Hurricane Sandy smashed NYC/NJ and LI this past weekend and we're still reeling from the devastation.
The city feels like it's been through an Apocalypse. I can not even imagine what 9-11 was like for those living here during those events. In some way, it's a tiny bit comforting to know that there was absolutely nothing that any person could have done to prevent this from happening. We are somewhat powerless against nature.
Though I remained quite fortunate through this event, my heart is broken for the ones who were not and for those who are guarding their homes and remaining valuables from others with ill intentions....for those waiting in line at gas stations just to get gas to power their generators so they can have heat for their family....for those sitting on the rooftops of their beloved homes, waiting for aerial rescue....for those whose family members drowned....for those who died in their sleep when trees fell onto their homes....for shop owners who lost their businesses and homes....for beloved landmarks and history that was washed away forever....
I am incredibly moved by this whole event. And it makes me love this city even more - to see how sensitive these "tough New Yorkers" can really be. How vulnerable we all are.
Social media and those I have chosen to follow is something that has really been bothering me lately. For so long I've been so self absorbed and obsessed with the arena of fitness and have ended up following countless fitness models some of which I know and others that I've never met. It was motivating to me - "I want to be that."
I see my news feed and see pictures of abs in dirty mirrors. I see countless fitness models posting a sexy picture of herself with a motivational quote below it as if her audience is supposed to be moved by the fact that she has the willpower to stick to a diet and exercise routine consistently enough to see her abs.
I get it - that was me. It sometimes is me. I work hard too. It's no easy or overnight feat and I understand motivating others to do the same. But at what point does the obsession and vanity take over? At what point are these "throwback thursday" photos/bikini pics with quotes/self portraits really just ways for someone to disguise the vanity as being relevant in some way?
What bothers me most is to see these posts during times when people are hurting - the timing just feels so insensitive. It makes me think "what did I post that was of complete irrelevance to the life of another when they were hurting? What kind of message am I putting out there?"
It started to bother me when I would diligently scroll through my news feed to read commentary during the Vice/Presidential debates. During crisis' in the world I wanted to know what was going on - what people thought. Again - pictures of abs, status updates about a relentless pursuit to make it to the gym to preserve precious gains and a myriad of people chanting "no excuses."
Well, I am sorry but sometimes there are just more important things in the world. I absolutely am not nor would I ever discredit anyone who works hard. I understand leading by example and strive to do that same. I love fitness and desire to be the best person I can be physically and mentally in my lifetime and I will never stop working to better myself. I am a better person because of having fitness as being something that defines me. I truly love it and if I can inspire others along the way - then awesome!
It's also the reason why I tend to be so candid in my ramblings and writings - I've always enjoyed putting myself out there for the benefit of others. You really never know who feels the same way you do unless you share and I'm a huge believer in pulling people to you through relatability. Who knows - maybe many also think I'm crazy? I just believe there is no reason to act like your life is sunshine and rainbows when it's not. Anyone who can share their struggles has a special place in my heart.
There are many fitness people who do still motivate me - they're the ones who do put themselves out there, who share with big hearts and who understand that the world does not revolve around the stage or around having abs.
Jamie Eason has always been one I have admired as a person - for all of the reasons mentioned above.
Regardless, this storm was my breaking point and I went delete crazy on facebook, and unfollow crazy on Instagram.
I'm driven to tears when I think about what happened to this city and want so desperately to help.
I've signed up for volunteer events and organizations in the past but was never called upon. I also applied a few months back to become a Big Sister. Apparently I didn't look "good enough" on paper to be chosen.
Fuck paper.
Who uses paper anyway? I felt hurt...it felt like being rejected when all you wanted to do was help. But I understand that agencies have their standards. I have more I'd like to learn in my own life anyway before mentoring another. more impressionable life.
I did sign up last night, however. as a volunteer with NY Cares and am attending their mandatory orientation within the next two weeks (first avail date). I'm truly excited.
