The first of a new year always seems to invoke change in people. Resolution’s seem to come and go. New diets, more exercise, living healthy, spending more time with family and others seem to all be on the list.
Since we last talked I have had a few weeks to let the ribs heal. I am getting around pretty well now. The barn has been chaotic with trainer changes, cool weather and lots of riders. I have not been able to personally enact any of my fitness resolution’s-walking more–riding more–exercising more–as I am not quite ready for all that yet. But I am making a concerted effort to change my diet/change my life.
I have tried this before. What is different? Well, a couple things. When traveling recently I viewed myself in the well-lit hotel mirror. Wow-when did that all happen? It was surprising. My mirrors are not full length. They only show me from the chest up and are dimly lit. Really, not a bad idea. I was startled to see how old I looked and how unfit.
What else? Well, this new relationship that I had with Chris (oh, we broke up after the great rib break) made me realize that time is short. I cannot just meander through life thinking I have plenty of time for everything. I am getting close to 60 years old and need to do what I can to leave another 30-40 years on my personal calendar.
I am serious this time. I have said that before but feel different this time as if something has changed. Maybe it has. There is no secret to the weight loss/exercise more thing except making better choices. Chris told me it was all about willpower. I guess it is. But I felt insulted by that as if I could just “man-up” and instantly turn down the foods/serving sizes/candy bowls/peanut snacks that have all been part of day in the past. The old adage of “I can lose weight, I have done it a million times” definitely applies to me!
The other part of this is it is going to have to be a ‘re-make’ my life type of commitment and as I am being very open about it, I hope some of you come back and hold me accountable. I want to make a joke here and say, “we will see how that goes” but the reality is this is not a joke. I want to ride better and maybe show again. I want to not ache and hurt to distraction each day. I want to swim without wearing a swimsuit fashioned for the 1920’s.
I get this is not my usual fun-filled expose’ on life at the barn. But maybe just today I can seriously commit to doing something for myself, my family, my horses and my job, to be healthier and thinner. Amen.
Thanks for riding along. I am back in writing mode and will be checking in so-plan to be on the trail with me soon.
Exechorseluver 
You don’t have to be “nearing 60” to look in the mirror and realize that the resolutions for weight loss or fitness may be fine when you make them, but GETTING them realized means kicking the diet and exercise up a notch. Nothing like a “jerked up short” incident in life (broken ribs, sudden life changes of ANY sort) to make you look at the clock AND the calendar.
I am nearly 73 and while I joked 18 years ago when I got my OTTB that we would be ready for the Century Club in dressage (horse-rider age adding to 100)when I reached 75, suddenly it’s “almost here” and I don’t find it even remotely amusing anymore. People express surprise my stamina (??!!) and how sound and forward my horse is for his age (????!!) so I guess everyone else sees more than what I see in the mirror.
You have many “cyber friends” out here who are in the same boat (or should we say, on the same rowing machine ;o) and we all need to keep our eye on the prize and live every day with purpose (that includes some form of exercise!)
I appreciate your comment. Each time I start over it is harder. That century club is an awesome honor. One day maybe I will be there. I can only pray.