How the hell is it already almost the end of August!? I feel like the days this year are turning over in record time. So much has happened this year, thus far. So many projects have been completed and so much life has been lived. It’s been a wild ride that has kinda come to a lull, for me. I don’t know how to describe it but, things are still moving forward, but I’ve been feeling like I’m on a lazy river the last couple of weeks……

I was reading this article the other day where the woman stated that people only share the best 5% of themselves on social media/internet. But we compare 100% of ourselves to that best 5%. That statement really resonated with me. I think it’s COMPLETELY accurate and true. You can make anything appear to be great when in reality it’s only so-so (or really a shit storm). I try really hard to share the good, the bad, and the ugly on my blog, but it’s really difficult to put it all out there and be vulnerable to the haters/judgers/trolls. It’s easy for people to hide behind their phones and computers and say nasty shit that they definitely wouldn’t have the guts to say to someone’s face.

Earlier this year I wrote about my fitness journey over the last several years, here. How I went from losing weight, to some health issues, to gaining it all back (and then some) to finally finding a balance this year. I’m still doing well with that part of my life. Still Crossfitting/Running/Swimming/Yoga-ing. Still finding a balance to keep #tinytraps and #tinylats a reality so that I don’t feel like the incredible hulk in a shirt. It’s not always easy but I am much happier now that I don’t check the Wodify White Board or run with a tracker anymore. Back in May, when I shared my original post, I shared the good, the bad and the ugly with the words that I wrote. But, I was hesitant to share a side by side picture of my evolution over the last couple of years. So here it is, the best 5%, the bad, and the ugly of my journey. From left to right, 2013 during my marathon training days, 2015 still sorting out my issues from training for a marathon, and 2016 finally finding a balance of nutrition and moving my body.

I will tell you that my nutrition is not on point every day, especially this summer. There have been too many weddings, parties, holidays, concerts and nights out that DO NOT fit my macros. But life is about finding a balance, trying all the flavors of cake at a wedding, and the occasional indulgence of fried chicken. I have stuck to my fitness “movement” goals, although some days are easier than others. This year I wanted to focus on moving my body (running, swimming, CrossFit, and yoga) without getting wrapped up in PRing. I don’t always love Crossfit, swimming, or yoga (I do love running).

There are days I have to drag my ass out to the pool. I always feel great after swimming, but I’m just bored the whole time while I’m out there. My body is ALWAYS in desperate need of yoga. Flexibility has never been my strong point. I also have difficulty of quieting my mind. But the only way to get better at something is through practice…….insert eye roll emoji.

Last month there was an in house team competition at my Crossfit gym. I said after last year’s Triangle Invitational I would never do a competition again, but I didn’t want to miss out on the social aspect of this event at the gym. I had a lot of fun with my team Wodding Crashers. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging throughout the workouts. We worked really well as a team.

This past week I was out of town from Monday – Saturday. I usually try really hard to be more conscious of what I eat when I am traveling, because I am out of my routine. But this time I didn’t want to stress over it and completely let go, well almost. I definitely enjoyed the eating part of the trips and although the scale is a little more than where I was, it was worth it. The scale will get back to where it was. Here’s the best 5% of the “bad” stuff I ate.

The last part of the week I was in Asheville, NC. I can’t remember the last time I was in Asheville, and I’ve never explored the downtown area. Fun factoid from my experience: it is NOT illegal to walk around topless in Asheville. I did NOT experience this first hand (as one friend put it, did you let the girls out!? Yea, No), but did experience it through observation in broad day light at 4pm on a Friday. I was kinda shocked that the State the passed HB2 allows this; seems contradictory. More power to ya if that’s your thing, but I’m already always cold as it is, I think this would just increase my problem.

My baby hit 50k, while I was road tripping it to Asheville. It kinda makes me sad, but hopefully now that I am closer to work I won’t be putting as many miles on her. I gave her a good wash and vacuumed her out this weekend. I posted this picture on my personal Instagram account and a friend commented “Why is your garage so clean?”

In reality my garage is not “so clean.” Half of it is clean, where I park baby, but the other half is filled with random project stuff, corn hole boards, paint cans, and my boxing bag (yes, I have an amazing right hook). So here is the reality of my garage, the best 5% half and the other side.

A picture paints a thousand words. It’s easy to get caught up in what we see and what we are bombarded with every day, through social media. It’s easy to tailor the shots, slap on a filter, and select only the images we want the world to see of our lives. Remember that no life is perfect and all the “great” things happening out there have been chosen for your viewing. It’s probably only 5% of the true reality.