There are so many changes going on all around us. The weather, the length of the day, the environment, many of our schedules, the types of food in season, even changes in ourselves. So, what are we going to do about it? Are we going to just watch all of these changes happen around us, are we going to makes some adjustments ourselves, or are we going to choose to ignore it all and keep on keepin' on as is?
For me personally, I have had a few very big changes occur recently and a few to come in the near future, some life altering. The biggest trial, blessing, alteration to my regular routine, and adjustment to my life all wrapped in to one has been the beautiful opportunity of pregnancy. To some, the word "pregnancy" may mean glorious, wonderful, beautiful, or perfect...it has had a different meaning to me. Although I do agree, at times being pregnant is all of those descriptive words but I did not feel that way until this second trimester. (I swear I am going somewhere with this so bear with me)
My first trimester was HARD, it felt incredibly long, I was constantly bloated, nauseous, uncomfortable, tired, and had no idea what the heck was going on inside me that was sucking the life and energy out of me. I hated not having full control over by body. It wasn't until I felt my baby girl kick for the first time that all of those symptoms left, I felt happy and beautiful, and everything felt so much more real. Yes, my first trimester was difficult but I am proud to say that I did not let my irritations, changes in my body, and lack of comfort affect my ability to live and be ME. Don't get me wrong it has not been easy and modifications, changes and alterations have needed to be made, no doubt, but I haven't ever let pregnancy become an EXCUSE rather than a BLESSING.
Now, let's tie all of this in to fitness and nutrition. How easy is it to make excuses not to work out or eat right? How often do we make excuses? Let me list a few common ones...
" I had knee surgery 25 years ago so I can't do any leg exercises..."
"I have a bad shoulder so I can't really lift weights..."
"I am overweight so I can't do anything but walk..."
"I am old so I can't work out..."
"I am thin already so I don't need to worry about what I eat or workout..."
"I am pregnant so I get to eat what I want and don't have to work out..."
"I am so busy with work and kids that I don't have the time to workout or eat healthy..."
"I can't eat healthy because I have to cook meals for my family too and they don't like those foods..."
"I can't afford a gym membership"
"I can't afford to eat healthy"
And the list goes ON AND ON. I bet if you were to think about all the aspects of your life, your kids, your spouse, your work schedule, your financial situation, etc. you could come up with a few EXCUSES right? We all could come up with some, but are they valid? Most likely...no. They are just EXCUSES, that's all.
I currently have a client that was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is just starting chemo treatments but what does she tell me? That the doctor said she may have enough energy to come to the gym and work out a little but if anything, at least go walking for exercise. She is determined to get back in the gym and hasn't let her diagnosis affect her in that way. If you have a better excuse than "I was just diagnosed with cancer and will have to go through 6 chemo treatments," let me know. Until then, enough with coming up with reasons NOT to be healthy, but come up with all the reasons TO BE HEALTHY.
A list of a few of the types of people I have worked with....
- shoulder injury
- ankle surgery
- knee replacement
- arthritis
- lupus
- osteoporosis
- Parkinson's
- 3 weeks post partum
- prenatal
- overweight
- incredibly thin
- emotional stress and depression
- back surgery- fusion of some discs
- very, very weak
- high cholesterol and blood pressure
SO...change and excuse...how do those go hand in hand?
Often times we find ourselves having the desire to make a change in our lives whether it be big, small, long, short, hard, or easy but we find excuses that overpower that desire to want to change.
I give you a challenge this month to asses and evaluate yourself, where you are in your life, where you are going, and where you want to be. Choose just ONE area that you would like to see some improvement and alteration. It can be health related through fitness and nutrition or it can be any other aspect in your life. Whatever you may choose, ponder your desire for change in that aspect. How bad do you want it? What are you willing to do to get there? WHY do you want it? How will it affect your life? How do you think you will you feel if you achieve it? Etc.
Then, set baby step goals to help you reach and accomplish this desire.
I am not perfect. None of us are. All we can do is TRY.
In closing...dare to take my challenge. Dare to make the change and set baby goals for yourself to get there.
Good luck, have fun although it may be difficult, and contact me if you have any questions at all or would like further assistance.
McKenzie Kidman
mkidman@mvhospital.net
208-557-2823
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