PHASE 5

So ........Am I ready to face the gym on my own? I was feeling "semi-comfortable" but it certainly is easier with a buddy. We had been there enough that the teachers and regular class members recognized us and were of course kind and welcoming, so maybe it would be o.k............... So I decided I really had to stick with it, I mean what is the alternative? I had come this far and realized I could really never go back so I had to get over myself and just do it! So I did. I continued to go to Aqua class and slowly became a part of the "regulars" group. I began to get to know the people and fairly quickly I was no longer hesitant about going to the gym by myself. So I was going a couple times a week but as I grew more comfortable I was going three times a week. I was developing relationships with the instructors as I had lots of questions and wanted to tap into all the resources available. (and it made sense to me instructors would have information!) So I asked my questions and learned some of the finer details about Aqua and exercise in general and I was feeling motivated and informed. SO I found myself looking at my work schedule and trying to figure out how I could get to these classes more often and without being 10 to 15 minutes late. It really was becoming a priority for me and I didn't even know it. So my next step was to change my work schedule because up to this point I was getting to class a little late since I did not get off work until 5:30 and that was when the class started. I changed my schedule and now was able to make it to class on time and actually early enough that I became a part of the "prep gang". These were the regulars who got to class early and helped to get things ready for class, you know taking down the lane dividers, pulling out the equipment , doing whatever needed to be done. Slowly without me even knowing it I was becoming a part of this strange little family that exist at the Aqua class. Now granted most of the people in this "family" can be my Grandparents or at the least my Parents so I certainly am not going out on the town with them but they are a great group of people who truly care about each other and now they care about me. I have developed some great friendships with the instructors as well............... and for the record....they are people I occasionally go out on the town with! :-) As I implemented these changes, was growing and stretching in so many ways, something interesting happened.... I was now going to class 5 times a week. Yes, I said 5 times a week. I realized that a friend of mine had predicted early on in my exercise journey that exercise would becoming a part of who I was and not something I needed or should do......and it did! It just is a part of who I am, I work out! Who would have known? Me , working out, going to the gym alone, 5 times (sometimes more) a week? I was so relieved when I realize it had happened because as I remembered my friend telling me that it would I also remembered I had strong doubts! I am so glad I was wrong.

Support part 2

So ..... Let's see if I can tackle support again or maybe for the first time a little more directly :-)
There are so many ways I have seen and felt some great support throughout this journey... Honestly it started with someone giving me a business card and some great words of encouragement about their experience with this Doctor. Now while I held that card for a REALLY long time before I did anything with it , that was one of those catalyst to the change. So Thanks for the business card and encouragement.

Workout buddies...... I am Positive I would never had joined a gym or started working out by myself so my buddies who not only joined with me but showed up regularly and encouraged me when I did not want to go.........were definitely, undeniably supportive. The accountability of knowing someone was waiting for me and committed to meeting me was incentive and encouraging. Those of you who know me ........ you know the whole gym step was HUGE...... So Thanks workout buddies! :-) Would never have done so well had I not started working out!

Let's see ... The Trainer..... the trainer who was so supportive, honest, direct , but always encouraging.... He still trains at my gym and always has a kind word of support. His belief in me really was something I welcomed as most people like this gentleman rarely gave me the time of day let alone a smile and kind words..... He offered not only excellent workouts, he really pushed me to work my hardest and not make excuses, he had a sort of belief in me and my abilities that even  I didn't in the beginning...... That was truly life changing for me as well........Thanks Sergent!

So another "moment" that I have always remembered and appreciated was when a friend and I were talking about the whole gym thing and commitment verses desire etc...... And I asked how he managed to be so totally faithful to his workouts, because it wasn't like he was one of those "obsessed gym rats" he just was committed to going 5 to 7 days a week. He told me he really did not think about it, It was just a part of who he was. Wow that was an interesting way to think about it.... It is not something I "have " to do , or something I "should" do .... It is something I do. I liked that and wondered if I would ever get there...at the point we had the conversation I was still having to make an effort, a conscience choice to go to the gym... I did it but a lot of thought went into it...... SO ...... He assured me if I stuck with it before I even realized it one day it would happen to me as well.... I am happy to report.... It did....
I really do not even think about it anymore.... It is a part of who I am and what I do .... It just is... 4 to 7 times a week I am at the gym.
This same person has been a constant support and encouragement in all areas of this journey. He truly has been one of the few not afraid to ask the tough questions and hold me accountable. I have to say this kind of support has been priceless, not sure what I would do without it. I am forever grateful not only for all the support, but the excellent  modeling of honest accountability coupled with love and support which has also allowed me to see just how much power that has............I only hope I can be half as supportive and encouraging to others, as well as in return to him. Thanks :-)

Which leads me to a thought in general about support............
Accountability.......... I think we often , o.k. I often...... shy away from this just because, let's be honest we don't want people telling us what to do or even knowing our business..... Well for me accountability has made this process keep moving forward. I have really felt support through the accountability. I appreciate people asking if I am still going to the gym or how the diet is going ... It keeps me honest. Accountability can be and has been for me a great amazing life changer... I don't know about anyone else but I do not ever want to become so comfortable or complacent that I am not growing... and accountability certainly does not leave room for that to happen.
That being said please know I am o.k. with questions, concerns, challenges and all forms of accountability..... bring it on... it shows love and concern.

Anyway.. enough rambling on about ..... Obviously I could go on and on about it....

I also appreciate the support I have received from some friends at work... the encouragement, kind words, pats on the back, compliments about the changes they see.... all of it.... It helps.... No one wants to take on something of this magnitude alone.... Like any challenge we face it is not easy so support is essential.

Support comes in so many forms and I have a long list of people who I want to Thank.... I know you all know who you are and I hope you know I am forever grateful for your contribution to my change and growth......... I will stop here as I tend to go on and on.... Best leave some for another time....
THANKS again....... I am ever changing and growing thanks to so many of you!
Until next time............. :-)