In the last month or so, I went back to the gym on a fairly regular basis. I got a medical diagnosis that motivated me to get more serious about my well-being. Let’s be clear. I’m no gym rat. Thankfully, the diagnosis felt like court-appointed A.A. meetings. I had to get with the program, or else. Maybe that’s just what I needed because I lack the self-discipline to stay on track.
Basically, I’m extremely healthy. Yet, I needed a wake-up call, as others of us do in helping professions. It’s easier to focus on someone else.
Whether it is obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression or some auto-immune nightmare, many of us experience the consequences of not putting on our oxygen masks first, before we help others with theirs.
Now I know that some people get high on endorphins. I also know people who like to sweat. Actually, I have one friend who calls sweat, “liquid awesome”. Give me a break.
I’m not one of those people. Still, I found a trainer who is a former college athlete. Her services were affordable- free! So, I couldn’t use the cost as an excuse. Believe me, I have many excuses.
- no time
- pastoral crisis
- a sermon to write
- too busy
- my gym clothes are dirty
- I’ll eat less today
- blisters
- walking away from donuts should count for something
- I’ll work twice as hard tomorrow
Do any of these sound familiar? The other day, however, I saw a post on facebook. Unfortunately I didn’t save it. Perhaps you saw it and can correct me. It said something like this.
If I could change the nickname of the toilet from John to Jim, then when someone asked me if I was going to the gym that day, I could say, “I’ve already gone”.
All of this is to say, “I’m upping my commitment to exercise. Up yours”.