There are lots of doors.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a goal does not work out.  I planned to ride a century this year, but it turns out that I’m not going to be doing it after all.  My desire to have forearms that work in the long term is stronger than my need to check off the box to complete the goal.

It’s not easy.  I like checking boxes.  I love riding my bike.  I wanted to feel strong and accomplished, if tired. 

Instead, I get to face the challenge of revising my plans.  I get to learn how to deal with frustration.  I get to exercise my patience.  And I get to set new goals.  I know I am not the only one who has dealt with setbacks and frustration around goals.  One of the reasons I help my clients monitor progress is to keep their goals in line with present reality, whether that means that they get to achieve more or they get to adjust to new circumstances.

Maybe it feels like a door has slammed.  Let’s find another door.

Monday Workout: Sumo!

This week we’re doing sumo squats to work on some muscles behind us!  Keep the back straight and work the turn out from the hips!  Four rounds.

1 min cardio
deadlifts	20
ball slams	20
flies	20
sumo squats	20
pushups	10
pretty princesses	10

Friday Book Report: 2 Picture Books

I love picture books.  The two I bought this week exemplify why.

A Different Pond by Bao Phi tells the story of an immigrant Hmong family from the perspective of the youngest child.  While it is a story about what is difficult, it is ultimately a story about success.  The poetic vision of the story and the evocative pictures create an affirming space.  Those of us who value family will find much to love here.

My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo has the most gorgeous art I think I have ever seen in a picture book. The author and artist works in Plasticine, polymer clay, and other mixed media.  The birds (and children and adults and settings) are, in fact, beautiful.  The story is heartbreaking, about Syrian refugee children, but holds out hope for solace in the things we love and the people around us.

(Both of these books fill the heart.  If that is not a fitness concept, I don’t know what is.)