To be completely honest, exercise is one of those lifestyle choices that's never come naturally or easy to me. When I see people out running or going to yoga without fail, it seems like a miracle to me. I have to work the idea of exercise through all these bends in my brain before it feels like something I really want to do. This is another prime example of me doing what's natural versus doing what will make me authentically happy. And, of course, it's easy to excuse myself because I'm always working... But if I applied one fifth of the work ethic I have to diet and exercise, I wouldn't be in this shape.
Still... the weekend is here and I can take some time to think about what I'm going to do, to hopefully come up with a steady and sustainable approach and to be a bit nicer and patient with myself about all these things. I want to build that plan from a positive starting point rather than a self-flagellating one.
As well as these thoughts, this blog post presented one of those magical moments of blog synchronicity.This very topic is something also something I've been thinking and talking about a lot lately and is beautifully expressed by Dominique Browning. If you don't already follow her blog, I recommend making some space for it!
I'm really looking forward to the weekend. There'll be a farmer's market and meetings with friends. I'll be cracking the spine of a new book and making plans that make me feel optimistic and full of potential. What are you up to? Hope it's a lovely one (and a lovely long one for US readers)!
Image credits: 1. Climbing Hydrangea, 2. ., 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled
When I first got on medications for my moods, I gained 45 lbs (I kid you not!). Now, my frame is tiny (I'm 5'6" and have always been around 115 lbs) so imagine the shock. In order to loose it I got on a diet that I called "the spoon diet". It goes as follows... fill your plate as much as you think it makes you happy. Then, eat it. But ALWAYS leave one spoon of food there, in every plate. It takes a while, but the weight comes off ;)
ReplyDeleteWorking out does not come so easily to me, either. But I have found, over the years, that it really helps me fight off the depression that always tries to creep back in, despite my best efforts. It's tough, but I truly believe it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteHappy holiday weekend! Hope it's a good one.
read the blog post & that poem... something i've thought about a lot in the past couple years as well. i think i'm more like the old man than the author, though i'm not sure what's really right.
ReplyDeleteJane, I am right there with you. When people say they go the gym everyday I am stunned! I have to force myself to do these things. This week I got on a scale.. oh my!! Didn't know how bad it had gotten.. anyhow.. I feel your pain!!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to a mini vacation as soon as I get through my deadlines today! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the sunshine.
Exercise habits just take a little time to form, really. I'm normally (we're talking over the last decade) one of those people who requires at least an hour of hard cardio everyday just to feel my best. It really does burn off stress for me.
ReplyDeleteBut when life gets crazy, things fall apart. I can count the number of times I've been to the gym this year on one hand, and it's so sad. I tell myself I'm too busy, but I realize that I need to cut something else in order to make time.
I've found that if I set a schedule and stick to it for a month, then I'm set for a long time. I just remind myself that I don't skip work because I'm feeling tired or lazy and I shouldn't use that as excuse to shortchange my health either.
Um, I need to get on this. Will be setting up a schedule soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful weekend Jane! I'm so glad you've been enjoying Dominique's blog - and I am so with you on the empty chair post. It's one of the things that I love so much about our little blog community - I feel like I've met so many truly supportive people and friends - even though many of us have yet to meet in person!
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical collection of images!
ReplyDeleteI would never ever exercise if I had to go to a gym. I run, and am really invigorated by the time outdoors as much as the exercise. Is there someone you could run or walk with, to make it more fun and keep you accountable?
Happy weekend!
I have a saying when I go for a run: "I'm off to be a better friend." Because I'm better equipped when I run regularly. It's hard not to beat myself up over missing out on days or weeks - and everyone knows if I've been out for a run in the last 48 hours. It effects my mood that much. Seriously. I've found if it's between getting one more piece done before a shoot or taking care of me - I'm finally picking myself. But honestly - I have to fight myself to put on the running shoes and get into the car every time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and very relatable post!
ReplyDeleteI can never get myself to the gym or even to a yoga class, so instead I go for a long walk every day, like 45 minutes to an hour. Sometimes I incorporate errands into the walk, sometimes not, but I always walk fast enough to build up a sweat and go in any weather excepting pouring rain. It really helps my mood and helps me maintain my weight, although I have to be careful about eating too. More careful as I get older it seems! Anyway, have a great weekend Jane!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI read your post about exercise; I feel similarly. The only kind of exercise that I want to do now is the kind that is fun to me personally: hiking, dancing. I refuse to do the kind I hate: stationary, repetitive things. Maybe you can find the type that is just right for you; a kind you like and don't feel like you must force yourself to do. I believe you can!
xoxo-jade of pretty-dirt.blogspot.com
I agree with you on so many things here. For one, I have a recurring dream where I'm running- comfortably, easily, just for the fun of it. I remember wind in my hair and colors flashing by, and I wake up feeling exhilarated and alive. It's always devastating the moment that I realize it didn't happen. Real life is nothing of the sort- I can't run a block!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I hope you have a refreshing weekend!
