The $10 push I needed

I hate to admit this: it's been way too long since I've had vigorous exercise. The feeling of my heart thumping against my chest from exertion has become foreign, almost startling.

While I've been attending Yin Yoga 2-3 times a week and practicing at home, I've avoided anything that demands more of my body – Vinyasa flows, cardio, anything that might push my limits.

Part of this avoidance stems from recent chronic health issues and constantly getting sick. But if I'm being completely honest, another part has been fear – not wanting to challenge myself physically because I've felt so fragile, stretched so thin that adding another point of stress might be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

But today, I decided to follow through with my RSVP to a Vinyasa Yoga class. It was either follow through or pay a late cancellation fee which was $10. And in the spirit of being completely honest, that was enough to convince me to attend.

When money is on the line to lose, the motivation to follow through became apparent. The decision became: pay $10 to not prioritize my health or just show up and honor my health and self-care time. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?

This concept reminds me of a swear jar – pay a certain amount every time you slip up. Except instead of cursing, it's abandoning exercise plans. If I had been feeding that jar every time I bailed on much needed physical activity, I'd be wealthy by now. And I know I wouldn't be alone in that particular fortune. (You know who you are!)

But today's Vinyasa flow class surprised me – I thought I would need frequent breaks, utilizing child's pose to catch my breath. Instead, I was steady, moving with intention and aligning my breath and movement for the entire hour. No breaks and no child's pose unless directed.

The $10 cancellation fee might have gotten me to the studio, but the real treasure was discovering my determination and willpower. Finding my physical power and the notion that I can physically become stronger and healthier. I don't just have to manage my chronic issues, I can actively improve and enhance this beautiful body of mine.

Today reminded me that we're a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for.

I'm now signing up for more cardio and intensive classes. It's time to become better friends with my hard-working heart and remember what this body is truly capable of.

It's strange and fascinating how the threat of losing ten dollars convinced me to start taking my physical exercise more seriously.

I love how synchronicities like these are often small but life-changing.

Thanks for being here.

Sincerely,

Nadine of the New Moon ♥