Apprime Fit by Michelle Blank Blog #6
“We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate t
he journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don’t overlook it.” - Unknown Source
I had a great trip to Toronto. I placed 6th, but was the first American. I was much happier with the package I presented in Toronto versus New York, but still have some improvements to make in my physique and posing. The best part of the trip were the people and the experiences I got to share with them. The two biggest highlights were walking on the edge of the CN Tower with my friend Derek and Gillian Kovack and getting to spend time with an individual that has provided great inspiration for me over this past year, Brian Smith.
Brian was the first person I met when I arrived in Toronto for the 2011 Toronto Pro Supershow. He was the volunteer assigned to pick the athletes up from the airport. I remember his big smile greeting me as I was leaving baggage claim. We talked on the short drive to the airport and I could tell this man had made a significant change in his life and was well on his way to living a healthier life. He found me on face book and I kept in contact with him over the year. He would post his good days and his bad along with progress pictures. I would make post to him encouraging him along the way especially sharing some motivation on the days he was feeling discouraged. He would often follow-up a post in a private message asking why someone at my level of fitness would pay attention to him. I would tell him that he inspired me because of his courage to share his insecurities with world as he moved along his journey.
Brian was so excited I was going to compete again this year in Toront.jpg)
o. While I was there I had the opportunity to spend a little time with him. I was so touched by the emotions Brian showed towards me especially when he thanked me for all the support I had given him over the past year and shared more about how his journey toward a healthy lifestyle had begun. It was truly humbling and such a gift to see first hand the impact I have had on him.
I am no different than him as I too have my share of bad days, insecurities and feelings of not making the progress I had hope to be making. One of my favorite sayings is I believe in you because you believe in me. If it wasn’t for someone reaching out to you on those not so good days, it could lead to a downward spiral depending on your mental strength to refocus. You just never know how a simple smile or forwarding of a motivational quote may change somebody’s life. Whenever I get a chance, I try to put a smile on somebody’s face which is one reason why I’m such a goofball backstage at the competitions. We worked so hard to get to the stage, all the work is done, it’s time to have some fun and to appreciate the journey we are about to complete. I hope that the smile I put on their face triggers some awareness in them to the incredible journey they have made and for them to honor themselves for making it to the stage that day.
Everyday is a blessing and a step forward in our journey of life. When our last day comes, our friends and family do not sit around talking about our final day, but the days leading up to that day. So we should do the same for ourselves, as we move forward 
toward a goal, take time to appreciate the journey and the people that are part of that journey.
Be Fit,
Michelle Blank
Brian recently became a certified personal trainer and now how’s the opportunity to help others just beginning their journey to a healthier life as he continues to strive to improve his. Please support Brian by liking his FaceBook page Building Bodies by Brian and visit his website www.buildingbodiesbybrian.com
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