I discovered that my body is suffering from adrenal fatigue, which basically means I overstressed my body and it needs to recover. So, I have been forced to listen and take time off from teaching and exercising. While this is what my body needs, my brain tends to disagree. I am trying to force relaxation into my very resistant head. I have spent the first couple days of “operation relaxation” feeling down and focusing on potential negative consequences such weight gain, loss of strength and muscle definition, etc. I chose to look at relaxation as a burden rather than a blessing. Yes, I gave into self-pity and even wallowed in it!
As I opened my eyes to greet today, a thought (more like a slogan) popped into my head – gratitude is an attitude. Just having this thought made me feel hopeful, calm, and dare I say happy!? Starting today, I am going to be grateful that I have time to recover. I am going to be grateful that I can finish reading my book, take my dogs for walks, play games with my kids, clean out my closets (ok, that one is a stretch). It is within my control to change my attitude and entire perspective to see recovery as uplifting experience instead of a punishment.
My experience today got me thinking about the broader pattern in all of us to find gratitude in our lives and circumstances. We often judge our experiences as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but what if we withheld judgment for a little while and allowed things to just ‘be?’ What if we focused on our blessings as a daily practice? Have you been able to adopt an attitude of gratitude? If so, please share!
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Beautifully put! It’s inspiring to hear your story, and it seems clear you’ll emerge from “operation relaxation” a stronger and more effective instructor/mentor/woman! While I would never wish hardship on anyone, I’ve realized for me those were the times I was able to use to break through to a greater level of awareness about things. Sometimes that work is hard, but then it’s impossible to imagine going back. Continued best wishes to you!
Hey Lady, Feel better and keep working on that outlook!
nicole.
I Love it all Kristi. And Im sorry to hear the adrenal news. There are 2 ways to do this recovery mission- in fear and negativity or with gratitude and love. Your body willrespond better to gratitude. I feel for you and wish you a speedy recovery. You will be back and we will be waiting!!! You are Ty
Racing is how to take care of ourselves. Thank you.
Oops- You are teaching us… Showing is how to take care of ourselves! Do you need any good books?? Can you ride your bike easy?? A social super low heart rate ride?? Lemme know
Love to you!
Well stated! It is all in our attitude. I’ve swallowed the ‘time off’ bullet as well. Hated it at first, but now I’m sadly starting to like it. Listen to your doctor!!!!