Today was one of those dreary, glum days that was symbolic of how I’ve felt lately. Things in life don’t always go the way we’d like, which can be difficult to accept. I’ve been in a particularly somber mood that’s clouded my perspective. Not to be cheeky, as it’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend here in the US, but I’m overwhelmed with so much that requires my gratitude and appreciation.
As I type, I can hear my in-house washing machine churning and suddenly stop – for a spin cycle! I thought it might have stopped due to power failure. Alas, that’s the kind of energy I’ve had lately. Instead of being grateful for a reliably functioning washer and dryer, I’ve been waiting for disaster. It’s a self-deception, a clouding of perspective that’s paralyzed my ability to appreciate all the good that has and continues to happen in my serendipitous life.
How is this relevant to health and fitness? Well, for me the relevance is the need to have a healthy life perspective for my overall well-being. As I sit and think about just a few of the blessings that I’ve received in life, my attitude improves.
Sometimes, it’s tragically easy to be so fixated on what hasn’t worked out that one can become blinded to all the good that has happened and continues to happen. While some good outcomes have been well-deserved, there’s a ridiculous amount of unmerited grace that I’ve been fortunate to experience throughout my journey.
There have been countless opened doors, privileged opportunities that contributed to my new found perspective on healthy eating, exercise and gradual weight loss. While I’d like to think that I’ve done this on my own, it’s far from the truth. Even a self-perceived minimalist needs support, needs good fortune and countless little things to go right that are sadly mistaken to be absolutes. There are so absolutes in this life. No guarantees. EVERYTHING that I have is a gift, a privilege.
This is what I must continue to remember at the most frustrating, vulnerable moments. This is essentially how my gradual weight loss journey began. Instead of wallowing in my disappointments, I chose to lift myself up off the mat, figuratively and literally.
I’m appreciative to have the opportunity to once again choose to look up at the light and make the climb. I’m thankful for the privilege to share that journey with you!