Wednesday, February 8, 2006

If I can do this, anyone can!

     ONE WEEK! Yes, last Wednesday I signed up at the gym, started exercising, and eating healthy, and I am still alive! Not only am I still alive, but I really FEEL alive.
     I cannot believe the difference in my energy level and just overall feeling.
     I must admit I did not bound out of bed this morning at 4:30, but I did get up, and once I was moving and on my way to the gym, I felt tons better. It's just a matter of taking that first step.
     Since I started last week, I had a conversation with an important woman in my life, who feels at a low to make any changes in her own life. She told me how proud she is of what I am doing, and that she wished she could do something, too.
     She is overweight, and her body hurts all the time. She hurts too much to exercise, but the heavier she gets the more she hurts. The cycle keeps growing.
     I told her she just has to start little. Even if she sits in her chair, watches television and starts with arm exercises. Eventually she can even do leg exercises from a sitting position, which takes off the pressure of being overweight.
     The biggest message I shared with her is to take the first step. I know that once I at least start, it is far easier to keep going. That doesn't mean it is not hard going though.
     Just last night I was thinking, "Holy cow! This working out is really time consuming." SIGH.
     Then I remembered that a good friend reminded me that I did not get where I am physically in only a month, so obviously it will take time (and I should add, LOTS of it).
     This morning when I was on the bike, I started thinking about hours. As a teacher I work at least 40 hours a week.
     Getting into shape is seriously like a second job! At least a part-time job in the number of hours I need to dedicate, especially until I am at the fitness level I desire to be. Once I have reached my goal, I know that I will be able to work out less to maintain.
     Right now my schedule feels crazy. I have figured out that I actually have to give myself exercise appointments, much like if I was going to the doctor or to have my hair cut. We keep those appointments, right?
     It's amazing to me just how much I have learned about myself in one week. I look forward to what comes this week!     

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

     Way to go Trish! I know what you mean in that working out is an appointment. I am still trying to get motivated! You are inspiring me. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best. If you want some really good recipes that are good for you, try a diabetic cook book. Better Homes and Gardens has one with some really yummy recipes.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading; keep up the good work and good workouts.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the great work! The first week is usually the hardest. Thank you for being an inspiration to me to get back on the healthy lifestyle track. I am addicted to your blog!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Trisha. What an example you are setting for our kids. My family is very obese; my grandmother died at 400 pounds. Every time I hear my mother complain about how her hips hurt or how her legs hurt (she is over 200 pounds), I bite my tongue wanting to suggest that she exercise, what what she eats.
I do hope that they are putting your story in the school newspaper, too, where the kids can relate to your story.
Good luck and God bless.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.