For the past few years my staying in shape has been totally dependent on accidental exercise. Accidental exercise is unplanned, haphazard, and random by nature. Most of the time it would be hard to define whatever the event was as “exercise”. Usually it was helping a friend, trying to get something done in a hurry, or an accidental event defined as participating in a sport that I was not in shape to participate in.
A series of recent events reminded me how fleeting life is. This couple with a scolding or two from my doctor was motivation to get back into a routine of going to the gym and beginning the slow process of reawakening my body.
I wish I could report that it has been an easy, just slip back into the routine kind re-entry. Candidly, it has been anything except the dream. My body aches far too soon. My breath runs out before my mind warms up. The flexibility and agility that I was used to in my youth has vanished along with that period of life. It is hard work! There are soon many days when I find myself yelling in my mind; “Wake up, soul! Wake up, harp! Wake up, lute! Wake up, you sleepyhead sun!” (Psalm 57.8) Get things in gear!
The gym that I joined has an added benefit of an assessment of what one is at with a professional training. Printouts, consultation, and extended conversations later, I have a much better appreciation of the size of the challenge. While my head and heart are willing, the story will be told one day at a time.
In the interim, I would offer these reminders.
The starting point to achieving real goals begins when one passionately and completely wants, no needs them from the inside out. Any hesitation, any reluctance, anything that is less than 100% will lead to an outcome less than desired.
Even if one wants something with all one’s heart, hard work is still a requirement.
Starting points always involve building/rebuilding foundations.
No time like now.
