TGIF

I’m a fairly active person. While I don’t go crazy with it, I tend to have some sort of physical activity on most days of the week. But on Friday, I rest. I take a break from the gym and wake up a little later in the morning. I leave work a little early and do something social or just relax. And while I truly enjoy yoga, swimming, pole and even working out at the gym, there is something to be said for not exerting myself at all. Because Fridays are like dessert. As great as your meal might be, it’s that sweet little something at the end that leaves you smiling with satisfaction.

Ten Minutes

I do my cardio at the gym. It’s not exciting or sexy, but it gets the job done.  It’s not a long workout but I do it most days and have done for years. If I’m honest, I’d feel weird if I didn’t do it. Despite all of this, I dread doing it.

Here’s the thing about the dread. It’s all mental. My body can handle it, but my mind insists on worrying over it like an animal licking a wound. It sits heavy on my mind like a weight until I actually get on a machine and start. And the first ten minutes are the hardest because I’m still carrying that weight with me. I think about how my muscles are tired today or how I just can do the intensity I did yesterday or how I just want to be home in bed. From all the whining and complaining, you would think I had never worked out in my life and in tremendous physical agony. Sadly, I think that a part of me does believe I am. 

Around the ten minute mark, my mind realizes I’m not getting off the machine and there is nothing to be had by yammering on. When my mind shuts up, my body can be heard and more often than not, she’s doing just fine. 

Think less. Do more.