Today I hit the gym. Normally it’s my happy place. My zone. I show up, get to work, follow what my coach tells me (plus a little extra, because… me obviously). I love it.
But today felt different.
Maybe because I’m still adjusting to how things work around here. People are friendly, but more reserved. Less “locker room chats”, more “earbuds in, eyes forward, don’t talk to me.”
Back home, the gym was my second home. I had my gym buddies. We high-fived, we rolled our eyes together during those f***ing squats, we laughed mid-deadlift. Even when I trained solo, it felt like I belonged.
Here? Everyone’s doing their own thing. And that’s fine.
But today, I just felt… invisible.
Like I was in the room, but not really in it. You know what I mean?
Still — I’m okay.
Because this chapter is mine too.
I thought about all the women living far from home, following love or life, rebuilding from scratch. That can be lonely.
And I’m lucky. I know that.
So today I’m celebrating my not-so-social, kind-of-quiet gym day.
Even though I still have my support crew in the Netherlands.
I’ll keep smiling. Even if no one smiles back.
Because maybe — just maybe — that smile lands exactly where it needs to.
And guess what happened next?
During my cooldown on the treadmill (while I was mentally writing all this), one of those super-trained girls walked up to me.
You know the type — the kind of girl I text my husband about like,
“See her? I look like a potato next to that.”
“Give me 6 more years and maybe I’ll get close.”
She came up to me and said:
“That glute workout you did? I couldn’t stop watching. You nailed the form. I’ve tried it before but never felt it right — now I get what I was doing wrong.”
…Excuse me, WHAT?!
Manifestation? Universe? No clue.
But I told her (Sky, you rock!): “You have no idea how much I needed that.”
And that’s the thing.
You’re not the only one struggling. Even the most sculpted, confident-looking women have doubts.
We’re all showing up with our own thoughts, insecurities, and inner chaos.
But if you keep showing up — and keep smiling —
one day, someone sees you.
Really sees you.
Workout: CHECK
Tweaked it a bit (sorry not sorry, coach — just not into squats).
Went home with a smile, a full heart… and yep — turns out I’m not as invisible as I thought.
Made my first gym girl connection over here.
Hell yes.
