Another "mental block" I have is that I hate exercise. I can remember in 6th grade, running around the field and thinking how much I hated it. I remember 10th grade, running around the soccer field and thinking how much I hated it. I remember boot camp, running EVERYWHERE and thinking how much I hated it. For the past 30 years, I have told myself that I HATE EXERCISE! THIS IS A LIE! The truth is multifold. I don't hate all exercise. There are many exercises that I enjoy, such as lifting weights, walking, hiking, rowing, playing volleyball and softball for fun. But it's true that I'm not fond of certain exercise. I'm not a fan of running, and I don't like bike riding, among other things. And it's true that I'm not very skilled or gifted in the execution of certain exercises. I don't seem to have the coordination for aerobics, and my body type seems to hinder running with ease. Because I don't find certain exercises to be as easy as it seems they are for others, I compare myself to them and engage in negative self-talk about exercise. Finally, most of my life I haven't been in very good shape, so exercise is difficult for me. My muscles wear out quickly, my joints hurt, and my nose is perpetually stuffy which makes it difficult to breathe during vigorous aerobic exercise. This affects me now because instead of going at my own pace while exercise, I have given up on it because I compare myself to others. I acknowledge that I may not be as fast as someone else, or be able to lift as much weight, or last as long on the elliptical machine or treadmill. But I haven't signed up for any races, so I don't have to worry whether I am bigger, stronger, faster . . . . I hereby give myself permission to participate in the exercises I enjoy and do the best I can, working up to being faster and stronger as my fitness level increases.