ProjectMoment

I have recently had an epiphany, or three, about my ongoing struggle with weight management. The first was admitting, finally, to myself that the root of my problem is a compulsion to overeat. The next was identifying a source of inspiration that can keep me going in this fight. Next was the realization that it will never be done. Not in the sense of there no longer being any possibility of me being above a weight I am comfortable with.

This is a daily struggle, to live one day well and not succumb to the disease. Each day is a fresh field of battle that waits patiently to be filled with enthusiasm, proper eating, and exercise…. or, sloth, overeating, and self-pity. The choice is a no-brainer, but it is exactly when I don’t use my brain that things go awry.

Each, and every day, I need to renew my commitment to myself, to be in the shape I desire, for that day. And, for that day only. Looking any further forward ushers in doubt. Look backwards ushers in self-recrimination. Today is where I need to work, and only today.

One of the things that has become clear to me lately is the need to incorporate exercise more routinely into my daily life. Not as a specific activity - ok, now I go to the dojo and train. But, rather, as a frequent practice during my day. Walking an extra block when going out to get lunch to bring back to the office. Being willing to park four blocks from my house so that I need to hike my way home carrying my daily load of two shoulder bags (one for the dojo, one for the office), _AND_ back again in the morning. Going out for coffee, rather than going to the kitchen. Cleaning the house a bit when I get home rather than slumping into my computer chair and launching a game.

Daily additions, whenever, and wherever, they can be placed is where the best fitness comes from. Having targeted time for working out is great, but it’s not enough if I want to get truly fit for life.