Weighing In - Taking on Challenges - Creating Change
Posted by Alicia Leeds on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 @ 02:32 PM
I have a bad shoulder lately. Not sure what I did, but as some of you know - what happens after 40 happens harder and longer.
I am frustrated by this because my yoga practice is a big part of my weekly Physical Activity and I now have to rest the shoulder during practice, do fewer down dogs and more child poses, and take days off in between classes to rest. In addition to that, I have to change the way I do things, change the way I position my hands on the floor, change the way I move from pose to pose. I have to unlearn my routines and make space for new ones.
And, I have to find some other type of PA to do on the off days. I don't want to.
But what I need to do to maintain my health doesn't change just because my shoulder is bumming me out right now.
As a weight loss coach I pull no punches when it comes to knowing what it takes to change, to lose weight and keep it off. It isn't easy and sometimes you just don't want to. That's OK.
But what you need to do to maintain your health doesn't change just because _____________
- your shoulder hurts
- it's raining outside
- your mother-in-law is here for a visit
- it's windy outside
- your boss brought in donuts
- I'm tired today (you're tired today)
- it's hot, sunny, humid, snowing, blustery, or partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms...
What you need to do to lose weight doesn't change. What you need to do to maintain your health doesn't change.
The way you problem solve life's challenges does.
I have taken up swimming. It's inconvenient. I have to be semi naked in front of other people (ugh!). Worst of all I have to get wet which ruins my hairdo and my mascara.
But I LOVE it! Really! I love the quiet, the rhythm of my breath, the way I feel energized, clean, cool and refreshed. I get my heart rate up without pounding the pavement, dodging oncoming traffic or sweating it out amidst the whir of machines and TVs and music blasting on the gym floor. No shouting, pumping grunting or jumping. I swim!
My injury turned into an opportunity because I had to find a new solution.
In order to make long term lifestyle change give yourself some rules to follow. Rules like doing some type of PA every day. And eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies.
Then find the opportunity within every obstacle, recommit to your health with each challenge. And have some fun! Be the change you want to see in your own life and the world!