It will feel great to give back in a way that matters to someone other than myself.
http://mashable.com/2012/10/29/facebook-conversation-hurricane/
The city feels like it's been through an Apocalypse. I can not even imagine what 9-11 was like for those living here during those events. In some way, it's a tiny bit comforting to know that there was absolutely nothing that any person could have done to prevent this from happening. We are somewhat powerless against nature.
Though I remained quite fortunate through this event, my heart is broken for the ones who were not and for those who are guarding their homes and remaining valuables from others with ill intentions....for those waiting in line at gas stations just to get gas to power their generators so they can have heat for their family....for those sitting on the rooftops of their beloved homes, waiting for aerial rescue....for those whose family members drowned....for those who died in their sleep when trees fell onto their homes....for shop owners who lost their businesses and homes....for beloved landmarks and history that was washed away forever....
I am incredibly moved by this whole event. And it makes me love this city even more - to see how sensitive these "tough New Yorkers" can really be. How vulnerable we all are.
Social media and those I have chosen to follow is something that has really been bothering me lately. For so long I've been so self absorbed and obsessed with the arena of fitness and have ended up following countless fitness models some of which I know and others that I've never met. It was motivating to me - "I want to be that."
I see my news feed and see pictures of abs in dirty mirrors. I see countless fitness models posting a sexy picture of herself with a motivational quote below it as if her audience is supposed to be moved by the fact that she has the willpower to stick to a diet and exercise routine consistently enough to see her abs.
I get it - that was me. It sometimes is me. I work hard too. It's no easy or overnight feat and I understand motivating others to do the same. But at what point does the obsession and vanity take over? At what point are these "throwback thursday" photos/bikini pics with quotes/self portraits really just ways for someone to disguise the vanity as being relevant in some way?
What bothers me most is to see these posts during times when people are hurting - the timing just feels so insensitive. It makes me think "what did I post that was of complete irrelevance to the life of another when they were hurting? What kind of message am I putting out there?"
It started to bother me when I would diligently scroll through my news feed to read commentary during the Vice/Presidential debates. During crisis' in the world I wanted to know what was going on - what people thought. Again - pictures of abs, status updates about a relentless pursuit to make it to the gym to preserve precious gains and a myriad of people chanting "no excuses."
Well, I am sorry but sometimes there are just more important things in the world. I absolutely am not nor would I ever discredit anyone who works hard. I understand leading by example and strive to do that same. I love fitness and desire to be the best person I can be physically and mentally in my lifetime and I will never stop working to better myself. I am a better person because of having fitness as being something that defines me. I truly love it and if I can inspire others along the way - then awesome!
It's also the reason why I tend to be so candid in my ramblings and writings - I've always enjoyed putting myself out there for the benefit of others. You really never know who feels the same way you do unless you share and I'm a huge believer in pulling people to you through relatability. Who knows - maybe many also think I'm crazy? I just believe there is no reason to act like your life is sunshine and rainbows when it's not. Anyone who can share their struggles has a special place in my heart.
There are many fitness people who do still motivate me - they're the ones who do put themselves out there, who share with big hearts and who understand that the world does not revolve around the stage or around having abs.
Jamie Eason has always been one I have admired as a person - for all of the reasons mentioned above.
Regardless, this storm was my breaking point and I went delete crazy on facebook, and unfollow crazy on Instagram.
I'm driven to tears when I think about what happened to this city and want so desperately to help.
I've signed up for volunteer events and organizations in the past but was never called upon. I also applied a few months back to become a Big Sister. Apparently I didn't look "good enough" on paper to be chosen.
Fuck paper.
Who uses paper anyway? I felt hurt...it felt like being rejected when all you wanted to do was help. But I understand that agencies have their standards. I have more I'd like to learn in my own life anyway before mentoring another. more impressionable life.
I did sign up last night, however. as a volunteer with NY Cares and am attending their mandatory orientation within the next two weeks (first avail date). I'm truly excited.
It will feel great to give back in a way that matters to someone other than myself.
http://mashable.com/2012/10/29/facebook-conversation-hurricane/