Even the best intentions sometimes need a back up plan. I made a goal for myself at the beginning of the week. I seemed to be on track. I gave away all the holiday baked treats. I recorded what I was eating. I was able to resist most of the unhealthy food temptations. I was proud of myself for keeping off the weight that I lost when I was sick. However, it is Thursday and I have yet to work out once this week.
I was torn last night because I really wanted to relax with some wine. I chose to open a bottle instead of exercising. Even as I savored every sip, I couldn’t help but think that I was letting myself and Empowher’s readers down.
The wine led to 2 pieces of dark chocolate to complement the taste. More guilty calories. I promised myself that I would take my boys to the gym the next morning. I had my plan. I would still achieve my goal of three workouts this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No problem.
Thursday morning arrives and I plan to take a 9:00 a.m. class at the gym. I am excited and relieved to be able to accomplish my exercise goal this morning and still enjoy New Year’s Eve without guilt. As I start to prepare for getting all three boys ready to go, my 6 year old emerges from his dark room. He stumbles over to me, pale and groggy. “Mom, I don’t feel good.” As those words leave his lips, I can feel disappointment building up inside of me. I pour him some juice, lay him down on the couch and wrap him in a fluffy, warm blanket. “Maybe you will feel better after breakfast,” I manage to say with a smile but I know as I look into his glassy eyes, we will not be going to the gym today.
Sometimes we encounter challenges that are out of our control. It can test our discipline and make it difficult to achieve our goals. I try to stay positive by thinking that this is a situation where I need to be creative and come up with a back up plan. I promised myself that I would exercise three times this week. I intend to make that happen. My husband will be home early tonight because of the holiday. My gym will be closed and I would rather be with my family but I will take the time to go for a run or use my new Wii Fit Plus. I will not look forward to exercising when I should be getting ready to celebrate like everyone else. Still, I know that I have to exercise today, Friday and Saturday. Even to myself, a promise is a promise.
If you have not taken the time to exercise three times this week, won’t you join me?