Let Go and Feed the Soul

I've been fortunate enough to be blessed with one less problem than the most people I know.
I have no problems saying no.
None.
If it's not inline with where I am, I don't take it on. Simple as that.
That makes it really hard for me to give something up. When I make a decision to take on teaching a new fitness class, or I've make plans that involve others counting on me, I put a lot of thought into making sure I don't make commitments I can't fulfill. My reputation is important to me and I have never been a flaky person. If I say you can count on me, rest assured, you can. 

Last March, I was offered  a time slot at a local YMCA for a HIIT class every other Saturday morning. The pay was low, but I don't  do it for the money, and it would offer free membership and accountability for getting into the gym on the weekends. It was a great group of people that I knew would be fun to teach so I  took it. It didn't take long to realize I had made a mistake. How could one, every other week class send me over the edge?

Shit. Really?

I have a great passion for teaching fitness and the people I teach, inspire me in my own fitness journey which is why it surprised me that I was forever stressed about this class which I was so excited to take on. Planning the class became an extra chore that seemed daunting. Then there were the extra expectations of hours of online trainings, constant emails, surveys to fill out, and endless sub requests I had to decline. What baffled me was this was not that big of a deal. Why was it stressing me out so much?

In June, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. After researching, I realized why I was feeling the way I was. It wasn't just this class, I've been stressed about pretty much everything. My load seemed light compared to what I've done in the past, and yet I was flailing like a fish out of water.  My energy level, brain fog, and physical weakness was making everything feel like I was swimming upstream.

The last few months I have put everyone and everything on the back burner without knowing why and now I am finding answers. It's time to lighten my expectations of myself and focus on all things that are going to make me well.

It is now Summer break, which allows me time to get right with myself. Last week I put in my two weeks notice for that YMCA class and I can't even tell you what a release that was, which is kind of embarrassing since it was a seemly small commitment. I have also taken on some hobbies that bring me peace which I am usually too busy for during the school year.

My gardens have brought me lots of joy. I have landscaped the medians (Hell Strips) of our corner lot home which has been a lot of fun and very relaxing.
                                                        My Giant Weeping Sequoia!
                                        I can't wait to see what he will be when he grows up!!
                                           Above is my Euphorbia Tirucalli ( Firesticks Succulent)

I am also getting back to my new found love for Shabby Chic furniture painting . This was my first two pieces from last year. I bought them at our local Goodwill with a cherry wood finish. I was so happy with the way they turned out, I kept them for our bedroom set.


 My currant work in progress is my jewelry armoire. I had a vision for this piece the moment a friend of ours gave it to me.

In addition, I have my Star Center Shred Bootcamp which I have no intention on giving up! These classes and the people in it feed my soul in a way I don't want to live without.

Keeping up with this blog (in a non-obsessive way ) keeps me accountable and helps me to see my progress. 

Life shouldn't be too full of to-do lists and responsibilities. It's hard for me to let go and do things I enjoy. I have always been a perfectionist, and it truly gets under my skin if the bed goes unmade, ya know? I need to work on that, but I think I'm off to a good start.... 



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