Thursday, June 29, 2006
Inspiration
Inspiration (In`spi*ra"tion), n.
1: arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
2: arousing to a particular emotion or action [syn: stirring]
So when one of us steps out and actually does what we all know we "should"/could do and stays committed, it stirs others on to do those things too. Out of the ruts and excuses we get.
When I started working out last year, I was inspired by my mom; she was walking a lot, had lost 10 lbs and looked healthier than I had seen her in a long time. I thought "If my mom can do it why can't I?" Now it seems my road to fitness has inspired a number of friends, co-workers and relatives; if that isn't responsibility I don't know what is! It seems my new found enthusiasm for physical activity has helped people I care about in ways I never would have imagined. A year ago, you would never have convinced me I'd be doing everything I am right now, let alone enjoying it. For me, it has been the act of adding one thing at a time, getting used to that, then adding more. Incrementally. Others dive in, often returning to something they loved "back when they were fit." However it's done, the point is to do it!
What keeps me going? A big part is the way I feel physically and emotionally. I can do this; this isn't impossible for me; exercise is actually enjoyable - no one would have ever convinced me of that before. These things give me tremendous self-motivation. I'm also encouraged by my trainer Warren. And by how people are inspired by what I'm doing. Of course, Chris too (even if he is bewildered). Also, as many of you know, I'm a voracious reader. So off to the library I went and recently read Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott, which has helped me with my running (besides hounding Warren for tips/pointers); and Body for Life for Women by Pamela Peeke so I can incorporate strength training at home (this has been only marginal so far, but in time...). These books have helped me; let me know if there are books that have helped you too.
Finally, don't listen to the naysayers. You know them, the people who; tell us to do it all one particular way or why bother, get all anxious we're gonna injure ourselves, focus on the stuff that holds us back, or dredge up excuses we've had ourselves that have prevented us from getting started. Avoid them like they have the plague, or just be honest and tell them if feels like they're trying to sabotage your efforts. Then get into your running shoes and go.
1: arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
2: arousing to a particular emotion or action [syn: stirring]
So when one of us steps out and actually does what we all know we "should"/could do and stays committed, it stirs others on to do those things too. Out of the ruts and excuses we get.
When I started working out last year, I was inspired by my mom; she was walking a lot, had lost 10 lbs and looked healthier than I had seen her in a long time. I thought "If my mom can do it why can't I?" Now it seems my road to fitness has inspired a number of friends, co-workers and relatives; if that isn't responsibility I don't know what is! It seems my new found enthusiasm for physical activity has helped people I care about in ways I never would have imagined. A year ago, you would never have convinced me I'd be doing everything I am right now, let alone enjoying it. For me, it has been the act of adding one thing at a time, getting used to that, then adding more. Incrementally. Others dive in, often returning to something they loved "back when they were fit." However it's done, the point is to do it!
What keeps me going? A big part is the way I feel physically and emotionally. I can do this; this isn't impossible for me; exercise is actually enjoyable - no one would have ever convinced me of that before. These things give me tremendous self-motivation. I'm also encouraged by my trainer Warren. And by how people are inspired by what I'm doing. Of course, Chris too (even if he is bewildered). Also, as many of you know, I'm a voracious reader. So off to the library I went and recently read Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott, which has helped me with my running (besides hounding Warren for tips/pointers); and Body for Life for Women by Pamela Peeke so I can incorporate strength training at home (this has been only marginal so far, but in time...). These books have helped me; let me know if there are books that have helped you too.
Finally, don't listen to the naysayers. You know them, the people who; tell us to do it all one particular way or why bother, get all anxious we're gonna injure ourselves, focus on the stuff that holds us back, or dredge up excuses we've had ourselves that have prevented us from getting started. Avoid them like they have the plague, or just be honest and tell them if feels like they're trying to sabotage your efforts. Then get into your running shoes and go.
