The first half of the year has felt quite stressful. I had a lot going on both at work and in my life outside of work. I like to be busy, but as a result I often take on too many things at once, then feel overwhelmed. My holiday in late June, early July was much-needed and very much-loved. It was a chance to really relax and just try to regain a bit of balance. Since I’ve come back home, of course I’m back at work, but a few of the other things I had going on prior to my annual leave aren’t there any more, so i’ve got more time to reflect. I’ve got a triathlon coming up VERY soon, and while i’m looking forward to it, I’m also anxious because I know it will be a big ask, given my current fitness. However, I’ll be there on the start line, and aim to be at the finish too.
Having more time in the evenings has been nice. I’ve been able to chill out but also get some training done, albeit I could always be doing more of that. I’ve been eating better and trying to slowly get back to where I need to be. So as I was lying awake the other night, waiting to drift off to sleep, I was thinking how nice it would be to have a decent space to do some exercise in. I use my spare room to keep my spin bike and exercise mat, but it just felt really cluttered and uninviting. As I was lying there, I thought “so just make it into a space you want!” and then starting imagining a bright, uncluttered room with plants and bunting and nice lighting. This past weekend I made it happen. I’d already sold the day-bed, but still had a big bookcase & clothes rail to contend with. I cleared the bookcase, moved it into the kitchen and put all my pots & pans & glasses on there. The furniture that was holding all that stuff originally has been moved too. The shelves are now in my en suite, holding all my towels and toiletries (so it now looks fab too), and I’ve got a spare glass-fronted cabinet now to sell. Finally I had the room looking the way I wanted, and with a couple of cheap, decorative finishing touches, I have a room that I love (and i’ll get some plants soon too).
Of course the key to having this great space now is to use it. Quite a few of my friends pointed me in the direction of a free 30-day yoga plan from Yoga with Adriene. Many (many) years ago I regularly went to an Iyengar yoga class, and I used to love it, so this seemed like the perfect idea. I’m now on Day 4 of 30, and while I love it, bloody hell is it hard work! I think my body has forgotten I’m not even 43, but thinks i’m 143. I can feel everything. My wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, stomach muscles (or more accurately the total lack thereof), glutes, hamstrings, calves, ankles, toes, soles of my feet…ALL of it is stiff & tight and feels knotted & nothing appears to move as it should. I do my best to copy what Adriene is doing, sometimes I get near it (okay, so i’m still quite far away), and others times….not a chance. But I’m doing it, and I am actually really enjoying it. Tonight I COULD NOT BE ARSED, but did it anyway, and it was a shorter session (hurrah!), and one focussed on the back which was great because my back is tighter than a drum at the moment. As soon as I started I was glad I hadn’t just bailed on the session. The depressing thing about all of this is that I know it will take a long time to really get to where I want to be in terms of felxibility & mobility. However that’s also the good thing about it. Nothing worthwhile comes easily or without effort, so I’m really looking forward to seeing and feeling some changes over the next month and beyond. I also forgot how calming and restorative yoga can be.
It’s good to be back.
Namaste.
lee the pea 
Balance will come me now you have a plan
See doing the yoga was a good thing last night !
Well done and stick with the plan while enjoying the cocktail themed room – love it 😍