Have you ever needed or wanted to "start over again"? I have started over again so very many times, and I have always done so with a shameful hanging of the head, as in, well, I guess I failed again. Starting over with this attitude implies a belief that there is a "finish" line somewhere down the road. That when I reach it I will be done with this process. But I recently realized the error of this line of thought.
A life of movement and health involves a daily commitment and follow thru. While the habits of working out and watching what we eat can lead to a number on a scale or tape measure or distance, unless we are willing to give up the results, we can not give up the process.
So, yes, running and Bringing It with Tony and Jamming with Chalene and stretching in my yoga class and cutting out junk food might lead to weight loss or fat loss or strength gain or flexibility. But if I view those things as the "Finish Line" I will be very disappointed in a months time if I then depart from my healthy habits.
In order to keep my weight and strength and flexibility and speed I also need to keep my training and diet focused. Now the reality is, my body, energy, time, interests, etc. fluctuate from day to day or season to season. So sometimes I am craving a gentle yoga stretch or a meditative long run or a sweaty kickboxing session. Sometimes my body needs more iron or potassium or carbs and will crave foods accordingly. Sometimes my job or home or family has needs that supersede my schedule, and to feel balanced I need to tend to those for a while. I think it is important to listen and respond to all of these aspects of my life.
By doing so, I acknowledge the wholeness of myself as a person, and the on-going need for movement, nourishment, and rest. My commitment to health extends beyond a program or a goal weight. It extends to my late nights and early mornings, my friends and family, my mind and soul, not 90 days, but 90+years from now. That is my finish line. And in order to reach it, my commitment starts in a different way each day, but it starts over nonetheless. When it doesn't I will have reached my Finish Line.
And I would like that Finish Line to be far, far away right now!
