I was in the gym recently and noticed that I'm looking a little more muscular than I have in a long time.

I was like "Hmm, I look good! Selfie time!"

Like most gym dwellers, I take photos of my progress. Sometimes it's hard to notice the gains when you're your own worst critic.

A few moments after taking this pic I was strangely reminded of a conversation I had with a high school teacher. I was 17 and a pretty healthy guy but then I started smoking. When that teacher found out, she was so disappointed in me. I remember her words, "Don, what are you doing? You are a symbol of health for young people and smoking is only going to ruin that. You're better than this!"

Those words stuck with me. Add to that the fact that she was always speaking good things to me in my younger years. She was an amazing mentor and a symbol of health to me and many others in those days.

It took a few years, but I did quit smoking in my early 20s and haven't smoked since. It's people like her that make the difference. The ones willing to show you they care by telling you the hard truths.

Don Amero

Don Amero, Métis, says he's been working hard to be a dad, husband, musician, person that stays in shape. "I indulge in the sweets sometimes and now and again enjoy other foods, but for me it's about balance. The take-away from this is that I hope you really listen to those that truly care for you and your wellbeing. They're not out there to take away from your life but rather add to it!"

I haven't forgotten those words. Sofia and I hope others will find encouragement from your words the way I did back in those defining teen years.

I have been working hard to be a dad, husband, musician, person that stays in shape. I indulge in the sweets sometimes and now and again enjoy other foods, but for me it's about balance. The take-away from this is that I hope you really listen to those that truly care for you and your wellbeing. They're not out there to take away from your life but rather add to it!

I wonder where I'd be now if it were not for Sofia's words almost 20 years ago.

#Grateful #MondayMotivation #SelfCare #GymLife #Balance

Don Amero, Métis, is an award-winning singer, who grew up in Winnipeg's North End. Because he followed advice of his elders, today he is a husband, father, and young warrior setting an example for others to follow.