A Tradition Everyone Enjoys
The tradition sprouted several years ago on Mother’s Day when we surprised ED by renting a pontoon boat on Lake Pleasant for the afternoon. That even the sulky teens enjoyed the adventure warranted a repeat.
Although we haven’t always gone out on Mother’s Day, our annual pontoon outing remains a favorite. Today, we head out once more.
Getting Fit
During the past two weeks fitness instructor Kelly encouraged me through three sessions of Butts and Guts, surreptitiously referred to as Blood and Guts. An additional session of yoga and a few walks outdoors has developed enough strength to garner my confidence to enjoy time in the water.
The challenge will be returning to the boat via a flimsy ladder. Worst case: the family drags me back to the dock on an inner tube providing material for a long-running legend.
I would like to blame the pandemic for my lack of fitness. Honestly, two orthopedic surgeries set me back more than COVID. The recovery time was much longer (two years) than expected. The development of arthritis in joints discourages exercise as I spend mental and physical energy adapting movement to accommodate but not aggravate the inflammation.
Feeling Strong
It is encouraging that a minimum amount of exertion awards significant results. Like a carrot on a stick, the strength in my legs emboldens me to return to the gym.
Today I will take the elevator down to the pier. I will use a floating device in the water in anticipation of unexpected muscle cramps. I will gladly suffer bruises as my family assists me into the boat.
And every movement will bring me joy and awe.
Enjoy life as much as you can. I have tried change my way of thinking to “a few years from now I will look back at my now current life and go – wow I was in pretty good shape back then”!! Instead of looking back now and going – I used to be in better shape and have more energy a few years ago. These times now will become the ‘good old days’ so enjoy them now 🙂