My alarm rang at 4:15 am this morning and I'd be lying if I said I popped right out of bed excited for the day! Instead the truth is, I had set it for the same time both Monday and Tuesday as well and turned it off and went right back to bed telling myself I was too tired from the weekend, and that I'd gotten home to late from the championship NCAA basketball game. However, excuses only go so far when you want change and today I decided to tell myself "you've got this". Once I was up, dressed, and out the door I still felt groggy but I am determined to start a new routine.
As I wandered into day 1 of boxing this morning at 5 am, I was excited! While I'd love to tell you I was a natural, the reality is I was not. While I am in shape, athletic and have grown to love lifting ... keeping your hands up to protect yourself, punch correctly and keep your legs loose were quite the challenge. Kicking came easier and the cardio circuits in between were great for elevating my heart rate. I was dripping sweat and I cannot wait to conquer the technique of this sport! So tomorrow I will try again, and the next day, etc until I get better!
Why am I boxing you might ask? I really don't know. Something about change inspires me. I love the gym, I enjoy being healthy but I get bored. I love switching things up and nothing humbles you and allows you to help others more than when you basically suck at something. I recently went back to my roots of playing volleyball on Wednesday nights as well, only I play in the sand in Arizona which is completely different than indoor, including the rules. Weeks have gone by and I love volleyball and the fire it lights in my soul, so I decided to try something new a few mornings a week. I will still lift, and as you all know I will probably use every excuse in the book not to do cardio, but the point is I am out there making the choice to better myself. I often hear, I don't feel comfortable at the weight rack, people stare at me, I can't run a mile, I don't know where to start ... you get the picture. Yes, I am extremely comfortable in the gym, and I can run a few miles (though I despise it), and I don't care what people think because I am there for me, but I wanted to feel what others feel so I can have a better response to them. Today I felt like the new girl, my punches were corrected multiple times, but I didn't quit and I will absolutely be back. The other people boxing were encouraging and the reality is we all start somewhere. That is the beauty of it. Don't let fear hold you back in anything, whether it is fitness, friendship, career, life, or fill in the blank. Sometimes it is our own insecurities that hold us back, not the reaction of those around us, because today I was welcomed to a new sport with open arms.
I love the quote that describes F.E.A.R. in two ways. You can Fear Everything and Run or Face Everything and Rise. As I drove home to the sun coming up, I was smiling because those who know me well know I hate early mornings, but the sun rising was beautiful and I was completely enjoying it. Sitting on my patio with a cup of coffee writing this, feeling inspired, I wish I had a picture of my surroundings to show you because I feel so peaceful ... but my adorable, crazy, loving and yes sometimes naughty toddler threw my phone like a baseball last night leaving the screen black. So for now I will let your imagination run wild as you picture a gorgeous blue sky filled with pink and orange streaks, breeze lightly blowing, me a sweaty mess, and my coffee cup sitting on the table next to me reads "you don't look a day over fabulous". Be fabulous today! If you want change then chase it. Don't let fear stop you from living, because we all have fears and today I am facing mine and enjoying every minute of it!