Life gets in the way. We say. I have to work long hours, do those chores, meet up with friends, take care of my family. I need time for myself also. Netflix is calling, I will just sit with a glass of wine and relax. I deserve it, don’t I?
Yes, I agree. But what you also deserve is taking time, or making time, to achieve your goals and take care of your health and body. But hey, life gets in the way so much. ‘I will work out tomorrow’. ‘I have so much to do today, I’m so tired’. But maybe I’m tired because I didn’t nourish my body and skipped those strength workouts for far too long.
‘I feel mentally tired’. But maybe it’s not because I have so much going on, but because I don’t take enough time to do what I really love.
I actually, need to have this internal conversation with myself all the time.
And life can get in the way in so many different ways.
I work full time and after (or before) hours I work on this blog. I practice photography and learn all I need to learn to keep this website up and going. It is literally a second job. Why do I do it – many of my friends ask. Go to the beach, relax, you have already so much going on.
But what is the alternative? Carry on as I am, do my office job until I retire, travel twice a year and wait for things to happen? Maybe. But somehow this alternative is not good enough for me. I know that if I want to make my dreams come true – I have to work on it.
And it’s ok – this doesn’t need to be everyone’s style of living. You might be perfectly happy at your job and life you lead. But I want more. I want one day to be my own boss, I want to do what I love and share it with the world. For this – I have to work my butt off.
And then, how am I going to fit the exercise in? Pfh! I have already so much going on!
For the last 2 years, I spent more time exercising then I have ever spent in my younger days. The older we get the more our body needs it. And I feel it now more than ever. I want to be strong and healthy in order to continue to explore the world, go on those hikes, paddle boarding and diving trips.
As we get older – those joints become a bit more rusty, back hurts more often and jumping out of bed in the morning is not always an option. I decided I don’t agree with this process. But not agreeing is not good enough – I have to get up and do something.
I do have episodes of utter laziness from time to time and skip my workouts all together for weeks. Then my body screams at me, in pain. My energy goes, my body aches. It demands exercise. Why would I wake up 2 hours earlier to do those squats and push-ups? Because I deserve it. I deserve to be strong and happy. What’s the alternative? Ageing with disappointment. That I didn’t put enough work to stay strong and healthy. Not being able to keep up with my dreams. That alternative – is not good enough.
Oh and how about the nutrition? surely there is not enough time in a day to think about that!
What we eat is our fuel. We fuel our body and mind. Why would I skip this part when I already put so much hard work into other areas of my life! So I do food prep, read the labels and try to buy products that don’t even require a food label. I went vegetarian 2 years ago and this was the best thing I could have done! Now I’m integrating keto into my diet and I never felt better. At least since my early 30’s 😉
This doesn’t have to be your thing. Do whatever you need to do to stay nourished and strong. Low fat, high carb, vegan, whole foods – you name it! But taking your time to take care of your body… what’s the alternative? Ask yourself. I’m sure you already know the answer.
And how do I find time for all those things?
Hardly. But I do it because I want to. I want to run my own travel and personal blog – this is my passion. And although I still don’t know where this path is going to take me I know, in my gut, that this is the correct path.
I have learnt to love exercise, I love strength and HIIT workouts. Maybe not just before and sometimes during the workout – but the feeling of accomplishment and how my body feels after – is the best reward. Find what you love – this is not meant to be a punishment. Find your vibe – Yoga, running, weight lifting, anything that gets you moving and blood pumping. Remember – you are investing in yourself.
I love the food I eat. I love that I do my best to fuel my body with whole foods, help save the environment and do my best not to add to the cruelty of which there is already plenty in this world.
Oh yes, and I also go out and see my friends and don’t say no to a glass (or 2 😉 ) of wine. Becos I deserve it too.
And some days I feel tired. Those days I know I need a rest. Listen to your body – it knows exactly what it needs. On those days – I sleep. I watch van conversions youtube videos and eat icecream. It is all about finding that perfect balance. And if you feel like there is not enough time in a day to do what you love, try and do less of those things that you don’t. I know sometimes it’s easier said than done but …
You are the only one in charge of your life
No one is going to come and save you. This truth sounds harsh but this realisation was a game-changer for me. It didn’t make me less happy or disappointed. It made me feel empowered. I don’t wait anymore for special circumstances or people to come and make my life better. Instead, I go and out and do it myself. And when I can’t change my circumstances – I work on myself and my reaction to it. Not easy – I’m telling you that. But practice makes the master.
So the happiness starts within. And ends there too.
There are 24 hours in a day. It is a lot and not enough at the same time – depending on how you look at it. Yes sometimes I wish there was more – but instead, I force myself (doesn’t always work but I try every day) to get up earlier so I get all my things done.
Oh, and don’t get me wrong – I am far from perfect. I have my lazy days. and always feel like I’m behind with my blog work. But I don’t get disheartened and don’t beat myself for not always staying within deadlines. I move on and try and do it better the next day. If I skipped blog post writing because I had an amazing evening with my friends – I appreciate the time I spent with them and the next, I try to do better. My best today is better than my best was yesterday. And this for me is the greatest achievement.
So life gets in the way? Which life? The one you are living already? Or your best possible life?
Are we just finding excuses? To give up?
I want to live my best possible life. Now and in the future.
Use all recourses you can find to organize your days, weeks, months. Google calendars, sticky notes, planners. See how you can utilise your day and make sure you spend time enjoying yourself as well. You will be surprised how much you can fit in your day if living it to the best of its capacities is your priority.
How about shifting your perception and realising that if anything gets in the way – it’s you. Your excuses. Life is here and now. It doesn’t get in the way – it is there to be lived. The choice is yours.
Enjoy the ride!
Would you like to read more of my stories? Visit my Weekly Bite page for more!
