This is How Much I've Gained in 2018

This is a guest post from Legacy Life Fitness client, Erica Martin

In terms of practically everything except weight, “gaining” is considered to be a positive event! Someone who’s exclaiming “I’ve gained experience!” is excited to be growing professionally, while someone who has lost their job feels like they’re missing out on that same experience.

Gaining is good. And here’s everything I’ve gained (so far) in 2018:

I gained my love for being a mom. This past February, I gave myself permission to start taking antidepressants. After my son was born in 2013, my bright personality was dimmed by hereditary depression and anxiety which I thought I was capable of managing. Throughout 2017 I felt entirely detached for my family and knew I needed to make a change for all of us to thrive. Seeing a professional and asking for medication allowed me to love being a mom!

I gained a new business. On June 1, I launched my very own web development and illustration business, Pixel Jam Digital. This was a terrifying step to take in my career, especially since I was forming my own LLC, hiring outside professionals, and representing my (very) small business in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce - but I did it!

I gained new friends. Becoming an entrepreneur has opened up new connections and allowed me to form new friendships. From work colleagues to clients, I’ve gotten to know some really cool people!

I gained strength. I thoroughly enjoy lifting heavy weights, but the barbell bench press has continued to be my weakest lift. With Bryce’s help, I was finally able to break my own personal record (PR) and press over 100 pounds!

I gained perspective… and a new car. In mid-September, my son and I were in a car accident, made worse because I was at fault. Sadness developed into embarrassment, which snowballed into shame. It took me one full month to gain perspective on the situation, realizing the situation could have been much worse, and I purchased a new car which, I’ll admit, I like even better than the last!

Oh, and I gained 25 pounds. In the hustle-and-bustle of everything else going on, I temporarily let go of my focused nutrition mindset. While this amount of weight is not ideal for my petite 5’2” frame, I’ll admit it’s helped me gain a better relationship with my body, grow stronger fingernails, thicker hair and get more sleep each night. I may have given in more than I intended, but I’m not giving up on my health or my wellness.

2018 has been a busy year. While most of my gains have been celebrated, they have also contributed their fair share of stress. With the support from my family, friends, medication, exercise, and a positive attitude I have been able to keep moving forward - and that’s what health and wellness should be about.

Here’s to gaining and building our legacies this year!