Make excuses or make a change

Side note today on blogging: I blog because I read blogs and posts that inspire me. I blog because it helps me reflect on my life. I blog because maybe just maybe, someone out there may be able to relate and spark their own reflection. Okay, here we go.

I sat down at the computer and began to read through a blog post that I follow. Today’s post was about 11 rules to follow to change your life. It was a great read and I highly recommend checking it out! One portion of the post talked about knowing what’s in your control and having no excuse for not doing what is in your control. The post goes on to quote the great Arthur Ashe… and with Wimbledon underway, what better inspiration– “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” The post clearly emphasizes the truth in that ‘this requires consistent, every day action. 

This requires patience. This requires putting in the work.’

All my life I have been an active person. Spent my childhood on the athletic fields, played 3 varsity sports in high school, had a brief stent as a college athlete, and then took on coaching at the showcase and collegiate levels. Being active was just a way of life for me. It was my outlet, my stress relief, my comfort, and my joy. During some of life’s low points, I could always throw on some running shoes, pick up a bat, or just lift some weights to clear my head. So, what do you do when you lose those options?

In the spring on 2016 I had an unfortunate incident that left me with a tiny twinge of pain in my low back, no big deal. As an athlete, I had had my fair share of injuries (knees, shoulder, wrist, head, etc). This was minor - a little bit of ice and heat and I’d be good to go in a few days. After a few months, the pain became unbearable. I couldn’t drive to work without tears, I couldn’t get through the shift without spending all my breaks laying flat on the floor, and in the final few days leading up to surgery, I could not walk, sit, or move without someone’s help. (it’s crazy how close you become when someone else must shave your legs, physically dress you in the morning, and carry you in to the surgery center).  Surgery went well initially, but then I developed some complications. I can remember sitting in my neurosurgeon’s office and hearing the words, “you may want to think about the longevity of doing what you do.”  Now, if anyone knows me you know I absolutely LOVE what I do. It is truly my passion and my livelihood, and I have spent the better part of my adult life getting into this career. That conversation was a sucker-punch to the gut.

I spent the better portion of the next few months depressed and feeling sorry for myself. Once I finally started feeling better and my restrictions were lifted, I was so fearful that I did nothing. Now fortunately for me, I have always been blessed with good genetics and an incredible metabolism (thanks mom and dad). Unfortunately, the fear and depression consumed me and next thing I know I’m stepping on a scale 26lbs heavier then I had ever been. I was tired all the time. And I felt more stressed than I had felt in a long time. At that point, I needed to make some changes. I wanted my life back, I wanted to feel good again, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could.  It hasn’t been easy. AT ALL! I have had to wake up each day making a conscious choice to do something, anything… anything was better than what I had been doing.

I once read that “boys need to play good to feel good and girls need to feel good to play good”, so what better way to make yourself feel good then to look good! I started by rewarding myself for making the choice to change. I went out and bought new work out clothes because well let’s be real the clothes make a difference. And I am a firm believer in the ice cream for breakfast philosophy... meaning you don't have to wait until you finish your dinner to get your dessert, you can reward yourself first and as long as you keep yourself accountable. I bought the clothes so I needed to be accountable for the work outs. And to help myself be successful, I would lay out my work out clothes, my water, my vitamin and my fruit the night before with the hopes that at the very least the sight would make me feel guilty if I didn’t work out.

Once I made the choice to do something, it seemed the universe supported me. My friends were posting videos of themselves following their “no excuses” rules. The blogs that would come up would somehow give me inspiration. One thing led to another and I started seeing small victories. A few pounds lighter, a bit more energy, a little more distance… then others were noticing the changes and supporting my efforts.  The timing couldn’t have been better as I was able to use work-outs to get me through the stressful process of taking on my neuro boards (I’m a glutton for punishment!).  I was able to increase my distance, started to lift again, and recently I have spent time on campus working out at the track and running the stadium steps just like the ‘good ole days?!??’ I am finally starting to feel like myself again.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy and some days are tough. But that’s okay. You can’t beat yourself up over a bad day. You just do your best to control what is within your control.  I have started working out regularly, eating healthier, and spending more time doing what feels good. The one thing I have learned - it’s about balance, consistency, and choices.

I have a not-so-small addiction to chocolate (dark to be specific) and I enjoy a nice glass of red wine... and that's okay! Taking care of yourself means feeling good about feeling good. Enjoying the things that make you happy, but with all things... in moderation. I also use those pleasures as motivation to go a little further (Balance).

I needed to be consistent. I ordered myself a nice motivational calendar and i make sure that each day is marked off with a marker to give me a visual of my daily workouts, it doesn't have to be a big thing, but it has to be something (Consistency).

My sister always told me that you can make all the excuses you want to, or you can stop making excuses and start making a change, either way it’s all a choice that you have the conscious ability to make. If you don’t like your life- you change it (Choices)!

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

8-minute miles, pre-surgery weight, awesome tan lines, and enough energy to take on the day. Life is good when you feel great!

Check out the blog that inspired me today: https://medium.com/the-mission/these-11-rules-will-change-your-life-forever-c2e4af244087