12th
I Found Inspiration in a 70 Pound Boxer
Ok, ok it’s been almost 2 weeks since I checked in… when last I wrote we were facing the challenges of nachos, dip, beer and the Super Bowl. So how did you do? Be honest…Were you able to avoid the cheesy products? Able to do a few crunches at halftime with the Boss wailing?
NO worries. The most important thing to remember is that if you had a weak day yesterday, LET IT GO. Today is a new day. Don’t dwell on the 14 cookies or the Danish you devoured in frustration at work or the extra large portion of Alfredo you consumed at dinner or the bowl of sweet cereal at midnight . Wake up today drinking water and recommitting yourself to being disciplined to your health and fitness regimen. Do not bemoan your lapse…celebrate your ability to get back on track.
Ok here is a good example…I just returned from a trip to Florida. I was down in Orlando helping out a friend after her surgery and as we well know, travelling can really make it tough to stay disciplined. The change in location and routine and the visiting with friends can make it hard to eat right or take the time to exercise. The first two days I drank too much wine and ate too many chips. I drank very little water and did not run, or walk or stumble thru a single leg lift. By the third day I was overcome with guilt and a feeling of malaise. I was grouchy and bloated. I started to get depressed and pulled up the covers a little higher and turned over to sleep a few more hours.
And then something nudged me…ok I’d love to tell you it was a glorious epiphany of some sort…a bright light and choir music in the background…but in completely honesty I have to tell you it was my friend’s 70 pound boxer, Eddie, begging to go outside. His unbridled enthusiasm and energy did the trick. I got myself out of bed, saw the bright, beautiful morning and kicked myself in the butt. It was a new day.
I drank a large glass of water, ate some fruit, put on my workout clothes, a visor and tennis shoes, grabbed my Mp3 and I went for a long walk/jog. I took it easy since I had been off a few days. I swear my perspiration smelled like Sauvignon Blanc. EWWWWWW! When I returned, I did some exercises. That evening I found myself avoiding the chips and wine and choosing some salsa, carrots and crystal light in water instead. I ate an early dinner so I would not be tempted to eat salty snacks. I was back on track.
The next afternoon I went to the the grocery store and bought some healthy snacks and a big jug of water. I retrieved the elastic exercise bands from my suitcase pocket and began using them. For the next 4 days I walked/jogged and exercised at least an hour each day and drank water nonstop.
When I returned home this past Monday I had lost a pound. Sweet success. Thank you Eddie.
Find your own inspiration every day. Embrace your ability to get back on track. Celebrate your success one day at a time.
