there's a spark in you

picture found here.

Monday through Friday, my husband is scheduled to be at work by 5am. This means that we are both up around 4am. I make his lunch (or at least toss a Hot Pocket into a lunch sack) and his coffee. On days when I feel energized, I put away dishes or fold laundry. He is out the door by 4:30am, and I head back to bed with the dogs.

Getting up at 4am is immensely easier than waking up at 6:30am to start my day. Part of it is mental, part of it is how cuddly both dogs are when it is just the three of us, and part of it is that waking up the first time is always easier.

This morning, he fended for himself, and I stayed in bed. My alarm was set to go off at 5:20am, and I was to make it to the gym no later than 6:30am.

And I made it. In fact, I walked into the gym before 6:30am. All because I knew I would be meeting someone there.

It's one thing to wake up, hit the snooze button two (or five) times, and miss going to the gym by yourself. It's another thing entirely to wake up, hit the snooze button, and stand someone up.

I've heard that healthy living is easier when done with a partner. More than once, people suggested I find someone to go to the gym with. Or someone to hold me accountable at least. And I have tried. But finding someone to meet you at the gym is often easier said than done. Schedules differ. Gym memberships differ. Work out styles differ. The list goes on (and on and on).

Luckily, I am in a state of no more excuses. Will things happen? Yes. Will there be some weeks I don't make it to the gym four days a week? Probably. But I won't make any more excuses.

I think God is holding me to that statement. He's given me a new outlook on life. He is also quieting the voice that tells me I will never see this through, that this goal I have in mind is much too big and unrealistic. And He is bringing people into my life who are willing to help me and to meet me where I am.

Case in point a work out partner for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Case in point water aerobics classes five times a week during the lunch hour starting in May. Case in point co-workers who are interested in starting a healthy living group. Case in point people who share in my successes.

I felt invigorated today after the morning workout. Sore and tired, yes, but invigorated. It stayed with me for the entire day, and I then left work to go to an hour-long deep water aerobics class. Some might say I am doing too much too quickly. And maybe I am. But I am so tired of not doing enough. And every time I exert the energy to work out, I feel like I accomplished something.

Who knew exercise could result in so much goodness.

(title from "firework" by katy perry)