Debbie Does Push-ups! Days 6/7 (I know)

50%, 46% and the Secret Smoker

Dear Diary,

Yesterday’s push-up target was 50. Fifty push-ups for the 50% of the world’s population who will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Half. Let's look at a packed Super Bowl stadium as an example. Average attendance? Roughly 65,000–70,000 people. Imagine half of them. Over 30,000 humans silently battling something internally. That’s not a small number. That’s not “a few people.”

That’s half of us. And yesterday, I sat on the sofa with Netflix and let that fact sink in.

A Sofa Day & A Statistic That Hit Home

I took the day off. No teaching. No yoga. No Pilates. No “Debbie Double.” No team lead coordination.

Just rest. And while I rested, I thought about that 50% statistic and how it resonates with my own life.

I’m 46 years old. And if I’m being honest, I would say for about 50% of my life, I’ve struggled with mental health in some capacity. That might surprise you. Because on the outside, I’m Happy Debb. Strong Debb. Positive Debb. Funny Debb. Motivating Deb. As a yoga instructor, Pilates instructor, wellness coach and team lead, I wear my leadership hat well. I shine when I’m pushing others to do hard things.

And here’s the truth: I push people because I need to push myself.

Day 6: 46 Push-Ups & The Mind–Body Truth

Today’s target was 46. It signifies (not just my age) but the 46% of people worldwide who believe mental health matters more than physical health for overall wellbeing. And for me, that’s not just a statistic. It's lived experience. I’ve been in a body that looked “fine” while my mind was not. I’ve taught classes while silently struggling. I’ve smiled, motivated and led, all while battling habits I wasn’t proud of. When my mental health was shaky, my physical habits reflected it. Smoking. Overeating. Binge drinking. Avoiding movement. Numbing instead of nourishing. You can’t separate the two. When my mind was scattered, anxious, grieving, or addicted; my body followed. And when I began strengthening my mind through breath, awareness, connection and honest reflection; my body changed too. The physical transformation people saw started in my head. Yes, not all bodies can do all movements. I know that.

But if the mind believes it’s possible…

If the mind is willing…

Then slowly, the body follows.

The body becomes evidence of the mind’s decisions.

This isn’t “woo woo.” Thoughts affect brain chemistry.

Brain chemistry affects behaviour. Behaviour affects health.

Let’s Go Back to 23-Year-Old Debb

At 23 (exactly half my age today), I was not moving my body.

I was overeating (and not quality food.) Hello Whopper poutine combo with a Diet Coke 🙋🏻‍♀️ True story.

I was binge drinking on weekends and smoking full time (Craven Menthols… remember those? OMG).

I knew smoking wasn’t good for me. But addiction doesn’t care what you “know.” My Portuguese parents weren’t dumb. They could smell it. I just never smoked in front of them. I quit a few times. Then I’d have one at a party. Then a few the next weekend. Then I’d buy a pack.

And there I was again.

Back at it.

A smoker.

Then I Found Yoga

Or maybe yoga found me. The literal meaning of yoga is “to connect.” Through breath. Through

movement. Through awareness. I started fueling my body with oxygen instead of smoke. After a few months:I quit smoking. I changed how I ate. I lost weight. I felt better in my skin. I went to yoga teacher training. And that’s when Yoga Debb emerged.

Genetics, Grief & The Pack I Bought in 2023

With my father’s mental health struggles, I always wondered:

Is this genetic? Do I have addictive tendencies? Are these anxiety provoking thoughts I have "normal?"

For years, I stayed strong, not returning to my smoking habit.

Until April 12, 2023. The day my father passed away… I bought a pack of cigarettes.

I don’t fully know why.

Maybe:“Life is short, who cares.” Comfort. Numbing grief. Muscle memory of an old coping mechanism.

That night I said to my boyfriend (my husband now):

“I have a confession. I bought a pack of cigarettes. Please don’t judge me.”

He said, “Judge you? I’ll join you.”

There we were. Smoking. Crying. Living. After a few days, we threw them out.

Until we didn’t. “Weekend smokes.” Then a few months off.

Then back on. Then weeknights. Then daily.

Yes.

A yoga teacher. A wellness leader. A secret smoker.

Very inspiring.

Here’s What I’m Learning

I’m human.

I have the capacity to choose better.

And I have the capacity to fall back into habits I know aren’t good for me.

Both can be true.

We decided to get help. Together.

Laser therapy. Commitment. Support.

It’s been almost five months smoke-free.

That may not sound long, but if you’ve ever battled a habit, you know it’s huge.

Now when I smell smoke anywhere; barf.

No judgment.

Growth.

The Strongest Muscle

You never know who’s struggling in silence.

You never know what’s happening behind closed doors.

Half of us are fighting something.

Be kind.

The mind is the strongest muscle in the body.

And just like push-ups… it gets stronger when you use it.

The Sweetest Part of This Story

Yesterday, I didn’t do my 50 push-ups.

I didn’t write. I didn’t have the energy.

Rui came home.

“My love, you feeling better?”

“I’m okay.”

“Oh shit. I forgot my push-ups. 50 right?”

“Yeah… I’m skipping today.”

He said, “Of course. You don’t feel well. I’ll do yours.”

"What? I'm not sure if that's allowed in this challenge."

"Says who?" ;)

He did 100 push-ups.

For us.

Note: to my single ladies:

A gentleman makes your life easier, not more complicated.

I was single until I was 42. True story. That was a whole other blog years ago.

Don’t rush. You deserve kindness. You deserve simplicity.

You deserve to be treated like a queen.

Why This Push-Up Challenge Matters

This push-up challenge isn’t just about triceps (although mine are currently highly activated).

It’s about awareness. It's about honesty. It's about reminding people they are not alone.

Half of us will face mental health challenges in our lifetime. That means this is personal. For all of us.

Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s someone you love. Maybe it’s both.

If these words resonate with you, if this challenge has made you think, reflect, or feel seen I invite you to consider donating. https://www.thepushupchallenge.ca/main-donate-page

Donate to individual: Debbie Cabral or Team Pushitrealgood26

Every dollar goes toward supporting mental health initiatives and helping break the stigma around struggles we often keep hidden.

You don’t have to do 50 push-ups. You don’t have to do 46.

But you can start a conversation. Share this post. Reach out to someone. Or contribute if you’re able.

Thank you for supporting this challenge. Thank you for caring. Thank you for showing up.

We are all works in progress.

We all have self-doubt, fear, addictions, and silent mental battles.

Half of us are carrying something heavy.

And we are all worthy of support.

Keep choosing better. Keep doing hard things. Keep pushing; especially on the days you don’t want to.

And if you can’t?

Maybe someone who loves you will do 100 for you.

— Yoga Debb

Building strength, mindset, and real-life consistency; one breath at a time 💗