Several weeks ago I found myself feeling amiss. I couldn't quite put my finger on the exact word that defined how I was feeling, but words like "surreal", or "out of sync" were the ones I came up with at the time. As I continued reflecting on things, I started to recognize that I've been generally feeling sub-par with respect to a number of different areas in my life. It's hard to keep motivated and maintain a positive attitude when things are perpetually just "okay."
When faced with a problem, there are at least two ways of looking at it:
1.) Focus one's energy and attention on the problem itself.
2.) Re-direct one's energy and attention towards finding a solution.
Now, in most cases, both of the above are necessary. It's hard to find a solution to a problem if you don't first have a proper understanding of the actual problem. However, we often have a tendency to get stuck on #1 and forget that we do have "options" for moving past the problem. The options aren't always easily discernible, nor are they always going to be the options we WISH were available; but, they're there.
So, in order to dig myself out of this latest sand trap I decided it was time to seriously dig in and finally knock off the extra 5-10 lbs. I had gained last winter during an extended illness. I honestly believe that literally everything in my life is connected to my workouts through a trickle down effect. Therefore, hitting the gym was going to be phase one in my plan of attack against mediocrity. Being fit makes me feel strong, beautiful, and free. That's very different from sub par and just okay! My work in the gym also serves as a good reminder of the discipline, perseverance and intentionality it takes to make one's dreams happen. Rituals matter, and I keep finding time and again that my movement, self-reflection, and experience in the gym inspire me in many other areas of my life. It's all interconnected.
All of the above is really just par for the course. Undoubtedly life is full of ups and downs, but sometimes the long boring stretches can be equally challenging. I'm ready to break out of this long boring stretch with some new adventures. So, that's just what I'm doing--breaking up my routine by doing things like joining a women's basketball league (I heart basketball!!), or trying a new class at my gym (Yay BODYPUMP!). In the end I'm doing things that I love, and better loving myself while doing it. Life doesn't get much better than that!
