I personally like the gym, not only for the variety it offers but for the atmosphere itself.  I am surrounded by people, all with a common goal, and it really helps to maintain focus.  For that hour or so that I am there, my sole focus is to make progress toward improving my shape.

Have you ever thought about how a compliment often elicits one of two responses: either a “thank you” or a self-deprecating, “you're too kind”? I started thinking about why our response is often more self-deprecating than accepting, and I can only speak for myself, but I think for me, it's for two reasons: I don't feel worthy of such praise when lots of people do wonderful things and, the more interesting reason, because it raises the bar for personal expectations.

Dara Torres was recently featured on the cover of Oxygen magazine. After watching her behind-the-scenes footage on the site, I was left inspired not only by how fantastic she looked, but how determined she is and dedicated to the sport of swimming. It is not enough for her to simply engage in the sport or do well. She wants, and even expects, to win.

When the editors at Oxygen magazine asked if I would like to blog for the site, I jumped at the chance. It is such an honor and a thrill to have a platform like Oxygen to connect with people and express my love for the lifestyle. My life was changed so much for the better and, even to this day, I continue to learn new things and am challenged to grow.

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't dream of ever sticking a bumper sticker on my car, regardless of how profound or enlightening it may be. Though I will admit, if stopped at a light, I tend to read all of the bumper stickers I see. Recently, I saw a bumper sticker (I wish I had taken a picture) that reminded me of a dear friend and mentor of mine. It read, “I comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” That bumper sticker was dead on with who she is, so it got me thinking . . . what would my bumper sticker say? These are some of the ideas that came to mind . . .