Tonight I found the strength to roll out my dumbbells for another home workout. After a long, entertaining, yet glum day, I had very little motivation to exercise. My warm-up routine was excruciating as the pressure of responsibilities and challenges weighed on me. I chose to endure another crucible-like workout, calming my mind to keep motivated and focused in pursuit of optimal health.
Life doesn’t stop because one wants to be healthy. If it’s not the career (or lack thereof), it’s the kids. If it’s not the kids, then it’s the car or the home or some other unexpected wrinkle (blessing) to keep things balanced/off-balance. The road to optimal health and wellness is paved with wonderful, but arduous life situations.
Recently, I allowed my gradual weight loss progress to wane. I found myself back at 195 pounds after a few weeks of poor eating due to worries over sick kids (flu) and other stresses. I made myself face the scale, to feel the disappointment of losing my gains. It doesn’t matter what happens around me, if I want optimal health, it requires consistency with nutrition and exercise. I’m in the process of gradually reducing my weight to 190. My eventual goal is to be a lean 180-184 pounds.
This goal will be achieved despite setbacks and lukewarm support. My family believes that 180-184 is too skinny for my height (6 feet). While my partner is generally supportive, she has her limits. She does not enjoy my attempts to fast. My family, friends and even my physician think I’ll look borderline emaciated if I go below 190.
My journey is entering a new, difficult phase that will require enhanced discipline with nutrition and exercise to maximize gains. I’m ready. I’ve no intention of ever weighing more than 200 pounds again in this life. If it means fighting through a psychological albatross daily, then so be it.
Sadly, there is very little that comes easy in this life. Especially when it involves the tireless pursuit of optimal health. The daily fight against lethargy and discouragement requires mental and emotional strength. I intend to remain consistent, despite how I might feel on a given day!
3 thoughts on “The Road to Optimal Health”