Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 13, 2004
The Big “E”.
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 13, 2004 – Drat it – why is The Big “E” such a necessary part of a good life and why do so many of us, myself included, find it so difficult to fit exercise into our daily lives? During childhood we awere all super-charged with energy. We grew up in fits and starts and got all the exercise we needed just being kids. We were outside all the time!
In school ‘fitness’ became part of our weekly commitments and we were expected to attend classes and participate with our fellow students. Then we graduated from high school and bingo we were on our own. If we were lucky we had developed interests in our formative years that kept us active – such walking, running, tennis, swimming, golf, horse-back riding, skating or biking. But somewhere along about age 30 our careers and family commitments seemed to take over and fitness was often side-lined, in favour of paying the bills, visiting in-laws, looking after a home and kids. What a difference a decade can make! Exercise has now become a chore, and lack thereof, a tremendous guilt inducer.
I was really active up until about age 44. I remember the way I felt after I left the gym. I would typically have had either a 4 or 5 mile run or a brisk half-hour jog on the treadmill followed by a work-out with either resistance machines or free-weights. I looked fabulous, I felt unbelievably powerful and I knew I could take on the world. Then along came 46 and the demise of my personal fitness regimen. I don’t have children, and although I have a busy career, I could certainly find time to fit in an exercise routine. With menopause just around the corner, I knew it was more important than ever to be active, to confront the effects of hormone and metabolism changes, hot flashes, sleep interruptions and … dare I say it – turning 50.
I really didn’t have a problem reaching the half-century mark. I feel about twelve most days, have a decent attitude about life, am blessed with superb health and have the time to pursue a healthy lifestyle. So, why at 54, am I the heaviest I’ve ever been? I’m 5’6″ tall so I carry my weight well, but I don’t like the flabby bits (I’m not sure where I was when the flabby bits applied for the job or who interviewed them) but they have attached themselves to my stomach and upper thighs. The rest of me is like a gazelle.
I have made at least 10 plans – I love checking off the days with my trusty red pen – but so far nothing has really stuck. Okay, that’s enough. Time for a major attitude adjustment and it must be in line with my recognition of the blessed life I lead. I bought a high quality juicer, have re-evaluated my nutrition habits, had my annual physical and today I bought a treadmill.
My former office is now a dedicated work-out room. My treadmill is being delivered in two days and this babe is gonna get fit! By the end of the year the 5 pound chicken who lives around my tummy is going to be banished and my thighs are going to be firm! I will keep you posted on my progress as the year marches on.
I’ve made a contract with myself and I intend to honour it. If I can do this – anyone can!
I’m so grateful to have been given the gift of good health. There are so many people around the world who would give their souls to be able to:
Dress themselves.
Walk up a flight of stairs.
Have a pain-free day.
Shovel snow.
Run, jump, play tennis or golf.
Swim or ski.
Play with their children or run with their dog.
Walk along a sandy beach with their toes in the waves.
Plant flowers in their gardens.
Live outside a hospital or special care facility.
Walk away from their wheelchairs or beds.
Health is God’s greatest gift and The Big ‘E’ is my new best friend!
