Saturday, June 15, 2024

My friend and neighbor Susie bicycled over and helped me handle some tasks that were too cumbersome or heavy for me alone. Besides being organized and kind, Susie can assume a leadership role. One of her interests is in maintaining good physical condition. After checking out my small workout assortment, she encouraged me to quit thinking about exercising and actually start doing it regularly. She’s right, and I’ll be on it.

Before feeding my critters, I will stretch this morning. My small rowing machine decently allows for a full-body workout, and Susie revived my neglected workout bench by demonstrating ways of stretching with weights. I must keep my head wrapped around exercising and stretching at least once daily.

Physically, I tend to slump, a lifelong and increasingly insistent problem. My spinal curvature makes it unlikely I’ll ever again stand straight, but yes, I could improve my posture. My resistance to exercising makes it critical that I work with my brain to “see workouts” as more than physical effort.

I intend to be mindful of the many benefits of daily stretching and working out that extend far beyond physical fitness. I need to feel involved with working out as being more in tune with my body and seeing its positive impact on my daily living. Working out routinely will bring the “stretch benefits” of mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, and social connections.

I recently acquired a cute journaling book and wondered how to use it. Problem solved: I’ll write notes daily about my workouts, feelings, perceptions, and all else associated with my efforts to gain physical strength and straightness.

Whew! There’s a plan, and it has key- and sub-goals.

It’s early to work today, and also my final shift as a roaming salesperson. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be a jewelry salesperson. As the newest person in the store’s Jewelry Department, I’ll be assigned to its late closing shifts. That will free my days’ early hours and make Susie’s observations timely. There will be adequate time for stretching, working out, and journaling.

Dear Friends: Healthy habits for stress relief and body straightening, just get going. Diana