A Plan for A Change

I have been inspired!
Last week, a friend suggested that we join a GetFit Bootcamp. I thought she was crazy. It sounded boring, tedious and above all PAINFUL! But I went to the information session anyway, just so that I wouldn't sound like a party pooper.

It was amazing. I was surrounded by 400 people that looked and felt just like I did. Everyone was afraid, hopeful and looking for guidance. Of course, I joined up that evening and have been getting my butt kicked all week!

During my recent efforts to change my lifestyle, I've really started to think. I ate whole foods and drank lots of water, got plenty of rest and exercise during chemo, but why didn't I stick with it after the whole cancer nightmare "went away?" It's common knowledge that diet soda contains carcinogens, why did I revert back to drinking it once I became cancer free? Why did I revert back to fat and sugar after I had heart surgery? I quit smoking after my diagnosis! Why did I make that change and not others?

I guess I can sum it up into one little word. Fear.

I wanted to be "normal" again. I didn't want to admit that I was unhealthy, even with my past history. I didn't want my way of life to be disrupted anymore. I didn't want to admit that more bad things could happen. Losing weight can be uncomfortable. Changing one's perspective can be uncomfortable. I didn't want to experience any more pain than I already had.

Luckily, I have learned an important lesson through all of this. Change doesn't have to be painful. It may be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to hurt. As my bootcamp leader says, "We want you to be uncomfortable, but we don't want you to be in pain." (I think this sentence is what sold me on the whole program.)

So I'm ready to change. I am changing my diet, my exercise habits and most importantly, my perspective. I'm ready to move forward. I've already made some mistakes, big ones. And I've also learned a lot.

Some little things I learned about change this week:
1. Remember that change can be an uncomfortable process.  Don't give up because things don't "feel" right. Our bodies and minds will adapt.
2. Go easy on yourself. If you make a mistake, move on. Try not to dwell on the past, just move on into the future.
3. We can't force change. Let it happen, gradually, joyfully.
4. Be aware of every moment. By doing this, we can feel ourselves changing, little bit by little bit.
5. Keep a journal. No matter what you are changing, be it diet, exercise, a change of attitude, etc., it is important to record your process in a journal. It will make it so much easier to look back and see how you've changed.
6. State your intentions. Talk about what you want to change with your friends and family. Chances are, they will support you in your efforts. Talking about what you want allows you to visualize the change and opens doors.
7. Rejoice! You have a body and mind that can adapt to change! Adaptation is something that humans do really well, be thankful that you have this opportunity and that you know enough about yourself to be ready to improve.

 So,  I invite you to follow me as I blog. I hope that I can make you laugh. I hope that I can share feelings that you may have. I hope that I won't sound too silly. Most of all, I hope that I can find things that inspire both of us.

Have a wonderful week, and talk to you soon!
Hugs,
Rachael