Personal - Suits for the Theme #107

Hi Blog,

Running against my thoughts. Jogging is often seen as a way to clear the mind, but for me, it’s more than that. It’s a quiet battle between my thoughts and my feet, between what I feel and what I know. Every step I take is not just about fitness but about pushing through the emotions that weigh me down. Recently, I realized that jogging, which was supposed to be my escape, also became a reminder of my struggles with self-image and societal expectations.

It all started when a well-meaning friend shared images of fitness influencers with sculpted bodies, captioned with words about dedication, hard work, and achieving one’s dream physique.

On the surface, these messages were meant to inspire, but for me, they became a trigger. Instead of motivation, they reminded me of what I lacked. I know I should only compare myself to my past self, not others, but it’s hard when society worships a specific kind of "ideal."

Jogging should be about my own progress, about feeling my body move and breathe—but sometimes, the thoughts creep in: Am I doing enough? Am I wasting my time? Will I ever look even half as good as them? I always try to remind myself that my journey is different. I have commitments, a job, and responsibilities that don’t allow me the luxury of spending hours in the gym or affording premium diets. And yet, no matter how much I reason with myself, I still feel like I’m falling short.

Despite these thoughts, I still lace up my shoes and run. Not to chase a body I may never have, but to chase a mindset where I can accept myself as I am. Maybe I’ll never be a Demigod, but does that mean I don’t deserve to feel proud of my own progress? These runs are my way of proving to myself that even if I feel small, I am still moving forward. And that’s enough—for now.

Jeff