Self Care
Three weeks ago, I decided to start going to Soul City Crossfit, a Crossfit affiliate within the Church Health YMCA at Crosstown Concorse. I am now in my fourth week and I can already tell a difference in myself. It does not feel like I have lost 10 pounds or that I never get tired anymore, but I do actually feel stronger physically and mentally too. On my drive over to class I wondered why was it so hard for me to take the time care for myself?
As I thought about it, I remembered past years of step aerobic classes, yoga, Insanity videos, Dennis Austin workouts, and walks with all three kids on bikes and in strollers. Over the years I have started and stopped many fitness models, however, in times of stress or busy seasons, exercise and self care have always been the first to go. As the day begins, I think of all the house chores, groceries, phone calls and errands before me. I always seem to choose those things over taking care of myself. The result is not good! It is one that results in resentment, bitterness and frustration. For the rest of my day, my family will receive an anxious wife and mother who is physically tired and grouchy.
I reached a point of anger a few years ago that propelled me forward. In our world, anger is usually seen as a feeling to avoid. However, anger does provide a gift. It can show yourself what you have passion for. It is the energy for change. It compels one forward. The anger I felt inside showed me that I did care about myself and my family. I wanted to offer them more than “anxious Virginia". Were my daily chores really helping me be a better me? Those chores were certainly needed, but neglecting my physical health and mental state of mind were not worth a pile of clean clothes on the dryer. That is when I decided it was time to let my anger compel me forward to take care of myself. So even though I may have to drive a little farther from my house to get good coaching and work out with friends, I realize I am worth it!
Since then, I have learned some lessons about myself along the way. First of all, for me, higher stress seasons like holidays or back to school time often cause self care to diminish. Knowing this can allow for me to show kindness to myself by acknowledging the busier season and make a self care plan allowing myself to work on 1 good decision each day. Know that you can make a decision that is best for you today. Ask God to show you what that decision is and ask Him to provide what you need to make it happen. Another lesson is that I always work better with friends! Having others that I enjoy around keeps me more accountable. Also, being prepared in my daily schedule helps me be prepared and ready. Maybe keeping extra workout clothes in the car, keeping a calendar printout on the refrigerator and extra water bottles in the car makes sure I am prepared for anything! These are all easy helps that keep me on my plan to health. Remember, you are worth it! Let your healthy anger fuel you forward in your effort to change.