My "healthy" perspective has been changing so much lately, it's crazy. It started with this "unconventional" attitude with food and now it's trickling into other aspects in my life. I question the real use for everything (I'm not talking about religious stuff- don't worry mom! My testimony is still as strong, if not stronger than ever). I guess what I'm trying to say is: once something that I KNEW to be right is completely wrong (like whole grains and soy products are super healthy) what other tried and true facts in my life are incorrect?
My biggest dilemma right now is exercise. The past routine was participating in a morning class at the gym like kickboxing or step aerobics and working like crazy- sweet dripping, legs shaking, can hardly stand afterward-crazy. Emotionally I felt great- so proud of myself for keeping up with the instructor and accomplishing something really difficult. I knew it was good for my body and would help me live a longer and fuller life. But physically I was exhausted. By the time I got the kids home, fed, and to bed all I could do was sleep while they were sleeping. This daily snooze-fest only added to everyone's stress because I couldn't take advantage of precious nap time to prepare for the rest of the day, clean, and unwind. I didn't realize it wasn't working on so many levels because I didn't think there was another way.
What REALLY is "physically fit"? Is it the ability to run a marathon? Is it having a perfectly formed, athletic build? Is it being able to lift hundreds of pounds? Is it flexibility? Is it having crazy amounts of energy? Is it keeping breathing under control even in the most tense situations? I don't know the answer to these questions, but I WANT to be physically fit.
I don't think I need anything in my life which depletes my energy and adds stress (I have enough little depleters in my life right now). So for now I'm enjoying classes like Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. I like the more relaxed and "listen to your body" atmosphere of these classes. I also appreciate the fact that these classes GIVE me more energy. I also walk and walk and walk as much as I possibly can (which is much easier now the weather is mild). I don't know if this exercise perspective is wise and I hope I'm smart enough now to know that I don't know ANYTHING. My goal right now isn't to look perfect in a bikini, it's to have enough energy to serve and love my family and those around me AND give my body what it needs to remain healthy.
I think the most important point I've learned in this small journey I've begun is how amazingly smart my body is- MUCH smarter than my brain. It has been telling me what I needed this whole time and I chose not to listen. Each of us are individuals with different exercise and dietary needs. There's no one size fits all program.
