Beginning the Transformation.

Well, the transformation is beginning. As I told you, first I had to get over that "first day of kindergarten" apprehension, and then I just had to get started. So, after Tuesday's adventure, I actually went into the gym and did what the trainer had asked me to do--20 minutes of cardio walking. Having never used a treadmill, I needed some instruction, and the first day was done a bit gingerly, but by yesterday, I was really into it. I not only increased speed, but used the incline as well, and got into my peak rate. First day barely made it into the cardio part of the chart, yesterday, I got through cardio to peak rate. I think that a lot of it has to do with comfort, and taking things a step at a time, the Kaizen way as I have learned. Years ago, when I had lost that first large block of weight, I didn't know that I was doing Kaizen, but I was. First I used to walk to the rubbish can near the car to discard Lucy's stuff, then when they moved the can, I walked over to where they had moved it, and after a few weeks of that being comfortable, I thought, why not bypass this can walk to the further one, and so on until I was walking the whole mile course at the park without even thinking about it. I used to think that the one mile I walked in the morning was all I could manage, but now that I am taking on more exercise, I can see that if I do it gradfually, I realize that I can do that and more.
Now I have to admit that the reward of working out in such delightful surroundings is that luxurious extra benefit that makes it so very appealing. It is wonderful to have all of the amenities right there. There is the cardio theater--the TV that is hooked up to the treadmill and other machines, that makes the time fly by--the iced towels for after the workout and the clean fluffy white towels that are there for comfort and drying off, the ice water, the friendly smiling faces checking to see if you need anything, and the ultra luxurious locker room. It is a pleasure to shower and clean up and be ready to face wherever you have to go afterward, instead of red faced and sweaty.
Today I am scheduled for my first spa treatment, a massage, and I am really looking forward to it. I think that what I am learning here, and possibly the most valuable lesson that I might learn through this is that there is nothing selfish or bad about taking good care of myself. By doing so I will be better able to take care of the other important people in my life. I already feel stronger and more vital. And I've only done two cardio workouts! Think how it will be to really be strong and healthy. I might be unstoppable. It is really a new concept for me that I am deserving in any way, and that I may be served as I try to serve others.
So the Transformation is really beginning. Not only the physical, but the mental as well and in the final analysis, it's all mental, isn't it? It's what makes us say yes to getting up and going to the gym, it's what makes us realize that we really don't need that second helping of food, it's what makes us say no to being over committed when what we really may need is some down-time. It may become (if we are determined and lucky) a realization that that cookie that want is really just a substitute for an extra hour of sleep that we really need, or that ice cream we are craving is the substitute for that hug that we really needed when we were feeling a little down and didn't realize that people really cannot read our minds so we have to ask for one.
I really look forward to getting together with my cohort group to see if they too are making a mental transformation, or if, being probably the eldest among them, I tend to reflect and cogitate more.
Well, I am off to my day. I have not thought about using the gym on the weekends, the the tought as entered my mind. It it Kaizen working? Now that I have done this comfortably, I can add something? I don't know but I like it. So here's to that change. That princess's tiara is out there 6 months away, and I can see it shining. It's like grabbing for the brass ring on a merry-go-round. I never dared take the risk to lean that far out of my comfort zone. But I am leaning out there now. I'll let you know what happens. There is a blessing in my culture, "May you go form strength to strength". I feel as if I am doing that now. Come with me.