I started at Barefoot several years ago. Then I quit. I started again a few years ago. Then I quit. I started a couple years go. But this time I meant it! Then I quit. For years, my wife, Amanda, has made Barefoot a priority in her life but I struggled to value it. I was caught in the cycle. You know the cycle…the cycle of: Try->Excuse->Quit->Repeat.
Then, just over a year ago, I quit for good. I quit the cycle and the excuses that led me to walk away in the past and I returned to Barefoot. Those excuses…”I’m too busy.” “I’m not a ‘gym-person!’” “Everyone is judging me.” “I’m not that strong.” “I can’t do this alone.” “It’s not working.” “I don’t see a difference.”
Those were some excuses I faced. You have an excuse…we all do. In everything that challenges us to step up and step into a better life, we can find an excuse and walk away. I experienced that in following Jesus and I learned it again when Barefoot challenged me and my comfort. But then Barefoot became a comfort…something unlocked inside of me.
It was the routine that caught me. I love routine, and Barefoot offers routine. No matter what session I attend, it goes like this: What’s on the board? What’s the technique? When can I start?
And sometimes I reach…When is this over? Haha!
Barefoot has been revolutionary for my life.
Earlier this year, I entered the Tactical Strength Challenge thanks to an agreement with a buddy. I found so much joy through spending time and training with my wife through the challenging 10 weeks. Then the day of the competition came, and it was amazing.
Recently I shared the story of the competition with a friend and I made the comment, “That was the most fun I’ve had that I can remember outside of time with my wife and family.”
If you embrace it all – the commitment, the teaching, the routine, the discipline – it’s not like you change overnight. But positive change happens.
I’m so thankful that God provides Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 and Fridays whenever works and sometimes Saturdays haha. I’m so incredibly grateful for my wife pushing me to try again (x3).
There’s no way l’d be enjoying this as much if she wasn’t there encouraging me. I’m thankful for Janaye and Elliot and their training, care, and love for me and Amanda. The instructors’ commitment to every person that walks through the door is so intentional and I’m so blessed to be a part of the Barefoot family!