I reluctantly got out of bed this morning. I got dressed. Drank some water. Tied my shoes laces. And I walked out the back door and stood at the base of the stairs. These stairs lead up to my office, above Jason’s garage. There are 13 wooden stairs, steep enough that we keep the kids away. And, as it occurred to me last night lying in bed, steep enough to be a good workout.
I turned on a 30 minute timer and the White Stripes, and up and down I went.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (I mentioned it yesterday) talks about what it takes to establish a habit. I’m not going to go into the science, but I would tell you to check out his book. Basically every habit has a cue, routine, and a reward. This morning, I’m declaring, the first of my exercise habit. My cue is waking up early and putting on my sports bra and sneaks (among other clothes). The routine is the exercise. And the reward is the health.
But I’m sad to say that a more immediate reward might be necessary. Think of me as a monkey craving blackberry juice (an example Duhigg uses). The juice is instant satisfaction for a job done. So as I went up and down this morning. Up the stairs. Down the stairs. I was looking for other rewards too.
The morning light is beautiful, the way it fills the trees from underneath, making them glow. The birds are out this early, looking for food before it gets too hot. And it’s quiet, and by that I mean my babies are sleeping. As I went up and down this morning, I realized that this might be my ultimate reward. As long as I keep running (walking) the stairs I have Anna time. Sure it’s not lounging in a hot bubble bath or sipping a glass of wine with a really good book, but it’s still time when I can think, time when no one needs anything from me, time to focus on myself and do something for myself.
That is a beautiful thing.
Good for you! I'm home here right now, and it *is* a beautiful morning. I went for a run/jog yesterday, the first time in many many months. The light filtering through the trees, the birds, remembering my old running path through MP, it's beautiful.
You're so lucky you get to enjoy this every day.
Hope you had a happy 4th!
Yay for being home! I know you're so glad to be here.
It's funny because I grumble and cuss the heat and humidity. But then when I have a morning like today, and I hear perspectives like yours, I have to appreciate the Lowcountry all the more.
Our holiday was good. Hope yours was too. And it's good to see you back!
That's exactly why I workout almost everyday - me time away from kiddie chaos. It's all about me. Plus, I feel like I can eat that pizza and sip on wine at night without feeling guilty.
I honestly don't know how it took me so long to realize it, Angela. But you're so right-about the kiddie chaos and the pizza.