Part of the appeal of the name Training Wheels is that we are in a new season of our lives. We are learning to live differently for the first time. Truman and I are both 30-something professionals who have given our lives to our career development. We moved to this quaint beach town 18 months ago with the hopes of downshifting into a slower pace of life.
I currently work 58 hours a week on an easy week, probably 80 hours on a hard week. I am still coming to terms with the demands of my profession. Tonight I had a major breakthrough, an "Aha moment" as Oprah would say!
I currently work 58 hours a week on an easy week, probably 80 hours on a hard week. I am still coming to terms with the demands of my profession. Tonight I had a major breakthrough, an "Aha moment" as Oprah would say!
Nathaniel Branden, PhD has written a great book entitled Taking Responsibility: Self-Reliance and the Accountable Life. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT to EVERYONE! I am reading through this book and am prompted to take greater responsibility for my physical and emotional health. I am not going to be a victim of my workweek any longer. I am unwilling to compromise and accept the fall-out of a lifetime of working 60-80 hour weeks! Don't get me wrong, I saw my parents do it. I have great respect for work ethic and working hard.
I am responsible for my physical well-being. I am the cause of my physical condition. I am responsible for my weight and fitness. My sense of self expands when I exercise with awareness and accountability. I am not a victim of my job. No one will come to save me. I take full responsibility for my physical health. I will make my health a priority by scheduling exercise into my day.
All this to say that I have decided to begin work 30 minutes later on Monday, and leave 30 minutes earlier on Wednesday. I think this will enable me to get to the gym almost every day of the week. I know it sounds crazy that I can only rationalize working one less hour a week! But, it is a start!
My weight has always fluctuated within a 20 lb range. I've felt my best when I was 146 lbs. That was 6 years ago and again 10 years ago. I would accept 148-150 lbs, but I usually I am around 156. Unfortunately, my weight effects every aspect of my self-esteem and sex drive. It is time for me to take responsibility for my own weight!
I am ready to work less. Monday morning I can lift weights and StairMaster, Tuesday evening yoga, Wednesday evening swimming, Thursday evening yoga class, Friday running, then Saturday and Sunday is whatever suits me!
~Lauren
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