facing fears.
1.4.19
I think it’s very easy to view people in a one-dimensional light. Especially if you only know them in one environment like school. And that’s an insecurity of mine: to be viewed as a one-dimensional person. Most people know I’m very passionate about weightlifting and exercising. I know everyone just pictures listening to heavy metal and picking up heavy things, but there’s more to it than that.
When I was a kid, I was in this accelerated program. There were around twenty five of us who were all in the same class from first through eighth grade. And essentially, we were the nerds. And here was me, this chubby red-headed kid in that program.
I was intensely bullied by these kids in my neighborhood from around sixth grade until freshmen year of high school. The thing that bothered me the most was feeling like there was nothing I could do about it. I felt powerless. Helpless.
And that’s where working out came in. Exercising and weightlifting gave me a sense of control over what others perceived about me, and what I perceived about myself.
I flew planes before PT school—I was pursuing a degree in aviation. I had a big fear of heights before flying planes, but I wanted to do it because I was attracted to the idea of facing fears. It’s the same thing whether it’s taking off in a plane for the first time, or stepping under a bar with 500 pounds loaded on it, wondering whether you’re going to be able to stand up. It’s scary and there’s a lot of anxiety, but you control those emotions so you can get the job done. I love putting myself in those situations. You realize that it’s all on you; you’re in control. And that’s exhilarating.
Gavin Weir
Class of 2019