Determined To Succeed

So, this morning I have a nutrition class to go to which means I will do my workout afterward.  Don’t worry, I WILL do my usual 4-5 miles on the elliptical.  I promise you that. While I was in the shower, though, I started thinking about the hour or so I devote daily to exercise. That one hour that usually starts my day is the most important time of the day for me. I’ll explain why.

It is the hour that starts my engine going. It sets the tone for my day. It gets my creative juices flowing to write my columns. It helps me keep the covenant I have made with you guys to always work on me and my Battle of the Final Five. It is time I devote to me, for me and about me.

In today’s society, we do not do that enough, I think.

When friends of mine are so busy planning their daily lives based on their Outlook calendars the need to devote time to number one – you – becomes top priority. Particularly in a weight loss battle.

So when I work out this morning I will smile even as it rains outside. I will smile to myself because rainy days make me think of my favorite painting in the entire world – “Paris Street, Rainy Day” by Gustave Caillebotte. Rainy days  me think of my mom, JoAnn, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer this year but who is always with me particularly on this journey. I can hear her saying “you’re doing a good job, son. Keep it up.”

And so I shall Mama. I love you and thank you.

I will smile because I’m making that time in my day to make sure I do what is good for me to continue to lose and maintain my weight. To work on me for me and my body. To live up to the wonderful praise given to me by my friends and loved ones. I hope I always do well by you guys, this blog and its readers and supporters.

And finally, I will smile because getting out and spending at least one hour a day to exercise and work on me, myself and I, Bill Larson, makes me feel so much better about myself as my day begins. And no matter whether you do a workout at the beginning, middle or end of your busy day please do yourself a favor and devote a least a few of the 168 hours there are in a week to you. Make that change because you deserve it. Walking, the gym, personal trainer…something and anything.

As Beyonce sings “Me, myself and I – that’s all I got in the end…”

Ain’t no truer words spoken.

And by the way, both her song, and Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain” are great songs. Just as a suggestion or two for your iPods.