My second goal is my cousin's wedding which I hope to attend in September. As I've written previously, I want to feel pretty again. So, I'd like to be able to wear some new clothing come September, including a pretty dress at her wedding. Plus, looking better, fitter, would be an added bonus.
My second goal I think is the most motivating. It means I need to add some strength training into my routine, which I've been intending to do. Also, I've decided, on the days I have absolutely nothing going on after my work out, I'm going to go 45 minutes. This is gauranteed to get me over 600 calories per work out.
Over the past two weeks, I've been doing much better at curbing my junk food intake. I had some relapses around my birthday and anniversary.
But right now I'm super tired. I hate being sick, but not sick enough to stay home from work. Maybe if my job was strenuous I'd have a reason... Sleep is so essential. I love sleep. Last week I had a rehearsal in the evening, after a meeting, after work. I had woken up at 6:00am and didn't go to bed until 10:30pm. I worked 12 hours. I hadn't pulled 12 hours of work since my last job. And in that job I was pulling 12 hour days at least 4 days a week. I remember being irritable, defensive, wiped out, sick, tired, moody, unable to think clearly most of the time. My body took two days to recover from my event last week. 2 entire days!! Rest is essential. God didn't intend for us to burn ourselves out.
The more I do this fitness stuff the more I strongly believe anything in excess isn't good. Food in excess makes us fat. Sleep in excess makes us lazy. Lack of sleep in excess makes us grumpy. Alcohol in excess makes us not only intoxicated but stupid; it also damages your body (of course). Fitness in excess ruins your body; your bones become weak, you need joint replacements... etc. Taking care of the body God gave us is so important.
Last note: for Lent I've decided not to fast from anything. I think I've been depriving myself for a good portion of my life. So, I've been adding quiet time. Just 15-20 minutes a day, intentionally observing sunset. The interesting thing to me is this: when I look away for a second, the sky changes. Beautiful colors that were there just a moment ago turn to gray so quickly. I think I've been focusing to much on myself and not on Christ, and not on the moments of my life which are good. In the same way I look at the sunset, may I keep my eyes on Christ so I won't miss all the beautiful things he is showing me.
Sunset from my balcony.
