Hello friends! It’s time for me to talk about a book I recently read: “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself” by Harriet A. Jacobs. You may ask, “why is the big and strong Russian man reading a book about slavery?” Well, let me tell you – this book is not just important, it’s inspiring! And as someone who loves to lift weights, let me tell you, there’s a lot we can learn from this book.
First, let me give you a quick plot summary. Harriet Jacobs was born into slavery and suffered many cruel and inhumane treatments throughout her life. She was taught to read and write by her mistress, which eventually led to her escape to the North where she became an abolitionist and an advocate for women’s rights. Her book is a firsthand account of her life – the violence and sexual abuse she encountered, her complicated relationship with her mistress, and her struggles as a mother.
Now, you may be thinking, “this book sounds like a real downer, why should I read it?” I’m here to tell you that even though the subject matter is heavy, the book is truly uplifting. Harriet Jacobs is an incredible woman who overcame so much in her life. Her determination and bravery are truly inspiring. It’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles, but reading about someone who faced so many challenges and still managed to fight for what was right can really put things into perspective.
But what does this have to do with lifting weights, you may ask? Well, my friends, lifting weights is all about pushing ourselves to be better, to overcome obstacles and become the strongest versions of ourselves. Harriet Jacobs did just that. She refused to let her circumstances define her and instead took control of her own life. That’s something we can all aspire to.
So, I encourage you to pick up “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” and give it a read. You won’t regret it. And after you’ve finished, why not come down to the gym and let’s chat about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how we can apply Harriet Jacobs’ strength to our own workouts.
Thanks for reading, my friends. Remember, we all have the power to lift ourselves up, both physically and mentally. Let’s strive to be the strongest versions of ourselves we can be. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the book and what you did in the gym today. Stay strong!