The Gym

There are few times in my life that I feel truly proud of myself. Lately, I've been feeling really proud of myself for working out and sticking to my workout schedules. Although it takes forever to build confidence, fitness gives me a little more confidence each time I work out. I wanted to write not only about working out and how awesome it is, but also about cheering others on and encouraging each other.

I see a lot of tweets like "don't tweet about the gym, just go work out" or "nobody cares that you're at the gym" basically putting down anyone who tweets about the gym. Sometimes there's even Facebook posts [yes Facebook posts] mocking people who like to work out. I don't tweet about the gym to let others know I'm there. I tweet about the gym because I genuinely love the gym. It makes me happy being there. My twitter is basically random thoughts that enter my head, song lyrics, or somethings that interest me. The gym interests me. I love the gym and I love working out so when I tweet about it, I'm not looking for anyone to compliment me or anyone to notice I'm there. I'm tweeting for me. Sorry people but my tweets are not for you!

When I see progress pictures or gym posts, I feel so proud of people! Like yay!! You're making yourself healthier and fitter and in that process, you're probably gaining some confidence which you deserve. When I'm at the gym I love seeing people there! Whether you're heavy set, already skinny and toned, or just average, I'm proud to see anyone there. We're all there to accomplish our own goals and some might even be the same. So why not build someone up instead of tweet about how annoying they are? The time it takes to hate on someone for loving the gym is the same amount of time that you could be supporting them and putting positive energy out there.

The gym is the one place I truly feel good about myself. I get there and I know what I'm doing. I have a plan and I even help my friends that tag along with me. It's a good feeling. I like to see progress and I like to feel good afterwards. Working out is SO important. Not only would I like to lose a few pounds here and there, but I just want to be healthy. There are so many fast food chains or unhealthy aisles in the grocery store. It is so hard to stay on track but the gym is there to help you when you fall off. I think it is so important to feel good and like the way you look. Every body has a different shape and a different look, but as long as you're healthy who cares! Be you and love who you are and how you like. The gym is there to help you feel good!!

Moral of the story, be proud of yourself and be proud of your peers. When I take a friend with me to workout or even my mom, I am so proud of how hard they work. I'm also so proud of how hard I work, too. There is nothing but positivity there and I feel like that is how everyone should feel too! Next time you see someone post a progress pic, don't judge them, be proud of them! (Do you know how hard it is to feel comfortable enough to post a progress picture? IT'S HARD) When you see someone tweet about going to the gym, think wow good for you, maybe I should go too! instead of hating on them!

Spread positivity and positivity will come back to you!

~A

7 things to celebrate on World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated worldwide on March 21! Why? A person born with Down Syndrome has an extra 21st chromosome. There is so much to celebrate on this day!

1. Celebrate someone you love with an extra 21st chromosome! (DUH)
2. Celebrate the fact that they are here and were given a chance at life.
3. Celebrate parents, teachers, family, friends of those with Down Syndrome. They are the reason our friends with Down Syndrome are doing amazing things and living their lives to the fullest. Without the support of these people, those with Down Syndrome would not live a filled life.
4. Celebrate their advances and accomplishments. Just some 20 or 30 years back, people with Down Syndrome were sent to facilities and not expected to do much. Now we have models, actors, olympic athletes that are all accomplishing so much all while having Down Syndrome.

5. Celebrate the graduates who have graduated from High School and maybe even gone to college. That's right, kids with Down Syndrome are going to college now!
6. Celebrate the differences those with Down Syndrome bring to this world. They teach those they encounter every single day to appreciate differences and lessen judgement.
7. Celebrate what they can do instead of what they can't. They might not be able to drive, but they can walk! They might not be able to become a lawyer, but they can work in a busy grocery store working around people!

Every day should be a celebration of those who have Down Syndrome. This disability can really hold them back if they let it, but we need to celebrate the fact that they don't let it hold them back! If you see someone with Down Syndrome today, make sure to let them know they're special and you're thankful that they are here today.

