Excuses or solutions?
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.
I'm proud of you Tiff, I'm glad you found something you love!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetie! It has been a lot of fun!
DeleteThis 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...
ReplyDeleteI 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?!?!
DeleteThat's awesome! How great for your husband to be so supportive of you going and for you to be going so often!
ReplyDeleteHe 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.
DeleteHoly 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!!!
ReplyDeleteExcept 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!
DeleteThat is great, Tiffany! I'm glad you have something that you are doing not only for your family but for YOU!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jackie!!
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