Lessons and Progress

Read over my earlier entries -- especially the Transformation Week #1. My mindset is so much more positive now! I do have ups and downs and sometimes slip into old, discouraging ways of thinking but I am more aware of it and work hard to change my thoughts.

Yesterday I was in Zumba and I totally wasn't feeling it. My spirit was low, I felt sluggish. I thought back to something I learned in Intensati. During an Intensati workout you say affirmations so you can connect that thought, that feeling with the movement. So during that class, I tried to remember how great I felt in the past with the movement -- not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually. And I felt something inside of me start to change, I wiggled it -- more than a little bit. I let loose in that class and did everything except make jazz faces while I did the movement (although that wasn't too far behind). If we can control our thoughts, we can be so powerful! Of course, this is an ongoing process for me, but if you do it once, you can do it again.

My trainer, Jeff, and I have added boxing to my workouts. The combos can be tough but with repetition you gain muscle memory and eventually the movements become second nature. You can do them with good form without even thinking because you have the fundamentals down. I think this applies to so much in life. If we keep practicing the right thing -- whether it is treating people right, getting enough rest, making good eating choices -- eventually it becomes second nature and doesn't feel like a struggle. Keeping that in mind helps me because I realize that I am on a journey and even if I don't get it right this time, just by doing it I am setting myself up for success in the future.

Just finished a workout that lasted for more than 70 minutes. Who? What? I did that! I never thought I would be able to do a workout that lasted for more than half an hour. But I've been taking Zumba for an hour, working out with Jeff for an hour, and thought I was strong enough to hold myself accountable for that longer workout without the support of a class or instructor. Now, I didn't do every movement perfectly or with as much intensity as I would have liked, but I know I will grow into it.

More to come!