I looked at the calendar and saw that today marks 1 month since I began exercising again and Day 11 of checking in online and holding myself accountable.
Today I did only 11 minutes on the glider, and 50 pullbacks with the resistance band, plus 20 gentle squats. I also took my lunch hour to go outside which I rarely do. I had to get my mom’s prescription and some groceries so, I got some steps in. But grocery shopping today ended up being super painful for me. I thought no big deal, just get a few items; a bananas, plantains, mushrooms and peppers and carry them home. Simple right? Not by a long shot. I had to walk as fast as I could to get home because the pain felt like someone was twisting my shoulder like when you break a chicken wing…and my good arm is super weak so the struggle was real.
While I can do arm circles, I cannot hoist a bag over my shoulder let alone let the tote bag hang on one arm. I have to alternate between hold the bags like a baby, and hold the bags on each hand. It shows me I still have a LONG way to go and reminds me that now more than ever, I must be patient with myself and not give up on my exercises. There are certain pains I can push through and manage, but when it comes to things like stomach pain or in this case my overall body pain from injuries, I struggle hard and it takes everything I have in me to get up and not fall into that dark hole of sadness I am far too familiar with.
The book club that I am a part of which thankfully was tonight, was a welcome escape from that pain and the laughter from a book we are reading called Tartufo by by Kira Jane Buxton was just what the doctor ordered. It was good distraction that helped remind me of my first love and passion…food. It’s something to look forward to and that in turn made me eager to get on that glider tomorrow and either go to the track at the park near me for my lunch hour or attempt to do some light yoga on the mat.
Giving up is NOT an option and exercising caution and restraint in trying too much too soon is also important. We will see what I am able to do tomorrow, but for now I can celebrate the fact that I made it 1 month so far of physical activity thanks to that glider!
TODAY’S PLAYLIST
Atomic Blonde soundtrack
Mind Body Synergylia 