Keep trying - why is it important

Every time I write a post, the last line says, keep trying. Do you know why this is so?

Many times we start a new workout routine or a new diet, or make healthy changes. More often than not, we do not see changes right away. In my particular situation, I have only seen a couple of pounds in over six months. Changes, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder.

One day I was taking a shower, absent minded as usual. When I was soaping up my legs, I noticed something. My calves were like rocks. I mean, really, you could not carve better calves out of marble. That was the first time, in over six months that I actually noticed my calves. And then, I noticed other things.

I am not as tired as I used to be. When I go play tennis with my friends, I actually last longer, and my body hurts less. I am in a very grumpy mood if I don't do anything "athletic" one day. My arms are looking better, my skin is great and I am hungry for real food ALL the time.

So, I only lost two pounds. But health wise, I feel like a new person. In fact, my back does not hurt as much when I get out of bed. I used to crawl out of bed because I could not stand up. It is amazing how good I feel compared to last year. But I only lost two pounds. Who cares? The reason why I say keep trying is because it is true that the longer you keep at it, the more possibilities that you see and feel the results, and isn't that better than a number on the scale?

Keep trying.

Hope for things to come

Yesterday was a busy day. I added several elements to my routine, specifically, a glutes workout. It is less than 10 minutes long and it will be included at least twice a week. It is intended to develop the butt muscles and that should make the fat look smaller and not as bad.

We did our usual 3 mile walk yesterday. We settled on some goals. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are for Tennis. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (or Sundays) for walking. Tomorrow we will add a morning routine to our workouts. Things are looking up for my workout routine.

In my heart of hearts, I know that I am now working out for health and not for weight loss. The benefits of the workouts might include some weight loss, but that is not the goal. Plus, I am trying to enjoy the workouts, instead of having to go through them. This is an improvement over previous attempts of including exercise into my life. And this is something I hope I can pass on to my daughter, to do it for her health, the rest is not as important.

Keep trying.

Lessons from Randy Pausch

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want".

"Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things".

Randy Pausch and what his legacy means to me

Yesterday night, as I due every couple of weeks, I checked out Randy Pausch's site and found out that he died on Friday morning. I do not like to read the news, all that negativity is not good for the soul. But that bit of information made me cry. My reaction was that of someone who knew Randy. The truth is, I did not. However, like millions of others, I did see the Last Lecture.

This man was an inspiration to many people. The lecture is about fulfilling your dreams. But it is also about hope and the frailty of life. He was only six years older than me when he passed away. But in his lifetime, he had done so much. And he made every day count.

So now I sit here and think about the fact that I've been talking about not sweating the small stuff in the last couple of days. I also sit here and pray for Randy's wife and three children. But I am also happy in a strange way. You see, Randy Pausch did something that most people don't get to do: he lived to see his legacy. He got to see the impact his last lecture had on people. He got a chance to make some special memories for his children. He prepared, as best he could, for the day that he was no longer going to be there. And for that, we are all greatful. Rest in peace Randy.

And if there ever was a time when my usual last comment is valid, this would be it: keep trying.

Check out Randy Pausch Last Lecture - press here.