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Ah, the things you start to notice when you actually pause for a second. I was just about to sit down and talk about how I’ve been “big backing” lately. By big backing, I mean eating more than I feel like I should. I’ve gained a little weight, and my first instinct was to beat myself up about how I need to hit the gym, start working out again, get my life together—yadda yadda yadda. But then I paused and thought, “Wait. Hold on. Let’s apply some grace here.”

See, not too long ago, I had a real struggle with eating. I mean, there was a time when I lost so much weight that someone joked about my tights being baggy. Tights. Were. Baggy. I don’t even remember what I was going through at that time, but eating consistently was a whole challenge for me. So now, when I think I’m overdoing it with food, maybe I’m just… eating like a normal person?

I literally had to stop mid-thought earlier while looking for my brother (got him now—shoutout to the tracker app). But yeah, instead of coming down hard on myself about not working out since… maybe Labor Day? Veterans Day? (Did I even work out then? I don’t remember.) I realized I need to shift my mindset.

The Paradigm Shift: Bulking Season

What if, instead of seeing this as “big backing,” I think of it as bulking season? Because honestly, I don’t mind being swole. Like, if I’m going to be eating more, then I might as well channel that energy into preparing for the greatest fitness season of my life. How about that?

And you know what’s crazy? At the beginning of the year, one of my goals was to gain weight. I completely forgot about it, but here I am, ending the year having subconsciously achieved that goal. Wild, right? Back when I was actively trying to gain weight, I was loading up on protein shakes and weight gain supplements, and I only managed to add maybe two or three pounds. Now, without even trying, I’ve hit the goal and have a really nice body shape to show for it.

So instead of being negative about my eating habits or body, I’m switching my mindset. I’m embracing the fact that this was the goal all along. Duh.

Goals for 2025: Let’s Get Swole

Now that I’m reminded of what I wanted, it’s time to refocus. I don’t want to be doing cardio all the time (sorry, Orange Theory), but I do want to lift weights, run every now and then, and just build strength. At my strongest, I weighed 150, and while I don’t necessarily need to get back there, I did love how strong my arms, shoulders, and back looked.

Let’s just say 2025 is officially going to be Get Swole Season.

I’ll need to set some clear goals, stock up on protein again, and maybe find a fitness community that aligns with what I want. Something simple but focused on strength. Micro fitness sounded like a great idea at first (quick 1-5 minute exercises), but honestly, that just turned into me not working out at all. So, yeah, lifting weights, running occasionally, and focusing on those athletic body vibes—traps, legs, back, shoulders—I’m with it.

Food for the Journey

Oh, and before I forget, I’ve been loving teriyaki chicken with vegetable fried rice lately. That combo has been hitting. So maybe this blog post is teriyaki chicken-inspired because why not? It’s sweet, satisfying, and exactly what I needed to remind myself that I’m in a good place.

So here’s to finishing 2024 strong and starting 2025 with purpose. Big backing? Nah. Call it bulking season. Let’s get swole.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones. – Proverbs 3:7-8