The Psychology of Lifting

 Starting out, I had a low self-esteem, didn't think much of myself, and found myself saying "I can't" more often than I can remember. The thought of exercising as even a chore, since at the time I was at about 25% bodyfat and I started at 14, and I was being humiliated for being so big and weak. After a while though, I realized I started to change: I woke up more refreshed, I felt better overall, and I could do more, and I was losing my body fat. I felt invigorated, and became hooked.
 The point is, it increased my self-esteem, and made me feel like I had some self-worth, and everybody started realizing I was making an effort to improve myself, so I was bullied less. After a while, I started getting even bigger than the bullies, and bullied them to prove a point (at the time it seemed like a good idea, but now I know it makes me no better than them, although I did explain why I did it, and I stopped when they stopped). It's important to always remember why you started to take that first step, as it will always help when you're in a rough patch and need some motivation to keep going. I don't bully the bullies anymore, but I talk to them and see what the underlying problem is that causes them to pick on others, because the kids that pick on others are either being picked on by someone else, or they have a family issue that they don't want or can't address to anyone they can trust.
 Also as a personal experience, a few months ago I was going through depression. I was drinking a lot, I stayed away from my friends, I just didn't want to deal with anyone and stay in my room all day. I decided one day I got sick of it, and was trying to remember why I quit weight lifting. So I picked the weights up, and did a few exercises. Next thing you know, four to five months later, I feel better than ever! I been sober for that length of time and I don't feel tempted to drink again, and I feel happy, and like talking to my friends. Exercise has been shown to "cure" peoples' depression, both minor and major forms (I THINK the percentage is about 80% chance for a depressed person to go into remission after they exercised consistently for a few weeks to a month, I know it's a very high percentage).
 So the thing to keep in mind is this: exercising and weight lifting help you just as much mentally, as it does physically. Once an object is in motion, it wants to STAY in motion. While an object at rest, wants to STAY at rest. The best thing you can do for yourself when you feel a little down is go jog a mile, or even throw around some weights! It can help you feel more perky than you think!