Thriving, Not Just Surviving

credit: big thompson crossfit

Well, I survived my first week back in regular CrossFit classes. I would even say I thrived. I made it in three times, completed the workouts, and lived to tell about it. Better yet, my attitude was good. I'm happy. (I did smart off to my coach that I swear he is programming to make sure he runs my a$$ off, but hey, even all the running was fine. Really. You can get up off the floor from your dead faint now.)

It's also been really fun having my 12 year old in class with me- he's really working hard, and I'm very proud of him. That's him in the only photo he would give me permission to use here. :D Even though I jumped him in the box the other day for "mom. mom. mom. mom."-ing me... "Buddy, this is MY space. I am happy to have you here, but do NOT do that to me while we are in the box. Period." Message delivered, message received. (Poor kid- he won't do it again, I'm sure of that.)

My major ah-ha moment was working on the hang snatch yesterday. BTW, any of the lifting stuff = fabulous. Love it. Anyhooo, I learned that I wasn't pinching my shoulder blades before starting the movement. HUGE difference. I can't wait to work on that some more.

And yesterday the WOD had kettlebells. Which I love. That is all.

One more week down...

#consistency

#52weeksinayear

#crossfitopen15.1iscoming

Related articles

• Pre-Before Pics
• Moving Beyond Basics

To Control My Body

I'm nearing the end of my first month back in the world of Crossfit. Tomorrow is my last 'Basics' class WOD... and I'm nervous. Why?

Not so much because of the increased work load to be found in the mainstream classes, but because of the mental battle that I know I will face in those classes. To be happy with myself. To not compare myself. To only do what my body can do at this point and time without pushing myself. To be present and content with the process and my location in this journey.

This morning our coach asked us what we wanted to get out of Crossfit beyond weight loss. I have to admit that the first thing I wrote was "to control my body".

Wrong answer.

I understand that this is a control and perfectionism issue- both of which are the genesis of many an eating disorder. Honestly, that is how I feel... I have fought this weight loss and fitness thing for decades, and I would just like to be able to *know* what will net me long-term results. I don't feel like I do right now. And I need to be okay with that.

For now, patience.
Releasing control.
Trusting the process.
Enjoying the journey.

(On a different note, Women's Health Magazine March 2014 is telling us that 40 is the new 20.... aren't you glad to hear it? And I promise I wasn't reading it... it was just sittin' here next to me on the table at the library. That kind of stuff I know isn't great for inspiring patience in this journey... did you see those headlines? Flat Abs NOW! Lose 5, 10, 15+ Pounds: Start Today.... blah blah blah No one wants to hear the reality.... Change Takes Time! Lose 15 pounds This Year! Flat Abs in 5 Years!)

Pre-Before Pics

photo credit: big thompson crossfit

I want to put some before pics up here, but I don't really want to take any. #catch22 I'm working on my attitude towards my body, life, food, and fitness- not sure pics will be positive for me at this point any more than getting on a scale or measuring (both of which I have abandoned for the foreseeable future). 

We'll see how I'm handling that part of things mentally. For now, I give you this surprisingly flattering pic taken at my box. (My preferred squat location is anywhere that I can be butt to the wall away from people.... ahem. You might not care, but my first thought was that my butt didn't look big. Oy, do I have some mental reframing to do! I actually really like my form here, so I need to focus on those things and let my journey just happen.)

Gratitude Found

photo credit: Matt Callow via photopin cc

Today, I obviously needed a wake-up call. And God delivered one.I've been a little bit grumbly hateful rather than humbly grateful. (Anyone else in Back at the Creekbank as a kiddo?)

Woke up super early.
Took car to the dealer for repairs.
Spent money.
Call from dealer with another repair.
Spent more money.
Stayed home with sick child.
Missed work.
Stared at gray icky day through the window.

I was allowing these things to just 'roll on by' rather than obsess over them... which is a huge victory for me. However, I was pretty quickly allowing my day to disintegrate into a series of disappointments and frustrations.

And then...

A friend on Facebook shared this...

The Dreaded Diagnosis

Four. Years. Old.

Attitude adjusted. Heart broken. Perspective gained. Gratitude found.

Will you join me in praying for Ben and his family?