Making it Click

There are several blogs I faithfully follow…Ali Edwards, Stacy Julian, Karen Russell and Cathy Zielske (to name a few). Cathy has been doing a series of blog posts since the beginning of the year on her quest for fitness and weight loss. Her blog post yesterday really struck a chord with me…it was titled “Fitness and Sustainability: what makes it click?”

She wrote about finding joy in the process: “This just has me thinking about what is it that makes fitness, or the act of moving your body one of sustainability? Why can we keep it up for a time only to lose the inspiration or the dedication? Why do I look at my hot pink running shoes and smile every time I walk past them in the hallway? Why is this so different this time? Don't get me wrong: I do not have the magic bullet to health and fitness here. I'm fully aware that I could leap off this wagon at any time without warning. But something IS different. Something is changing. It ain't just about getting thinner anymore.”

This whole getting fit and healthy is a constant struggle for me. When Russell I and got married, I weighed 120 pounds (that's me 28 years ago). While I know I'll never be that weight again, I do want to feel good about myself. I was doing really well with the exercising…was doing water aerobics 3-4 times a week with a walk or two thrown in. Then two things happened…the water aerobics schedule changed for the summer and I attended a class in the evening where the instructor did some exercises that really threw my back and shoulders out. So I’ve been seeing my wonderful chiropractor a couple times a week again and icing my back on a regular basis. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and back so usually am stiff and sore when I wake up and when I overdo and stress them out to much. So of course, when in pain, do nothing, which leads to depression, which leads to Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream chips, homemade chex mix, M&Ms…so here I am once again starting over. After reading Cathy’s post yesterday, I put on my walking shoes, stretched and headed out for a walk. I’ve finally had to accept that I’m going to hurt regardless of whether I exercise or not, so may as well be active and hopefully get in shape and lose some weight, which would alleviate some of the stress on my knees and back (yes, it’s a vicious circle!). Starting out is always the hard part, but I took an hour walk yesterday and today, and even dared to jog for a few short sprints.

Since returning from my Joan Anderson retreat in April, I’ve made a list of things I want to do, and things I want to change about myself. I have already started on the list of things I want to do, but here’s the thing…I am a great starter but not always a great finisher. I jump head-first into a project and then…lose momentum and interest. If other people are involved, I am more likely to stay committed and engaged to see the project finished. However, if left to my own devices, I will often put it aside. So I have a graveyard of unfinished projects and feel ashamed that I’ve spent money on classes, equipment, etc. but didn’t follow through. Whether it’s regular exercise and healthier eating, or completing an online Photoshop Elements class, I need to find the key to making it click so that I can continue on. It’s like I’m sabotaging my own efforts to better myself and be a healthier, happier Kathryn. Am I the only one? How do I “make it click” and sustain the efforts?

I feel like I keep turning onto a one-way, dead-end street. I need to find a new road. They say that 21 days will make a habit a daily part of life, but in my case, it’s more like months in order to make it stick. So next week, it’s back to water aerobics twice a week and taking a long walk on the other days…go ahead and email me…help me keep on track. If you too are struggling to stick with something, let me know…maybe we can buddy up and fight our way through together.

Comments

[Julie]

I definately have the same problems as you do. I am an outstanding starter at everything I do... but I also lose steam and decide to give up on something. What you wrote in this post really strikes home with me and tomorrow, I hope that I too can put on those walking shoes and head out for at least a couple of miles! I will let you know how I do!

Julie