I love this process, this self-improvement train ride that I am on. Choo-Choo!
Since I started running, I learned ~
1. That I am stronger that I thought I was. I mean physically. I think I know, no make that, I believe that I am strong emotionally and mentally. After all, I did raise a special needs child into a wonderful human being that he is now (more by him but nurtured by hubby and I), there is a certain amount of resiliency in that. Other things in my life also prove that I have the mettle to make big changes such as migrating to a foreign country and leading a successful life ~ career- wise and otherwise. But physically? In my mind, I am weak. Running has proven that I am not. I am capable of improving myself. I am able to train to run faster (my brand of “faster” that is) and last longer. 21 kilometers, if that ain’t strong, then I don’t know what is. Maybe 42 kilometers? That’s the next goal!
2. That one must have a goal more than “lose weight”. Leading a healthy lifestyle requires a certain amount of Goal-Keeping. What does that mean? I eat better, my food choices are more mindful, and I eat only what my body needs. Because I cannot be running around with excess kilos around. For how can I achieve my speed and distance goals if I don’t take care of my kilos?
3. That I have to take care every aspect of my fitness. I attend yoga classes to be flexible. Running makes muscles tight, yoga releases tightness. I attend pilates classes to strengthen my core. A strong core makes a runner achieve balance to keep form. Keeping to a good running form reduces injuries and assists in speed. I lift weights. I need my arms to stay upright and not fatigued for the required hours I have to run.
4. That I can overcome mental and physical barriers every day. This is what endorphins does to me. It enables me to cut through my very own negativity. And if I practice this resistance-busting mental gymnastics daily, I become a better person for it.
5. That if I am passionate enough about something, I will find make the time to do it. No excuses. In the past, I have been guilty of saying “but where do I find the time?” Now I know that those words mean nothing. I utterred them when I did not want to do something. Or when I do not have a specific vision or objective.
6. That I can say NO. No to socializing for socializing’s sake. I am now better on deciding what and with whom I spend time with. I no longer feel that I am missing out if I miss a social gathering.
7. That it is OK to be self-aware and self-centred. (Centred being the keyword here) I love that I am the fittest I have ever been. Being centred to one’s self is OK. It is what matters most, actually. There is such a dogma/stigma against being self-absorbed. I will try to turn that thought around and call it ~ The greatest love of all and use the term self-aware. And we do not have to tag it as being vain or narcissistic. Be gentle and be kind to yourself. Don’t eat that whole bowl of pasta! Half a bowl is all you need, that’s what I tell myself anyway.
8. That there is no such thing as too late to start exercising. There is no set time limit; no expiration date when it comes to caring for one’s self.
9. THE END.
Thank you for reading, as always.
Leave a Reply