View Things Exactly as They Are

Philosophy: Do not glamorize or downplay people, occurrences or events as you wish them to be. Seek to meet the challenges, successes and inevitable losses throughout life with unbiased truth. False attachments grow as expectations rise. Being optimistic is powerful, but realize that life's circumstances do not act accordingly to meet our expectations. No matter how much we wish them to. Embrace the reality of your circumstances. Spare yourself the pain of any shortcomings by accepting events as they are.

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Insight: "There was a time in my life when drinking, drugging and partying took precedence. I was in denial that I may have a problem until the long arm of the law caught up with me and I got popped for a DWI. And then a second. Once convicted, choosing a rehabilitation program over jail time, I was sentenced to daily counseling sessions, weekly probation visits, monthly court appearances and random drug tests. Not to mention hefty fines and a rigorous regiment of blowing into my breathalyzer several times a day. As if accepting my new life of surveillance and control wasn't enough, I was also swallowing heavy doses of honesty with my demons. But this all became ritual and part of my routine. The unforeseen circumstance of losing my so-called 'support' group of 'best' friends that all but disappeared when I was no longer a party companion, was the least expected of all. At first, I was let down by the idea that my perceived close friends turned out to be mere drinking buddies, sharing bad habits and wasting youth. In short time though, I accepted them and myself and cherished even more the few that remained and accompanied me to the gym, meetings and other more productive activities. Before, I'd never stopped to take this inventory of my surroundings to assess the depths of my relationships. I held no resentments, but moved gracefully, more intact, aware and understanding of my life's purpose as I was able to see more clearly life as it was."

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Gainz: (Legs)

Overhead Squat x12, 9, 6

Front Squat x12, 9, 6

Back Squat x12, 9, 6

(*Add weight as you move to your next set. Begin the next movement with the weight you ended with on the last set of the previous movement.)

[Example: OH Sqt x12@95, x9@105, x6@115

Frt Sqt x12@115, x9@125, x6@135

Back Sqt x12@135, x9@145, x6@155]

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