I didn’t have time to write an
entry this morning because I had an early start to get to my Weight Watchers
meeting and then to the gym. It worked
out for the best though because I’m really excited to write about today’s joy
and Friday’s was pretty simple. So once
again I will combine two days together for this entry.
Day 19’s Joy – Homemade Real
Iced Tea (Friday Jul 6)
Friday was the hottest day we have had of the year so far. I don’t do well with heat, it has a tendency
to leave me feeling a little cranky. I
knew finding joy was going to be a challenge so I opted for something
simple. When I got home from work I
broke out my tea press. I filled it with
one of my favourite teas (watermelon) and a tray of ice. Once the iced tea was made I headed out to
sit on my front step. I sipped the tea
while watching my cat explore the driveway.
It was a pretty low key version of joy but it was an excellent start to
my weekend.
Day 20’s Joy – Dance Like No One
is Watching, Part 2 (Saturday Jul 7)
I had picked today’s activity as a source of my joy when I first
started this challenge. I wasn’t sure
when I would squeeze it in but I knew that I wanted to try. Today’s joy came in the form of an amazing
workout doing a Zumba class that my gym offers.
I nearly chickened out of doing it but I’m so glad that I pushed myself
to go in spite of my nerves and fears.
Although I have been a part of an exercise class before it is not my
favourite thing in the world. I tend to
feel self-conscious and get stuck in my head thinking about all the things
other people must think seeing me. Of course
over the years I have learned that the majority of people, if they are even looking
at me at all, are actually more willing to cheer me on rather than any of the
negative things I assume that they think about me. Anyway two years ago my then trainer (now
friend) convinced me to do this same Zumba class. I felt brave having someone do it with me so
it felt less nerve wracking. What I
remember the most about this first time doing the class was that as tough as it
was I had a smile the whole time. It was
the memory that made me want to try it again in hopes of recreating the moment.
I got to the gym early so I hopped on the treadmill and did my usual 30
minutes before the Zumba class was supposed to start. Knowing that I had already done a work out,
added to the fact I was enjoying a conversation with a couple of the trainers,
I started to think about not doing the class and just heading home. From the weight floor you can see into the
gym and the class didn’t look very full.
I was worried about standing out.
But in the end I summoned my courage and told myself that as long as I
can start the class I will be okay. I
headed down and found a spot in the back.
At first I was super aware of everyone around me but by the time the
first song was over I didn’t care. I
spent the next hour attempting to not trip over my feet, move my hips and keep
some sort of rhythm. It was fantastic.
There is a lot to be gained from doing something that is outside of
your box. I’m really trying to embrace
the idea of doing things that scare me and push me. I don’t really have the right words to describe
the level of joy, excitement and pure sassy confidence that I felt during the
class as well as all day since it. The
smile I found within the gym walls has been plastered on my face all day.
I hope that everyone can find something that makes them feel as amazing
and wonderful as Zumba did for me today.
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