Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – July 5, 2004

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – July 5, 2004

I Need A Non Plan

Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – July 5, 2004 – Too much structure is not good for your average middle-aged goddess. I know because I am one and I gotta lighten up. Here I am, impressively successful, if I do say so myself, at making my daily contribution to my writing, but failing miserably at my health and exercise regimen.

I set some goals at the start of this year that I hoped to accomplish by the end of December. One of them was very simple – drink more water. Harder to do than one might imagine, but I’m having a degree of success. The second was my daily writing and the third was to set up a workable health and exercise program.

You may recall that I bought a treadmill (Howard) in January. We had a short romance. I got incredibly busy with work and my health and nutrition program was the first to suffer. For some unknown reason, I’ve stuck with my writing, not missing a day. I wish the same was true of my health goal. It’s gone straight to hell without benefit of a hand cart.

One thing led to another and Howard broke down. He was a lemon. I was secretly glad. However I say this loud and clear, I did not have anything to do with his demise. However, Howard is about to get a brand new motor – Wednesday morning to be exact. Now, I’ll have to belly up to the bar and get back on track.

My exhaustive plans to exercise four, five or six days a week are obviously not working. Having a daily reminder in my Palm Pilot only makes me feel defeated and guilty when I write “no” beside the entry. My usual three ring binder of entries, whose sole purpose is to make me feel an incredible sense of accomplishment is a total bust. I have unrealistic expectations that are leading nowhere fast.

I wish I knew how I’m managing to write very day. It is obviously a decision and a choice. Is it that simple? My appearance aside – why isn’t my health important enough to me to stick with some simple form of exercise four or five times a week? This is also a choice, albeit it, not a good one. Perhaps I’m engaging in far too much analysis. I do know that morning is the best time to fit in a work out, before a shower and breakfast. Sound simple doesn’t it?

Howard will be back in action on Wednesday morning, equipped with a new motor and raring for a walk. I think I’m going to see what happens when I approach this with no definitive goals in mind, but a realization of how important my health is, and will continue to be as I get older. I was driving down Broadview Avenue the other day, when I saw an elderly lady on the street. She was literally bent in half, probably as a result of osteoporosis.

I tried to imagine only being able to see the ground as I walked. The thought was horrible. That image in itself should give me the impetus to care for my health. Time is not the issue – it never has been. It’s the excuse I use, cleverly coupled with fatigue, to let myself ignore the everyday care of my body.

Using my body – moving, stretching and walking should be as natural as breathing. I feel better when I’m active. I look better. I live with greater joy. I’m too young-at-heart to crawl into the body of a frumpy middle aged woman and hide from life. There is still time to make my health a priority. I want this year to be my healthiest ever.

I know it’s never too late to begin anew. The human body is such a remarkable thing – a miracle of creativity. All else pales in life if one’s health is lost. It takes thirty days to form a new habit. Let’s see if I’m up to the challenge of finally making exercise a priority. Howard will be eager for a daily constitutional when his new motor sputters into life. I hope he doesn’t have to go alone!