When I look back at my journey in ROCKrunners (RR) thus far, I am amazed at how much this group has accomplished in the one year since it started. It’s a group that has welcomed me warmly since the first day; a group with no pretence and no expectations, a safe zone where you can be yourself and you won’t be judged.
It is sometimes hard to live in a society that tries to put labels on you and stereotype your character. So, to have a group that is openly warm and not judge is so comforting and appealing. #FaithInHumanityRestored.
I first heard about Rock The Naked Truth (RTNT) from my wife Philly, when she was looking for a support group to help her in her own personal journey. Admittedly, in the early days of her struggles, it wasn’t easy for both of us. For her, it was in learning to see the beauty in herself and to find forgiveness; myself in learning how to empathise and be patient with her.
I was glad when RTNT came along, with its message of self-love and goal of helping people with body image issues. I can testify that the struggle is real and this has opened my eyes to people who were hurting and struggling. Though the struggle is not by any means over, I encourage everyone to continually take the step of being vulnerable and share.
However, even though the Body Positivity movement is for the most part about being “real” and telling others that “You can do it too!”, the irony is that we’re still talking and focusing about our bodies, deriving our sense of self worth from other people’s approval. It’s all about me and what the world thinks of me, even if it is in a positive light now.
We should be valued for more than the superficial. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. It is not just the physical, but our innate qualities as well – Your kindness, gentleness, humility, courage, determination. These are qualities that are worth far more than what the eyes can see and speak volumes about who you are. Beauty is not only skin deep, it should reflect who you are inside as well.
These qualities are perfectly reflected in these group that I’ve come to love. Though by no means are any of us a finished product. Everyone recognises the value of extending their hand of friendship in welcoming people from very diverse backgrounds.
I’ve been regularly attending RR (every Saturday morning) and come to think of it, RR actually feels like secondary school all over again. I never thought that I would gain so many new friends at my age. As we celebrate the first anniversary of RTNT this month, I would like to encourage everyone to remember what you love about this group and to constantly share this love with the new people that join us, so that they may in turn experience the love that you have experienced.
Let’s strive to live out the ideals and values of RTNT in our daily lives as well as in the interaction with our friends so that in our own little way, we can bring a little of that Self Love, No Judgment and Happiness back into society.
ROCKstar of the Month is a monthly award given to an inspiring individual who advocates a positive mindset and living an active lifestyle (see full requirements below). For February, Samuel wins for himself TripleFit vouchers!
Requirements to be a ROCKstar of the Month awardee:
- SUPPORT – Believes strongly in the movement and advocates the right mindset
- INFLUENCE – Displays ability to be a positive influence to those around him/her
- ENTHUSIASM – Regularly attends Rock The Naked Truth events
- LEADS BY EXAMPLE – Demonstrates desire to improve lifestyle aligned with the movement
- CONTRIBUTION – Does his/her part to give back to the movement