How do you wish to stretch?
Our ever inspiring Wishcasting guru, Jamie Ridler, sure asks the right questions, doesn’t she? I don’t know how many times one of us has said that it’s like she reads our minds and knows just what we need to be thinking about and sorting through in our lives. Thank you, Jamie.
I imagine this question will prompt most of us to think about how we’d like to grow in one area or another, how our thinking and boundaries can stretch and expand, and that’s what I’m thinking, too. However, this week, my wish will be slightly different than previous wishes.
I wish to get back to practicing yoga and incorporate it into my daily life…and I mean daily. When I used to practice on a consistent basis, I felt healthier all around, more solid, yet loose, stronger and maybe even more confident. I want that back.
It was not so much a spiritual practice for me as it was one of getting in tune with my body, centering it, and making it stronger. Could that be considered spiritual? I’m 44 right now, soon to be 45, and when I go through a long period of not getting enough exercise, I can feel old, creaky, and fragile. Who wants that? I want my body to match my mind.
Sirsasana B by Chris Carter
My plan is to start with yoga, make that a consistent practice, and add in some much needed cardio and weight training. The word “exercise” = “yuck” for me so I’ll be tricking myself into it by finding reasons to walk instead of drive, see the sights and soak up some culture during lunch by walking outside while the weather permits instead of hibernating in the break room or in front of my computer. I’ll dig out some of those Denise Austin beginner tapes and make a fool out of myself in the living room before everyone wakes up. It’s got to start somewhere, right?
Last year, I lost 31 lbs. while enrolled in the Weight Watchers program at work and I felt so much better. I had more to lose but hit a wall and then slid backward. All the way back. I’m forgiving myself because it was a stressful time with my mother’s illness and subsequent passing, along with the then recent death of my father and my long time (21 years!) feline companion, Indya. But, now, I need to make my health a priority, not only for my family but for myself. And…I want to find a way to enjoy it.
I’m a stubborn woman and if someone says I should do something, my brain is hardwired to dig in my heels, strike the hip-hop arms-crossed pose and say, “Oh, yeah?” No one’s going to tell me what to do. Oh, sure, I live with that all the time at work (and I’m a huge people pleaser), but outside of that, I’ve learned that I have to be the one making the decision to change something about myself, not someone else.
So, to make this very long story shorter, my wish is to stretch my body and make it stronger. To do this, I need to stretch my thinking and break free from negative thought patterns by looking for fun ways to incorporate exercise into my family’s and my life.
I’ll touch on one idea I’ve come up with in this regard in a future post. Some of you may have some thoughts on this idea so I hope you’ll visit again in the next week and share them with me.
You’ll find more Wishcasting wishes here. I do hope you’ll check them out as they are always inspiring and thought provoking.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so do I lovingly wish for her as well.
Instead of getting all mulish and digging in your heals, you act as my weight loss mentor and take the walk along with me. I understand what you mean…it’s easy to go backward when all you want to do is hold your head above the emotional tide.
I lost 50 pounds and put all of it, plus the ass of some unscrupulous woman who lost hers by making me carry hers and mine! So let’s support each other as we stretch toward greatness and peace.
As Pamela wishes for herself I lovingly and with intention wish for her also.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so too do I wish for Pamela.
I’m having to stretch to be nice to myself in a similar situation. We can do it!
Ash
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I blissfully wish for her also.
I NEVER use the word exercise. I dance. I do yoga. I “work out!” But I hate the word exercise. And mindset is so very important.
I love the phrase “work out,” in particular, because it makes me feel strong and serious!
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her as well.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so do I wish for her as well.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her as well.
I can relate to the stress/anxiety of life contributing to weight gain, I am enrolled in WWatchers also and I have lost about 17 pounds. I backslide at times also but then I just figure If I don’t forgive myself I can really backslide. So here is to all of us realizing we are human and forgiving ourselves.
Hi Pamela,
As usual, beautifully written! Sorry to hear of your losses.
I like to think of exercise as something that liberates me, that makes me fully human. Our bodies and minds were meant to run free and wild through the woods and valleys. I wish for you to stretch your body into something wild and strong! The adventure trips are lots of fun. Your family could do a hike, bike, rafting one or go to a dude ranch like the City Slicker dudes.
See you!
Giulietta, Inspirational Rebel
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her as well.
Wishing you lots of success as you stretch your body into health.
Peace and goodness to you.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her as well. Go for it!
As Pamela wishes for herself, I wish and support her as well. I see Pamela with her ideal body, feeling great and loved.
I’m with you there – I’ve not done exercise for a month or two and really feel achy and creaky. I must start again… but soooo tired after a day at work. It’s a tricky one. Perhaps just some ’stretchging’. As you wish for yourself, I wish for you also.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so too do I wish for Pamela.
~Shamsi
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her also!
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so do I lovingly wish for her as well. Soung like a great plan.
As Pamela wishes for herself, so do I lovingly wish for her as well.
As Pamela wishes for herself I so wish for her as well.