Exercise and Optimism

"Be an optimist -- at least until they start moving animals in pairs to Cape Canaveral." ---Source Unknown

I have come to the realization that my optimism, confidence and enthusiasm are linked to my exercise. It seems they are attached together. Recently, I suffered a pulled calf muscle and it would not heal. I took two weeks off my exercise routing to allow it to heal. I experienced a myriad of emotions during those two weeks. My stress levels increased and my smiles decreased. I am so excited that exercise is something that I now crave. Wait a minute; did I just say I crave exercise? My heavens how far the man that could not walk up the stairs of a movie theater without stopping for rest has come. This morning I did a small workout on my treadmill and while the calf muscle is tender it held up and the three miles was a bit tiring. I have taken two weeks off and it was somewhat hard to get back into it. However, as the day progressed; I had increased energy, stress levels decreased, and my optimism increased. It felt so good I am going to head down to the treadmill once again this evening for a second round. I hope that the calf muscle will hold up.

I remember as if it was yesterday those first steps at Snap Fitness on the treadmill. I started and I could not catch my breath, my legs were burning and hurting and I looked at the timer. I had been walking for a total of two-minutes and twenty seconds. I had to stop because my head was pounding, my breathing labored and my legs in pain and near collapse. Two-minutes and twenty seconds that were filled with pain and would begin a journey that would change my life forever. I must admit, I did not want to return to Snap Fitness. The next day I was sore and I sat in my car outside Snap Fitness. I dreaded going in to relive the pain and suffering. Quickly I made a mental list of pros and cons. It was a decisive moment for me and for the rest of my life. I am grateful that the list of pros won over my mind and I slowly climbed out of my car and limped into the center.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." ---Lao-tzu

In the future, I look forward to one day finding a companion that will walk this journey with me. Side by side, we will workout together building a wonderful, physical and mental relationship. Exercise clears the mind, energizes and builds confidence. In addition, it builds strength and when we are physically strong, we are strong in many other areas of our life. I admit I am jealous of those couples I see working out together. They seem to have a very close relationship.

I am so grateful that the Lord blessed me with the strength to get out of the car for that second day. Four-hundred-thirty-two pounds, two-minutes, and twenty seconds went to battle. I am so grateful that the two-minutes, twenty seconds won the day. Since that fateful day, I have done as much as thirteen miles in a single walking/jogging session.

Exercise is the key to a vibrant, healthy and passionate life. It really does build confidence and energize you for the rest of the day. I look forward to exercising for the rest of my life.

"Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger." ---Christian D. Larsen

"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson