As the winter months set in and the weather becomes even colder, I find it harder to head outdoors and break a sweat with my usual run. I know this may be a little wimpy but as Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry said, a man s got to know his limitations . Anticipating this, I resorted to my backup plan and finally joined a gym (a Christmas gift from my husband Anthony that keeps on giving). While at first I was reluctant, I practically joined kicking and screaming, I must admit I am extremely happy with this new course of action. I hadn t realized how much I needed to get out of my regular routine and break it up a little. I am a creature of habit.
I think it is important in having routine in our lives. It keeps us sane in our busy and demanding schedules. But I also think it is important to take the blinders off once in a while and see where we can shake things up and make changes. They don t need to be drastic changes either or break the bank. All we need is a little sense of adventure and a little imagination. It could be something as simple as taking a different route to work and discovering new places, trying out a new restaurant or cuisine, adding color to your wardrobe if you are prone to wearing black, listening to a different radio station or changing the furniture around in your home. Have you ever sat on a different chair and noticed how different the room looked and felt? Try it. You ll see what I mean. I made pancakes and bacon for dinner the other night and although it was a small and simple act, it added fun and a sense of indulgence to our day.
Much to my surprise, making an adjustment such as joining a gym for the winter months has proved to be very beneficial for me in many ways. Ways I hadn t counted on. For example, I have started working on speed and not just distance while running on the treadmill and I have also added weight training to my exercise routine. I ve gained extra time in my schedule because now I don t have to wait for the school and work traffic to subside before heading out. I don t enjoy breathing in school bus fumes and dodging heavy morning traffic while I run. As a result, it has provided a nice rhythm and ease to my day. And did I mention I am having fun?
Life is so much more than just going through the motions. By breaking my routine I have gained a better appreciation for those days when I do venture outdoors for a run. A simple change has added a whole other dimension and a newer sense of excitement to something I already loved doing.
IF YOU OBEY ALL THE RULES, YOU MISS ALL THE FUN Katharine Hepburn
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