What are you full of?
As a teenager I may have answered the above question a little differently, but nowadays I want and need to be full of purpose. Purpose to me doesn't mean being constantly busy or always looking for the next greatest thing. It means having an objective and purpose for each day, week and month...and one that brings joy and stress relief. I have to think carefully about this when it comes to my "work" because I reap much joy from instructing and training and yet, I need to schedule other activities to my day to give me that balance.
Yesterday my purpose was to enjoy a morning with my son before I begin back at the YMCA teaching my weekly "jump to the ceiling and sweat profusely" aerobics class. Jason and I contacted his favorite friend and agreed to head out as "sons and moms" to the park and library. This time refreshed me in a way that is hard to describe. I was wearing jeans (not sweats), I had on mascara and I didn't think about a chest press for about 3 hours.
In our final "Enough is Enough" personal training session last week each member was given a sachet of tea to brew and sip at home while they reflected on three questions. One of them was about keeping that sense of purpose humming:
"Now that our 8 weeks is over, what is your next step or goal?"
The group had gone through a journey exploring workout methods, food choices, personal wellness issues and it was now time to think about, "WOW, with the changes I've made, what can I now think of doing that before might have been impossible?"
Many shared their personal aspirations and I will keep those confidential and close to my heart, but will share mine.
Tracy Ng, a yoga instructor and devout TPer, was our final presenter and took us through 35 minutes of yoga. I told her that I wanted to be in the back of the room, but she said she needed me at the front...uggghhhh. As I felt my quad and glut muscles straining during the one pose (okay, all the poses), I knew she was onto me. As we shared privately after class, she gently confirmed how inflexible I was and that my personal goal of beginning yoga after I completed my half-marathon training was probably a good one. So...I'm starting this week and it's not about staying busy or hoping I can do a headstand in 3 weeks, it's about being excited about a new challenge that is doable if I start slowly.
To the group who finished the Chilly Half-Marathon, many people asked, "So, are you guys going to take a break now?" While each of us agreed that a break from the long 8+ mile runs was required, each woman had already planned their next goal...physical and otherwise...to keep their lives full of purpose.
Whether it's yoga, signing up for Lisa's next session of Power Pilates, returning to TP now that the ice is gone, picking up that book you've been aching to read, or using that pizza takeout money to instead purchase organic veggies, keep that excitement in your life. We don't need a "break" from being full of purpose because it is exactly that fullness that makes us complete and balanced in our lives.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts as we tread this week. Check out the website for updates and take a look at the "races" tab!
Sue
