For the last few years, I’ve done a fair job maintaining my physical health and weight. I aim to walk at least 3 miles a day (ohhhhhh how I love my walks). I get my greens in, usually sauteed or blended in a smoothie. I say no to dessert (at least a few times a week anyways). But, that’s all I’ve done – maintain. I’ve stayed comfortable and content with the status quo. There’s been no strength training. No changes to my diet (which means lots of carbs and eating right before bed). No challenging myself to do better – to be better.
Over the last six or so months, a voice inside of me has grown louder:
“Danielle, it’s time to make your health a bigger priority. Kick things up a notch. You need to feel better – and look better.”
I always try and listen to ‘that voice inside of me’ and I even jazzed myself up about all the benefits – but I still didn’t take action. I continued to do the bare minimum for my health.
And the reason for my inaction was fear.
I was afraid that getting my body back into shape would be hard. That it would physically hurt. That it would require time and discipline. My biggest fear was that I’d have to face my reality – I have physical limitations. Thanks to an accident when I was a kid, I walk funny. As a result, I have back, hip and foot problems that prevent me from running and cause abnormal stiffness and pain. My physical limitations can also make certain exercises challenging and some even impossible.
Mountain climbers are difficult, side lunges hurt my back, and I can’t imagine how my body would react to a pistol squat. My physical limitations are like my Achilles’ heel, my sore spot (literally and figuratively). I feel sorry for myself. Sometimes I’m pissed off. Sometimes I casually work out, telling myself that if I were to push any harder, it’d just be painful so there’s really no point, right? Why face my limitations when I can just ignore them?
Finally, just a few weeks ago, I convinced myself to stop settling for mediocre and to push myself. That’s what my inner me has been craving.
The first step? DO.
I restarted a yoga practice I had before the pandemic. I began taking classes at Orangetheory Fitness (huge fan btw!). And I have started to be more responsible when it comes to meal prep and not eating right before bed.
What’s the result?
I’ve hurt. I’ve cried. I’ve been reminded of my limitations.
And…
I’ve felt amazing – looser, stronger, more energetic. I’ve cried (proud, happy tears)! I’ve been reminded of my strength amidst adversity.
When I think about my procrastination, it seems silly. The pros absolutely outweigh the cons and if I had started these efforts months ago, getting back into shape would have been a bit easier and I would have had more months feeling like my best me. I choose to live my life with no regrets, but I do appreciate how important the time we have on this Earth is, which is why I wrote this blog for you.
So, what have you been putting off because you’re afraid? And how can you move forward?
Join me in spreading my messages of breaking judgement habits and strengthening intuition even further: forward this blog to a few family members and friends. The greater the shares, the greater the impact – They can subscribe here.
Sincerely,
Danielle
PS – Here’s an affirmation to help you overcome fear, “Fear stands for False Expectations Appearing Real.”
PPS – Do you want a deeper understanding of fear? If so, let’s get philosophical. Grab your pen and journal. What do you think is the purpose of fear? How do you think it has played a part in human evolution? How has fear played a part in your own life?
