In the last two weeks, I’ve been trying to walk regularly.
I would like to say that I started doing this in the interest of fitness, but truthfully, it began as a form of stress relief. One morning, when both girls were at school, and DJ was napping, I decided that I really needed some fresh air and a change of scenery. My husband was home, working in his basement office, so I called him, and asked tentatively, “Um…is it OK if I go for a walk, alone?” and he said, “Of course it is!” So off I went.
I walked briskly for 15 minutes, and felt better. Granted, I had a cramp in my side and was practically wheezing because I’m so ridiculously out of shape, but mentally I felt calmer. Not perfect, but definitely better. I admit that I’ve never been a very active person, so I didn’t really believe people who claimed that exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel better. But it really does, so I decided to do it again. And again.
I’m not following any particular exercise routine or plan, and I don’t have a specific route that I follow. I just put on my walking shoes, bundle up in warm clothes, put my MP3 player in my pocket, and drive into town. I park at the community park, and start walking. I set my cell phone alarm to alert me when I’ve been walking for 12 1/2 minutes. When it goes off, I head back the way I came, for a total time of 25 minutes. Next week, I’ll increase to 30 minutes. I’m trying to do this 3 times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I time my walk so that when I’m finished, I can head right to the preschool to pick up Cakes.
In the past, I’ve made all kinds of excuses for why I couldn’t exercise – I didn’t have any equipment, I didn’t want to pay for a gym membership, I didn’t have anyone to watch the kids. But you don’t have to spend money to exercise, and after talking to my husband, I learned that he’s more than willing to keep an eye on DJ for a half hour, as long as he’s home. It’s not a big deal. I was making it into one in my head, though.
Also, last week at church, I spoke with a friend, a retired teacher who really enjoys my children. I asked her if she would be willing to take my kids for a couple of hours, one day a week. Not so I could get groceries, or clean the house, but so I could read a book, or take a nap, or just do whatever I happen to feel like doing. She was more than willing, and she doesn’t even want me to pay her! Proof that when you need help, sometimes all you have to do is ask. For people like me, that’s not easy to do, but I’m so glad I did.
© 2011 Want What You Have. All Rights Reserved.
