CrossFit has been a part of my life for over 7 years. I have loved it so much and I had loved how it had made me feel. So much, that when I quit my job at the Buckle and I could no longer afford to pay for a membership but couldn't bare the thought of quitting 'CrossFit' . We 'built' our own little gym in our garage and a few wonderful friends joined us. It was awesome, fun and we kept in shape. To make a long story short, we loved it so much that we ended up opening our own 'box' on the South end of the Valley.
It has been such a learning and growing experience for us, we walked away being better people with many wonderful friends that we gained along the way.
I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. When I think back on the past 2 1/2 years of owning a CrossFit SouthTown. I think about both the positive and the negative affect it had on me.
I've made so many new friends because of opening a box.
I've lost some friends, that didn't like the idea of another 'box' coming into the Valley.
I learned that there are so many kind and generous people out there that are willing to take the shirt off their back to help you out. Some of these people I barely knew and others I have known for a very long time.
I've learned that there are so many mean and degrading people. Looking to knock you down every chance that they get. Some of these people I barely knew and others I have known for a very long time.
I've learned that some people give me more credit than I deserve. They are the one's that put in all the hard work. They listened, they tried, they didn't give up on me or themselves
I've learned that some like to place the blame on their coaches and training when they weren't able to do something. They didn't listen, they didn't trust us and they gave up too quickly.
I have learned that some things are really easy for some people. Fitness and movements come natural. These people are strong
I have learned that some have to work really, really hard to get that movement right or to even finish a workout. They have to put in a lot more time and effort. These people are stronger.
I've learned that by doing my job and helping someone get fit, doesn't just change there appearance but can totally change their life. It gives them confidence and a new love for life.
I've learned that by doing my job and helping someone get fit, may not change their appearance; their bad habits; I can't want it bad enough for them. They need to want it for themselves, enough to be willing to change their life.
I have never felt so much happiness doing what I love and being around so many great people all day long.
I have never felt so much sadness because people that I enjoyed and trusted, betrayed me.
I have met the most honest people... and the most dishonest.
I have learned who my friends are....and who aren't.
I have learned what loyalty is...and what it isn't.
I have felt A LOT of Love and some hate.
I have learned that I can't make everyone happy NO MATTER what. This has been a very hard concept for me. I want to be the best I can be, I want everyone to like me, I want to make everyone happy and I wanted everyone to love CrossFit SouthTown as much as I did. I have learned that even if I had done EVERYTHING right (which I didn't) that someone still wouldn't like me, or wouldn't be happy or didn't love SouthTown or even CrossFit for the matter....I have learned how to accept that.
Since selling the CrossFit SouthTown, I have had a hard time sorting out my feelings. Some days I miss it terribly and wish I could change my mind but other days I am relieved that I don't have to deal with all the 'politics' of CrossFit or that I can just sit back and relax on the weekends.
I love my new job, I love being at home at night with my family BUT I sure do miss all the wonderful, amazing people and the best CrossFit box around. CrossFit SouthTown will always exist in my heart!
