So many things are wrong about this photo.
Instead of spending time with my kids, I felt compelled to get on the treadmill to "justify" the extra calories I had outside of my meal prep that day in preparation for my first body building competition. Yes it was a means to an end in this instance. But it was also a moment that opened my eyes to the thousands of men and women who punish themselves for "overeating that day" or think they haven't done enough training that day or see a body totally different to the one they actually have, when actually what their body probably really wanted was to rest, to be told it was loved for all that it does and to be appreciated for all that it is.
We are sometimes, so consumed (and actively reminded through social media) of an aesthetic that we "should" have than what our body deserves, that we go to extraordinary lengths to try and achieve this perceived end goal. And when our unrealistic expectations are not met, we feel we have fallen short, that there is something "wrong" with us or that somehow we are just not enough. Therefore, train even harder and so the cycle repeats.
And if you have grown up throughout life being reminded or made to feel not enough then this will pervade in all aspects of your life from relationships to careers to our physical body.
Choosing to change your beliefs around what is in fact "good enough" what is in fact "more than acceptable" and loving who you are as a person, will allow you to free yourself from this cage of "not enough".
Oftentimes, we get the most out of our bodies by nourishing them well with good sleep, wholesome food, friends, family and daily movement. Too much training will simply leave your body in a constant state of stress, inflammation, unable to change your body composition, missing out on social engagements and not getting enough vitamin D or fresh air. Which in turn affects your mental state.
Take a moment to stop and reflect on " how much" training you are doing and if you are doing too much. If you are picking holes in your body. If you aren't recognising the tell take signs your body is exhausted (dry skin, hair loss, excessive bags under the eyes, unable to shift the lbs or opposingly, hip bones and ribs protruding, acne) then you will be on a slippery slope to worse problems.
Yes it's important to implement exercise in your life but it is also important to take time out with others or by yourself. Learn a new hobby / skill. Do something completely different outside of your everyday training.
If you recognise your self in the above, you are not alone. Change takes time, but realising you need to change your perspective will be the most challenging and most rewarding thing you can do to enhance your life.