Thursday, July 18, 2013

Excuses or solutions?

Excuses or solutions?
I have always loved swimming. This is me--maybe 11 or 12? I was on a swim team.
 I remember starting to be conscious about my body around this time.
I also remember deciding that I wouldn't let being embarrassed of my body keep me from swimming.
(I am the one on the right)

So now I had found my love of water aerobics (w.a.). How in the world was I going to be able to keep this up? About a month before I luckily had found that my insurance company offered a program called Prime. It is a program where you pay $25/mo. and you have access to thousands of gyms nationwide. I looked at my area and noticed that both rec centers were on the list and that month only they were waiving the registration fee. There was no cancellation fee. I thought about it for a little while and decided that there was no risk. I could have stopped right there and made 1,000 excuses of why I shouldn’t spend the money on the membership. Yet, I decided that I could either make excuses or find solutions—I found a solution.

I had the pass for a month before I used it though. I had purchased it in mind for w.a., yet I couldn’t figure out when I could possible use it.

“I couldn’t wake up and be there for the 6am class. Even if I could there was no way I could be home in time for my husband to leave for work at his preferred time. He really likes to be at work early. Even if I could—if I am on my game I like to have breakfast and scripture study with him and the kids before he leaves. If I am going to wake-up that early, wouldn’t it be better if I focus on scriptures instead of going to the pool?” Were the thoughts that battled in my brain.

One day I asked myself the same question, “am I going to make excuses or find a solution?”

I decided that we could do scriptures at night before bed. Josh was old enough to fend for himself for breakfast. I hoped beyond hope that he could settle for being on time for work. When I talked to him about it he said, “well, go and we will see how it works out.”

For my first Monday I decided that I needed to go to the other pool since it was closer. I woke up at 4 and couldn’t go back to sleep because I was so excited. I ended up getting up at 5 and heading to walmart for a couple of things I had wished I had had the Sat. before (my birthday.)

I drove out on the near empty streets and my heart sang. It sang one of my favorite Broadway songs, “My time of day” from the musical Guys and Dolls. It felt good to be awake, alive, and to have something to look forward to.


I entered the near empty Walmart and bought a cover up, a pad lock, some water shoes and a pair of flip flops. I then headed to the pool and made it on time. I really enjoyed class that day. It was deep water aerobics. I knew that water belts were worn. I was nervous that they wouldn’t have one that fit me but was relieved to find out that they did. I am always worried that anything that is public use won’t fit me.

I had so much fun. I left a little early so I could make sure I was home on time. My sweet husband was waiting for me to see how I liked it--I think he could tell I was in love.
Later that day he said that he was okay with me going a few times a week, then he saw my despondent face and realized that wasn’t going to cut it for me. He then told me that we will try every day and see how it goes.

Here I am three weeks later and I haven’t missed a day yet (except Sunday--I take Sunday off.) A little over a week ago I started waking up even earlier and swimming laps for about 20 minutes before class started. I can’t wait to write the post about all the positive changes I have already seen.


So what are you procrastinating? Is there a way to find solutions instead of excuses. 

10 comments:

  1. I'm proud of you Tiff, I'm glad you found something you love!

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    1. Thank you sweetie! It has been a lot of fun!

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  2. This is just awesome. I'm in the "finding excuses" phase. I fit exercise in for a week...and then my days got way too busy, (Girls Camp prep), and I stopped. I'm having the HARDEST time waking up early these days, but if I'm to fit it in, that's the only way it's going to happen! Still working on finding a solution...

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    1. I am a really good excuse maker. In fact, I had a friend once ask me if I could justify anything. (I pretty much can.) Yet, since I discovered swimming, I am looking for excuses to go! If you find something that you love to do more than sleeping, it will make it a lot easier. It took me a long time to find it. You know that saying, "do something you love and you will never have to work a day again in your whole life." I think it applies to working out?!?!

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  3. That's awesome! How great for your husband to be so supportive of you going and for you to be going so often!

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    1. He has been a gem. In fact the other day, we were talking about all of the benefits we have seen, and he said that no matter what we need to make sure I can get to the pool.

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  4. Holy cow Tiffany! Every day? That is beyond awesome!!! And yay for Josh being supportive. I'm sure it makes you tackle your busy days with more energy and enthusiasm, having had some time to take care of yourself. I'm so impressed and excited for you!!!

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    1. Except Sunday--I should have clarified that. It actually zapped my energy for a while, but it is getting better now as I am getting stronger!

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  5. That is great, Tiffany! I'm glad you have something that you are doing not only for your family but for YOU!

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