I am still practicing judging less and doing more. I suspect I will need to do so for the rest of my life, and I like that idea. Because critique is my main mode as a scholar, balancing that tendency feels wise.
I had four exercise sessions this week, beginning with Wednesday’s BGR! meet-up. I ran solo this time, but that was fine. It felt good to start my day with a 5K. On Thursday, I woke up feeling like moving! I went to the gym and got on the treadmill, but my enthusiasm didn’t last long. I stayed on 40 minutes, walking about half the time. On Saturday, I got up and ready for a group run, but I had the wrong location. I then decided to go back home and write, keeping my workout clothes on for a solo run later that day. I never ended up doing that. Then, as the time approached for dinner with a friend, I decided to get on my WaterRower… and I did so with enthusiasm! However, after 15 minutes, I stopped. (I’m still not feeling confident about my form on that thing.) Today, I did a lot of relaxing, partly because I had more wine last night than usual. It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that I did any writing, but I felt good about what I finally did. I then treated myself to a 4-mile run outdoors. Getting outside was definitely the move!
What became clearest to me this week is the importance of showing up. Even though two of my workout sessions were much shorter and less energetic than I expected when I started, I gave myself credit. And, of course, when you show up consistently, amazing energy will sometimes meet you, inspiring you to do more than planned. (I hardly need to add that this proves true with writing as much as running/walking.) I love the idea of showing up consistently and welcoming whatever assistance joins me.
Because getting started is often the hardest part, let’s commit to showing up for ourselves. Let’s keep defeating that voice that proves more consistent than we’d sometimes like. I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that the voice that wants me to quit is pretty faithful. I don’t expect to crush it with a grand gesture, but it won’t beat me by showing up more than I do!
Thanks for this, Koritha! Your posts keep on motivating me with my writing, and eventually maybe the motivation will trickle over to exercise, too. Keep pushing.
That means so much to me, Brittney! Thank you for reading these and for commenting on the blog. One step at a time, we’re doing this!!!
I’ll say the opposite for now 🙂 I’m getting the exercise down, but the writing? Nowhere. Gotta keep showing up. I made a folder the other day, audaciously, for my next project. Now I have to put something in it.
I hear you, Pranav. It’s quite a journey. That’s why support is so crucial. We’re often at different points and can therefore help each other with the necessary nudges. I’m struck by the importance of your having taken that step. Deliberately give yourself credit for audaciously setting up that folder and watch how you feel drawn to take another step!
Yes! I failed to show up several times last week. That’s right, not one workout! I shut out the negative voice, gave myself credit for making sleep a priority, and vow not to let a few days of not showing up turn into several weeks. With the much needed rest I now feel re-energized and ready to show up this week!
Ok, I’m going to retract the word “failed” and be kinder to myself. Instead of showing up for my workouts last week I decided sleep was more beneficial for my health. (WOW,see how “the voice” showed up even as I was posting this)
Wow! There’s so much wisdom in this comment, Carie. Giving yourself credit and practicing kindness.This is going to help so many people see themselves more clearly. What a gift for you to share this!
Thank you Koritha! Love it–great motivation. At times I am too hard on myself. Showing up and embracing and celebrating the fact that you showed up despite the fact of the duration of the workout, I showed up, I made the effort and I accomplished something! I am still moving forward.
Yep, “still moving forward.” So grateful!