I don’t do New Years resolutions. There are a lot of things I probably should resolve to do; make time to exercise so my hereditary high cholesterol goes down before my doctor prescribes something, get rid of those five holiday pounds, go back to school, write more frequently on my blog, be more diligent about family time, etc.
I’ve been told that I’m going to burn myself out, that I can’t keep the pace I’ve set and I need to make time for me and my health. I know myself and I know I stink at reserving time for me and I won’t follow through, even if I were to make a resolution. I love to move at mach speed and have my hands in a variety of pies (probably why I found those five holiday pounds!); the energy and interaction keeps my battery charged. I’ve always identified with the quote from the Top Gun movie: “You’re not going to be happy unless you’re going Mach two with your hair on fire.”
Over the New Years weekend, I happened to pick up a yoga magazine. “This is what I need!” I thought to myself, imagining the serenity I was going to feel and the peace that was going to fill my being. All that peace and serenity aside other benefits abound: yoga pants are comfortable and it would provide a reason to wear them in public, I don’t have to go to a class everyday, and no one talks to you while you’re sweaty. I could get rid of those holiday pies, lower my cholesterol, relax and center myself and take that time for me – all without putting my body through a run, lifting weights or getting on the dreaded elliptical.
Reality set in by the time I finished the magazine. Yoga may seem peaceful and I like that the yoga masters are called Yogi, but I’m not sure I can slow down enough to be peaceful, and some of those poses looked brutal. Plus, I’ve never been great at standing on my head or wrapping my leg behind my neck.
I know that exercise is important to a healthy body and while my diet is very good, I’m like millions of American’s who need to incorporate more physical exercise into their daily routine. Both of my kids play sports and exercise regularly, I should use them as role models or inspiration. I’m not saying I’m resolving to exercise regularly, but I suppose I can grab a yoga video or try a class. It’s probably back to the dreaded elliptical for me – in yoga pants!
