

After reflecting, I realize I may have become too hard, too numb, and too callused.

I don’t want others to experience loss, hardship, and adversity. I don’t want others to feel pain. I would never wish it on anybody.

While I do feel bad for those hurting, I’m going to make a more conscious effort to soften up and warm up my heart.

While I am empathetic, I’m going to make a more conscious effort to be more sympathetic and show more pity for those struggling and suffering.

We don’t have to eliminate our favorite foods, drinks, and activities.

We can be healthy, fit, and well while still occasionally treating ourselves and indulging.

Live a life of moderation and balance not deprivation and restriction.

Before we point fingers and throw stones, take a deep look inside and hard look in the mirror.

Before we judge, condemn, and criticize others, put ourselves in their place.

How would we want to be treated if we were in their shoes?

We don’t know what they’re thinking and feeling and going through. We may not have all of the details and know the whole situation.

Remember, we aren’t perfect, and we make mistakes.

So be understanding. See things from their point of view. And always take the high road.

The greedy, selfish takers in the world inspire me to be a giver, encourager, and supporter.