Losing a Dog

Losing a dog brings about the same pain as losing a human. Maybe not exactly the same, but I'd say pretty darn close. When I was little, all I wanted was a dog. Now I'm an adult and all I want is a puppy. It never ends. When you're little you imagine owning this puppy and loving on it constantly, you never think about ten years down the road when the puppy is now a dog, an old dog, and the future is limited with them. Why would you want to think about that?

A pet, in my case dogs, becomes like a sibling to you or for my parents, a child. You feed them, take them for walks, talk to them. They are literally your family and you love them just like you love your brother or sister. I think a big reason that we love our animals like they're human is because they love you even when no one else does. They listen to you when nobody else listens. They give you kisses even when you're sick. They are there for every part of your life, the highs and the lows. When I feel the most unloveable and think the world is out to get me, my dogs are always there for me. When you walk through the door, they race to you as if you are the greatest thing to ever exist and to them, you are. 

It's weird to think that a dog can be "put down." Like they don't have a say in any of this, their owners just decide they're sick and old and it's their time. Most times, this is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make in your life. You have all these questions, is this right? Is our dog really in need of this? Are we doing what's best for him? What if he gets better in the future? Let me tell you, sometimes it just has to be done no matter how hard it is and I promise, it is always hard.

It sucks missing your dog. Missing the walks you would take, the kisses you would get, the fun you would have. If you have the right dog, losing them is like losing a sibling. If you have the right dog, losing them is heartbreaking. If you have the right dog, losing them is like losing your best buddy. They are there for you when nobody else is. Dogs are actually a man's (or woman's) best friend.

A pet just doesn't live as long as a you will, unless you get a turtle, those suckers live forever. If you're lucky enough to find a dog that matches who you are and you have the time and energy to give to your pet, make those years count. With each of my pets, I have always made the years count. Now that I just lost one and have two left with me, I definitely am trying my hardest to give them the attention they deserve. I guess one thing makes it easier when losing a pet, you know that they will always want you to be happy even when they're gone. That is their job. Our dogs want us to be happy which is why they are so affectionate and goofy and cuddly. They love you more than you love them (doesn't seem possible, but it is) and they just want their owners to be happy no matter what.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

Why I Don't Say The R-Word

"Mentally retarded" was once a diagnosis used to describe those with intellectual disabilities. In the last few years, that term has been taken out of the medical dictionary and replaced with intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately the term "retarded" wasn't given up easily by those in today's society. It is now used to describe somebody is doing something dumb, stupid, wacky, goofy, crazy, etc. But what does it really mean when you're using that word?

It means taking away the specialness of someone with a disability. It means slapping a label on someone because of their IQ. It means comparing someone doing something stupid to those who are born with mental differences. Why don't I say the r-word? One word - inclusion. Another word? Love. How about one more? Equality. I don't use this word because it is just plain mean. There is no reason to insert this word into our vocabulary when we could literally just say why are you acting so dumb instead of why are you acting so "retarded?"

My sister, as many know, has Down Syndrome. I can assure you she is not dumb or wacky or crazy or retarded. She is Jessica and she wants to be treated just like everyone else. She didn't ask to be born with a disability, my parents didn't intentionally give her one. Growing up I didn't even look at her any differently, she was just my sister. I don't say the r-word because of her and her friends. Thanks to them, I am who I am.

I feel bad for those who can't accept others and the differences that come with each individual. Differences should be celebrated, not looked down upon or given a word that makes somebody feel less as a person. When you use the r-word that is exactly what you are doing. You're putting those who have disabilities into a category that separates them from the rest of the population. When you use this word, you could be saying it right next to someone who has a disability and you don't even know it. There are many different disabilities out there and some are not easily seen. Instead of watching who you say the r-word around, just don't say it.

I understand growing up in school and hearing your peers use this word. I heard it and said it myself once before even realizing what it meant. This is why there's this movement, to make people aware of the hurt that comes with this word. Spread the word to end the word is here to remind people not to use this nasty word at all, ever.

I don't say the r-word and you shouldn't either.