Inspiration

I have to admit it. This morning, I had a less than enthusiastic attitude when I walked into the gym. I was tired, irritable, and my muscles ached slightly from an over-zealous training session a couple days earlier. It was all I could do to drag myself in there, but as I was thinking about how I’d rather be at Starbucks, I saw Jack* and things began to shift.

I’ve been a member of my gym for over two years now, and almost every time go, I see Jack. I think he’s at the gym for a workout just about every day--and every day he’s smiling and chatting it up with his fellow ’regulars.’ Being the introvert that I am, I’ve only chatted with Jack a couple of times, but each time I felt a little flattered that he chose to speak to me, to include me in his circle of gym friends--even if it was for a brief moment. Today, however, Jack was focused more on his workout than chit chat. Despite being on the elliptical machine next to mine, he kept the talking to a minimum and got right to work. I peddled along beside him, feeling quite proud to be working out with Jack. (OK, so we weren’t actually working out together, but it was close enough.) After Jack and I finished on the elliptical, I headed to the treadmills while he stopped off for a quick go on the recumbent bike. Once finished there, Jack joined me on the mills. This time, he was a few machines away, but it didn’t matter. I could still keep my eye on him. As I plugged along attempting to finish my mileage, Jack busied himself with intervals. Walk two minutes, jog five, walk one, jog seven, etc. Out of the corner of my eye, I marveled at him. His stamina, his charm, his dedication to keeping fit, all worthy of admiration. And this morning, by ‘working out’ with Jack, my attitude began to change. Soon, I didn’t dread the rest of my run, but rather, I reveled in it. I was no longer irritable, I was inspired. However, I did have one regret as I left the gym: that I hadn’t wished Jack a happy birthday last week--when he turned 81.

*Name has been changed.

Resolutions

In addition to my resolutions to lose ten pounds, organize my house, and spend more quality time with my kids, I plan to post more to this blog. I've neglected Sticky Notes and writing in general, and, well, this is not good. It seems that as 2008 began to wane, so did any and all impetus to do anything that is good for me, like writing...oh and eating well and exercising and spending quality time...well, you get the point.

As a person who needs a little kick in the pants at times, I welcome 2009 with open arms. I want to give it a big hug and say thank you for its gift: the chance to start over, the chance to get off my ass and become that person I want to be--that person who writes and eats right and exercises and...well, you get the idea.

More musings to come in 2009. I promise! Happy New Year--I hope it brings you peace and many blessings.