To me, "staying fit" has not been about a physical state, but a mental one. Over the course of the past year, transitioning to fully online school and work, a tool has been taken on my mental health. My stress levels began to rise with an overwhelming schedule and no time for myself. That is until I found my escape. The gym has provided me with so much more than a better physical state, but a mental one as well. It has provided me with some much-needed "Me Time", an escape from reality and something to strive for. By putting aside some time each week to just focus on bettering myself at the gym I have seen massive transformations in my body and happiness. I have taken time to set out a schedule for what I plan to work on in the gym each day and have kept track of my progress all the way. This has helped me wonders in becoming more organized and sticking to a routine. Becoming more mentally and physically fit has also provided me with a new sense of confidence. On days where I feel so overwhelmed and stressed, I can look at my fitness journey and feel a sense of accomplishment. Even little improvements such as moving from 7.5 lb to 12.5 lb dumbbells reminds me that if nothing seems like it is going my way today, I have made progress in myself. Staying fit has provided me with an overall healthier lifestyle that I will continue to pursue in my future. When I now enter the gym I hope to serve as a role model for newcomers. As a reminder that we all need to start somewhere!