Enjoy the Pursuit

My pastor's (shout out to Pastor Rodney Beard!) definition of success includes "the ability to enjoy the pursuit" of your endeavor. This past week I've been meditating on that. I've talked before about setting yourself up for success and structuring your life so that you can actively combat excuses and obstacles. One of my co-workers stopped by my desk the other day and said she was happy that she didn't have to workout today. I commented that I actually look forward to working out. And it's true. I think if it's drudgery and almost a punishment you're not going to stick to it. You have to find something that you like about whatever activity you choose.

This fitness thing is not about what others prescribe for you; it's about you living the best possible life you can in a way that works for you. If you prefer team sports or need interaction with others, then join a league. If you prefer quiet and tranquility, look into Yoga or Tai Chi (which I love). Try something new and find what works for you. I remember saying, "I'll never be a runner" just last year. And now I can't wait until my legs can stand a full-on, non-stop, all-out run. I remember saying "Yoga is not my thing" and now I'm thinking about adding it into my regime b/c my body needs the stretching. Unless you get up and get moving, how can you possibly know your mojo?

I know some who pass me while I'm working out probably think I'm crazy but I don't care. I sing while I workout. I add a little fist pump here and there if the song is hyping me up and YES, I even "do a little dance." My friends laugh at me in Zumba b/c I sing and add my own shimmy here and there. I enjoy my pursuit of fitness. I like watching my muscles flex in the mirror when I'm doing hammer curls with 15lbs dumbbells. Yeah baby! I'm enjoying this.

I challenge you (whoever you are reading this), to experiment a little. Try a new activity and stick with it for three weeks. If you don't like it, choose something else and stick with it for three weeks. Make an true effort to find your mojo. There are so many things out there to do and with each season you can find new activities. The point of it all is that you are ACTIVE and making an effort to live a life that gets you to new levels of fitness.

I said new levels of fitness, not weight loss. The weight will drop off gradually if you are active and eating right (most of the time) so don't let the numbers on the scale give you tunnel vision. Gauge how you feel, how your clothes fit, your health numbers, how quickly your breathing becomes labored, etc. I'm a solid size 16/18 and I have more stamina and strength than someone who is a size 8. (insert hair flip)

Enjoy movement. Enjoy the pursuit.