I went through a period at college where I went to the gym 4 times and week and actually lifted weights. It was out of character for me ( I only really joined as an excuse to put off work and to use the jacuzzi) but I enjoyed every session so much, and I have never felt so strong and capable. Instead of dragging my body along, it seemed my body was powering ahead with me on board, if that makes any sense. So I think building a bit of muscle (light definition only of course) can be a great thing as it raises your metabolism (it burns energy faster than fat does) and it gives you the confidence to take up other exercise that you might prefer.
ReplyDeleteFirst few sessions bit tough of course! There is a danger with joining gyms that you do what I did and get out of the habit, it is hard to keep up and life can get in the way. Also some people just don't like them. But pilates is good. And turning the lights down, the music up, and dancing like no one is watching, or maybe like they are...;-)
At present I am considering going on a diet that seems to involve mung beans, pau d'arco tea and the odd stick of lightly steamed celery. Won't recommend as yet, get back to you on that one!
Hopefully going to see my little godson this weekend!
I gained 30 lbs when I was on chemo last fall and have had a hell of a time getting it off. I am terribly inconsistent about going to "work out," but I am going back to what I was doing before I got cancer. I ride my bike everywhere I can. Not for exercise, but for actual transportation. It is fun, easy and does not have to be expensive. There are even cool helmets out there (finally!) You can find used bikes on Craigslist and it gives you a completely different relationship with your neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI agree about this week. Whew!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for exercise/fitness....just try to remember that it's one step at a time.
I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things myself. It's hard to shake off the winter and the work schedule, but we'll feel much better if we just ease back into exercise.
Exactly Jane, no self-flagellating, when was this effective for anything but making us miserable? Maybe a rethink of exercises choice is due, team based? I'm having great fun playing an assortment of team based games (active & requiring thought) with what were at first strangers at the local community centre, the pace & focus needed is such that there's no space to be self conscious & the other participants diverse & interesting
ReplyDeleteLovely photos! They remind me of the heart of summer!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend!
xo Mary Jo
I've had that climbing hydrangea on my desktop for weeks. Love that plant.
ReplyDeleteI have the exercise problem too. My other half works out/goes to the gym 6 days a week. I feel like his mushy sidekick.
I ran 4 days this week. It was mostly a hate experience. Hopefully hot legs will make it worth it. :)
Jane, I'm so glad to hear you are on the mend. And I just have to tell you, thank you so very, very much for letting me know about Dominique's site. I am a huge fan of her writing and was heart broken when House and Garden discontinued publication because her editor's letter was my favorite part of the publication. Coincidentally enough, I recently pulled her book off the shelf to read once again because I needed a "fix."
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks again!
I do what Jill described, exactly. I can fit in walking any time of day (although I prefer it in the morning - but I've been known to take a long walk in the evening or the middle of the afternoon), you don't need a special outfit other than a good pair of sneakers, and it doesn't feel like exercise... Plus it really clears my mind. I did yoga for years, and then when it became too complicated to fit into my schedule, I really berated myself for being a slacker and all of that... Truth is, I simply did not have time to walk AND do yoga and when it came down to it, walking gave me more freedom schedule-wise.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I hope you are remembering to be gentler with yourself - something I'm trying to keep in mind myself.
Happy Sunday, Jane.
xoxoox,
-maria
same as Rosanna. Antidepressants made me gain 20 pounds. I went from 5'2" and 98 to 5'3" and 118-120!
ReplyDeleteWith exercise I keep hearing that it is essential to me. Otherwise I am just sitting around doing nothing and not improving myself. I always say when I have time to do it I'll do it but now that excuse is getting tired. This summer I am going for it though. Hope you can find you time as well.
Speaking of cracking the spine on a new book... I found a lot of useful "feel good" information in Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Anything . It's one of those resources that puts a new spin on all of those jumbled, complex thoughts in your head. The kind words can be applied to almost any aspect of your life. A reminder to stop putting pressure on yourself and just live in love and compassion. Check it out! :) I hope it helps.
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