Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Enjoying Wednesdays

“For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” Souza


I think most people look forward to weekends. Relaxing, time with family or friends, sleeping in, movies, concerts, etc. For me, I love Saturdays. Although it's a day packed full of work, it usually leads to getting dressed up, letting loose with friends, and no curfew. Sundays I get to recover, go to church, be pretty lazy, and get to bed early to face a grueling new week. Until now.

Monday I started my marathon training. 17 weeks of running 3 weekdays and a long run on Saturdays after work. There's plenty of other cardio, strength training, and yoga in there too. No more staying out late with friends, after work trips to Hacienda, or skimping on sleep. I have been thinking about this a lot lately, realizing that I am sacrificing my social life to work towards a goal. I realize that I will be missing out on birthday celebrations, dating, and eating out. And I think I'm okay with that. In the past when I have "gone on a diet," I couldn't wait for it to end. I'd count down the days til the weekend, til the end of the month, or whenever my release from food hell would be. But in this last year I have adapted healthy habits and enjoy eating a clean diet. I also really enjoy running most of the time. The rush of accomplishing something that I would have once thought impossible is worth the achy joints and nights staying in. While some days seem to drag, or be stressful, they are all part of my life. I can wish for the weekend, or May 15th, or summer... but all while I am wishing I am going to skip over enjoying the little accomplishments.

2 comments:

Muncher Cruncher said...

What an awesome post! I love that quote. Such a TRUE great point. If we are constantly waiting for what is going to make us happy we will be constantly unhappy with unmet expectations. We really do need to find the happiness in our every day lives...In our here and now.
Good luck marathon training! You are going to do awesome. I am with you on how giving up the social life goes...my friends are pretty sick of hearing me tell them i'm going to bed when they are all ready to go play. Don't worry. It will be worth it! ;)

I am SO sorry your trainer is moving! :( I loved your comment on my blog about overhearing the other trainers... The gym I work at is a private specialized gym, so most people that work out there are elite athletes, and all of our trainers are highly certified which is great. But, I also work out at the local Golds by my house sometimes. I CRINGE at some of the things I hear trainers telling people...YIKES.

I also LOVE that you eat Paleo. That is not easy to do girl. VERY impressive. I want progress reports!! I'd love to hear your thoughts along the way. I'm always interested in peoples methods of eating. Your recipes you left me look BOMB. I'll be trying them!
Sorry for the novel...Keep in touch!

Melody said...

I love your thoughts in the first paragraph. It's too bad I didn't start thinking that way until I was nearly 40.