We've all read this quote by Marianne Williamson and attempted to let it seep into our psyches: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually who are you not to be?" We apply it to our careers and our relationships, but I've noticed something recently; the gals from the bootcamp I go to are leaving their power and awesomeness at home. They're hiding their potential ... their strength ... and their improvement from the other girls. No one wants to stand out. No one wants to be first to finish --- and that's sad. While competition has its moments and can be obnoxious as heck sometimes, holding yourself back so that others won't feel threatened by your strength is FBG blasphemy! I'm sure they don't want to feel like they're leaving others behind --- we, as women, have a tendency to always take care of everyone else. But, women, you have to learn that you're only holding yourself back! You have to keep pushing yourself during every workout! Who cares what the person besides you thinks of your running-pace improving! Who cares what they think of your new ability to do a perfect push-up? Celebrate your body's changes! Celebrate strength! Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments! You're not only sabotaging yourself by hiding in the shadows, but your'e also hurting those around you who are watching; those who are waiting to see inspiration in others (even if you --- or they --- don't realize it yet). As for the bootcamp girls, I'm on a mission to push them out of the shadows. I challenge you to push, too. Step into your strength and your Fit Bottomed Girl big girl panties. Embrace the light! Are you guilty of downplaying your own accomplishments to make others more comfortable? Go ahead, brag about your successes in the comments! —Tish