Change is hard. 聽It takes commitment, courage, time, and acceptance. 聽I've been on the TC Health Club Challenge journey for 8 weeks and a lot of things have changed for me...
FOOD: 聽The way I think about it; the kind of food I put in my mouth; the amount I consume in a sitting/hour/day; and, the dreams I have about food. 聽I'm not on a diet and I'm not actually denied anything. 聽I'm simply scaling back and being more mindful of how my food choices have changed (and what still needs to change) to truly give myself a healthier lifestyle. I have gained a new appreciation for food and the combinations that are best for me (high glycemic versus low, energy rich etc.).
EXERCISE: 聽How often I work out; what my exercise regime involves; what I'm learning about my body while I burn calories, breathe hard and sweat; what exercise my body needs to continue losing weight; and, what it takes to strengthen my core and build/tone muscles. 聽I love the adrenaline that comes with working out and look forward to my sessions at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre with my trainer Dana (McLean). 聽I am entertained by a wide variety of circuits with different equipment (I'm particularly fond of the BOSU and all exercises that involve it), and get excited when we switch things up and do a kick-boxing circuit or suspension training with the TRX system. 聽I'm constantly learning, I'm always challenged, and I love that聽my workouts allow for laughter. 聽And for those who know me, they know I like to smile and laugh.
CLOTHING: 聽It's pretty exciting to have clothing that didn't fit two months ago (too tight or too small), finally fit. 聽It's equally as thrilling to have clothing I need to consider consigning, tailoring or donating because tops have become too loose or pants too baggy in the hips and derri猫re. 聽I'm not quite ready to invest in a new wardrobe, I still have weight to lose and it's going to take time. 聽I didn't realize that my shoe size would also change with my weight loss!
ROUTINE: 聽I'm a creature of habit. 聽I find routine and having a planned schedule, comforting. 聽But I've needed to adjust because a lot of things in my life have changed. One of the big things that's been running parallel with my new approach to fitness and food, is applying for/ interviewing/ testing/ winning/ starting a new job. 聽I miss my friends and colleagues and, the structure/routine of my old position with IBM. 聽But I've learned how to adjust to change and am excited about developing new friendships, a new routine and, making the most of my new job with BC Transit. 聽I'm more physically and mentally strong than I've been in a long time. 聽It helps that most of my 'bad' habits are gone and, that I've found a new confidence.
I said change is hard, but I also think that change is good. 聽I'm more committed, courageous, patient and accepting of all things in my life and better able to deal with change as it comes...
