Yesterday I went to spinning class with my husband for the first time in a year and a half. I always struggle when I ride a bike because I can never get the seat comfortable or I'm gripping the handle bars too hard (both leaving me sore for days after). I have been told that biking once a week will reduce my running injuries and improve my overall muscle tone. I know this true because I can feel the changes in my body after just a few weeks back on the wagon. This is what should have been going through my head last night. I should have just listened to the instructors voice, enjoyed the loud music and the dimly lit room and gotten in the zone. Instead this is what was going through my brain: Why didn't I wear a more supportive bra? Does anyone notice how much my boobs are shaking? Am I pedaling fast enough? Do I look like I'm working as hard as everyone else? Is the instructor watching me? Does she think I'm pedaling fast enough? Is my stomach hanging out?
A similar dialogue runs through my mind in almost every other situation in my life. This leads to headaches, back pain, depression, heart palpitations, panic attacks and so much more. I have been working on daily yoga and meditation and putting myself in situations where I am not comfortable while pushing myself not hide in the corner. I am definitely a work in progress. Sometimes I have good days, other times not so good.
When I was single I was so much more self confident. I went places by myself. I did challenging home improvement projects alone. I was kind of a bad ass. But I was also lonely, a workaholic and a heavy drinker. Somewhere in the middle there is a healthy 37 year old woman just dying to get out. I think people say that 40 is so fabulous because you finally leave all this immature B.S. behind and you're ready to kick life in the ass. I sure hope I figure it out before then.
