Virtues Progress

I’m attempting to work on a few virtures at a time… the ones that I know are the most challenging: Self-Preservation, Tolerance, and Order.

Self-Preservation

To preserve my SELF, I have decided to make serious life changes regarding my physical and mental health. Regarding, physical health, I’ve begun going to the gym at least 5 times a week, instead of 3 times a month. I’ve being paying full price for a membership that I know I need and want, but have elected to ‘chill’. As a result of ‘chillin’, I have gained more weight, became more physically unfit, and incapable of fitting my clothes comfortably. After consulting with a personal trainer and nutritionist, it was revealed to me that I was borderline obese based upon my age, weight and height (Body Mass). Obesity simply is not an option, there are too many health risks involved coupled with my family health history, Uh-uh. Nope. So, for the past month, I have incorporated a healthy diet and workout into my daily life.

Although, I’ve always been active and something of a healthy eater, I’ve never taken the time to consciously do so. Well, as of late, I’ve utilized an online Food Journal and have counted EVERYTHING that goes into my body, its purpose and benefit. Oh, it’s amazing how much fun I am having actually see what the food I eat is doing to and for me. In doing so, I no longer eat ‘junk’ simply because it’s there. And when there’s a choice to be made regarding something beneficial opposed to not, I can see the effects in advance. It’s awesome knowing that I not only planned my menu, but also I did so in a manner that makes me look and feel better.

My exercise regiment is also something that I’m ecstatic about. Although, there are a few things that I have to do that I’m not excited about, I’m learning to be. I do 45 minutes of cardio, usually stationary bike, Stair Master, elliptical machine and Zumba dancing. The Stair Master was my biggest enemy, as it’s tedious, extremely difficult and non-accommodating to my clumsiness (I’m a fall-up-the-stairs kinda gal). I’ve learned that although, there isn’t much I can do about my clumsiness, there is plenty to do regarding the tediousness and extreme difficulty of the machine. For tediousness, I place a magazine, crossword puzzle or some other piece of literature on the display to keep the time out of my head. As for its difficulty, I simply find different positions and methods to climb the stairs (sideways, 2 stairs at a time, backward). Weight training is the other aspect of my almost daily workout. I work my full body and am loving the freedom that I’m allowed to do so. I’m stuck with the same old, same old. There are so many different machines that work so many of the same parts that I’m not bored with the training.

I’m really excited about this aspect of my life and change. Although, I’ve only been doing this for a month and my weight is slowly reducing, I can see and feel the difference in how my clothes fit…SKINNY JEANS AND SKIRTS, HERE I COME.

Tolerance

To practice tolerance for asininity, I’ve began to count past ten and think funny thoughts, attempt to understand what people are probably going through (giving the benefit of doubt) and empathize, and remove myself from potential adversity, thus not having to understand the other person, only myself.

Order

I have began this process in my home. Last week, I went to Wal-Mart and bought decorative boxes and other organizational pieces to ‘clean up’ my office and living room. It’s so amazing the impact of organizationally ‘hiding’ things has on a room, especially an office, used for personal, business and academics. I’m loving it so much, I haven’t watched television since. Although, meal planning can be attributed to ‘Self-Preservation’, it has really assisted me in the ‘Order’ department. I now clip coupons on Tuesdays, opposed to whenever; go to the market on Saturdays and Wednesdays; all of which assists in my scheduling for the week. I’m doing great and can really do this.

I’m planning to start focusing on ‘Acceptance’ ‘Consistency’ and ‘Faith’. These three virtues have been aspects of my life that I really need to work on.