And I Do It

She tells me to mind my breath.
To focus on the air
while my body contorts into impossible positions.
To forget the struggle
while I concentrate on the in and out.
The exhale and inhale.
My stomach and chest rising and falling.
My lungs filling and emptying.

My arms shake and my hips burn.
The soles of my feet grasp the mat.
It is a struggle to mind my breath
but I do it.
I calm my doubtful thoughts.
"I can do this" I repeat.
I use my air to soothe my body
and I do it.

He tells me to dip and shrug.
To use the momentum
to fling the weight up.
To use the energy created
to produce the landing position.
Allowing gravity a little crumb
before I snatch it away
from the fall.

My arms tense and my core tightens.
My hands grasp the bar.
It is a struggle to perfect the movement
but I do it.
I calm my doubtful thoughts.
"I can do this" I repeat.
I use my air to soothe my body
and I do it.

What could I accomplish
if I minded my breath
and my unconvinced thoughts?
What adventures would I take?
What friendships could be forged?
What achievements could be had?
If I could just calm my thoughts
and do it.

March 31, 2019