Here is a list of things that used to scare me:
Airplane turbulence. Terrorist threats. Not being able to locate my kids when they don't text me back. Swimming in deep water. Mannequins. Frogs.
Now? I am not so afraid anymore, not of those things anyway. If the plane rocks, I just remind myself that I've had a great life so far. If the code goes to orange, I turn off the TV. If my kids don't respond, I assume their battery is dead and remind myself that they are smart kids. Also, I pray.
My perspective on life and my definition of fear has changed this year, and it has made me a stronger, if not better, person. My brother's wife Dori lost her cancer battle three years ago and I can tell you that watching her say goodbye to her husband and kids at the age of 53 made airplane turbulence feel like a joy ride. Financial struggles are tough, but foreclosure is still not a tumor. Frogs? Bring them on.
Now? I know better than to verbalize a lot of my fears, knowing that 99 percent of them will never materialize and that even if they do, I will deal with it when I get there. Worrying really is praying for what you don't want.
For me, life seems to be a balance of having a plan for myself and then recalibrating if my plan does not work out. I am always telling my teens (maybe so I can hear my own advice in my own ears) that it is not so much your situation that matters -- it's how you react to your situation. Life can suck and you can still be happy.
As far as fitness is concerned, this holiday season we all need to have a plan (beyond praying)
It may feel like a struggle to stay healthy and fit in spite of the temptation of chocolate peanut butter caramel toffee drops and Grandpa's 900-calorie eggnog, but I encourage you to resist the urge to throw in the fitness towel and surrender to all the caloric temptations.
But if you blow it and reach for four or five extra cookies, let it go and start again tomorrow.
At this time of year, in the fitness industry, I notice that people's idea of what is possible shrinks. And I am here to say that you never get more of what you want by being unwilling to say "I'll try."
If you commit to your exercise regimen, you will astound yourself with how much more healthy you will be by Jan. 1. If you try to exercise every day, you may miss a day here and there but your commitment will pay off.
Put your workouts on your calendar. Check them off when they are finished. Make yourself as much of a priority as your family. If that means sending out fifty holiday cards rather than 500, do it. All women should just agreed to either do those tasks and ENJOY IT or not do it at all. So decide right now that the next week is NOT going to be filled with demands and whining and griping. But instead decide that it will be filled with laughs and hugs and smiles, and maybe letting a task or two go undone.
As Dr. Phil says, "You've got put on your own life mask before you can assist others."
Think ahead and make a plan for yourself so your holiday season isn't something you fear or dread.
This holiday season is taxiing down the runway and is ready for take off. What's your flight plan?
Holiday Fitness Traffic Control just radioed in. Time to pull up and fly.