JournalMENU

Maybe a new training journal is what's necessary to get back on track... Just saying :)

and

Democracy matters.

It is NOT free.

We see the price of democracy being paid right now in Ukraine.

We see democracy attempting to be stolen.

**And we see democracy defended.**

We see democracy defended by the fortitude and constitution of those brave Ukrainians who refuse to let enforced silence become their only voice.

We see them stand up to Putin, a ruler who has perverted the democracy of his own country so that only his voice matters.

Putin, who poisoned, and cheated and bombed his way to his own power.

Putin, who tried to take away Ukrainian democracy through rigged elections and insidious influence.

Putin, who squashes the freedom of others to further his ambition.

**The Ukrainian people rejected his corruption.**

**They rejected his annexation.**

**And now, they reject his invasion.**

They speak with clear voices punctuated by rifle shots and anti-tank missiles. They sing with incredible strength to sound out the bursts of bombs and civilian atrocities.

They fight for their country.

They bleed for their families.

They defend their right to have a voice.

Because Democracy Matters, and so do they.

**Glory to Ukraine**

**Слава Україні!**

# # #

# # # **Why A Ukraine Journal?**

I designed this Ukraine journal as a tool to fundraise for the Ukrainian defense effort.

I’m not a government or organization. I’m just a guy with a small printing press trying to do my part, to stand up for what I believe in.

Ukraine Journal: [https://www.journalmenu.com/product/ukraine-journal-democracy-matters/](https://www.journalmenu.com/product/ukraine-journal-democracy-matters/)

All profits will go to the Special Defense Fund setup by the National Bank of Ukraine.

If you’d like to donate directly to them, here is the link: [https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi](https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi)

I should print this journal cover just for today...

"When you lose an hour due to daylight savings, you lose that hour you were going to the gym.

It's science."

Tosha saw one of our custom journals and wanted something similar. I think it turned out pretty cool.

Greet your workout with a smile.

Your barbell too.

Since when did working out become such a chore?

When did we lose the big grin on our faces when we were running with the wind?

I don't know how it happened, or when or why, but it did. And it needs to change.

There is no reason why climbing the ropes can't be like the playground or swinging on the bar can't be fun.

Yeah, I know it will hurt, I know it's a burner today. I know the barbell feels heavy and that is frustrating, but get over it. Have some fun.

Our attitudes will determine if we roll our eyes at the lifts, or revel in the handstands.

One experience will certainly be more enjoyable than the other.

So bring a smile and a positive attitude. It will change your whole outlook, and maybe let you enjoy the ride.

Let’s Go!

No more excuses my friend, it is time to start.

There are a million things that you can let get in your way, so let’s make it easy.

Say yes to the go.

We’ll start with where you’re at, start with today, start with the now.

Let’s just go.

Who knows where we’ll end up. But guaranteed we’ll be farther than we are right now.

Let’s Go.

A good coach.

A good coach knows how to push you, while keeping you safe.

A good coach knows the ins and outs of barbell movements, they know the right cues and how to put you in the right positions.

A good coach knows the value of programming and the value of constantly varied.

A great coach is the one who inspires you to actually show up every day, grind through the muck, do it right and leave a soggy, sore, happy mess.

A great coach is rare. They are the ones cheering you through the run, and motivating you to come back after failure.

They are the ones who find you when you're MIA, who know your injuries and push you to respect yourself each and every day.

Everyone deserves a good coach.

Everyone needs a great coach.

Yup. They usually get a breathless nod...if I can spare the energy...

The barbell.

It lies there waiting to find out how hungry you are.

It is blind to how your day was.

It doesn't care what is in your bank account or what your skin color is.

It disregards all of your excuses.

It just sits there, patiently.

Waiting.

It wants to know if you will show up today. It wants to know if you will load up the plates and give it 100% or merely chat the day away with your partner and save yourself for another workout.

What will it be? Strength or gossip? Power or rationalization? Dedication or half-heartedness?

You choose. A new PR or an extra few minutes to sit around.

And yes, there is a correct choice.

This still gets me most mornings 😁😁😁

Bagh! Brings back memories of CrossFit Boston and the beginning of my time with a barbell.