Because your body is a temple.
SELF-GUIDED EXERCISE ROUTINE (ONGOING)
Those who know me are aware that I am far from the most athletic of individuals. That said, I support the notion that improving oneself through fitness is both physically and mentally beneficial. My self-guided creation of a dedicated workout/exercise program (3x/week) was born out of a desire to find an outlet to escape the daily stresses of academic life. More recently, exercise has been a fantastic quarantine mood-booster. The most important aspect of this activity to reflect it on is the importance of a growth mindset. Just as with any other activity, consistent effort yields gradual improvement. From increasing weight to increasing reps, I have been able to build my own endurance, strength, and confidence, and look forward to continually refining and pursuing my plan on a regular basis. This has also demonstrated the importance of committing to any task if development and growth (in terms of muscle mass or otherwise) are desired.
BACKPACKING 2019
In addition to not being a natural-born athlete, I’m also not a natural-born outdoorsman. So when I was asked by a few friends to help organize (and embark on) a 3-day backpacking journey in the wilderness over the May long weekend last year, I was skeptical. However, my initial hesitance subsided as soon as we reached the campsite. There is something to be said for spending time in nature with good company. From campfire laughs and tent games to prime photography opportunities, the experience was not only memorable, but allowed me to reflect on my own sense of personal growth—particularly among an unexpectedly challenging hike to the top of Yates Mountain Summit in unapologetically snowy weather. Coming from a family that rarely embarks on outdoor excursions, this was a new endeavour despite having received a taste of backpacking in Grade 9. The trip was a reminder of the beautiful moments within the human experience—taking the time to pause, reflect, and propel oneself into unfamiliar territory—literally. I was also able to strengthen my interpersonal relationships throughout the journey. It reaffirmed to me that, with the support of others, I am (surprisingly) capable of venturing into the unknown, representing my eagerness to embrace and accept new challenges. There were simply too many stories and memories to share with my family upon returning from the journey! I sincerely hope to continue pursuing a curiosity for nature and embarking on adventures in the outdoors both now and in the future. I sincerely believe that it is the excitement and open-mindedness with which I approached the journey that made it much more meaningful and enjoyable as a whole. I would encourage anyone who has not previously considered embarking on such a journey to do so due to the sheer sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and personal development that it has the capability to instill. I was extremely fortunate to embark on such an enjoyable, significant, and transformational experience.
Yates Mountain Summit