Gratitude 107: Gyms

 

2011 was a year filled with upheaval and stress. A move from Maryland to Virginia, and then another from Virginia to Ohio, each dwelling smaller than the one before, necessitated storing most of our belongings in a storage unit far from where we now live. As if that was not stress enough, unexpected losses and illnesses of loved ones contributed to the jumble of feelings. Things got out of whack. For this year I have resolved to get my life back into whack (whatever ‘whack’ means.) Part of the process involves getting out of the apartment everyday and increasing physical activity. This is more of a challenge in winter when grounds and road surfaces are coated in snow and ice. Living in an apartment complex however, does afford some amenities that make it a bit easier to work toward my goals. The gym is free to all residents, so this year I’ve begun to come here and use the treadmill. Thirty minutes on that and I feel like a new person. As I get more in shape, I will use some of the other equipment, too, but a daily treadmill workout is great for now. I am grateful for gyms that have the tools that help us shape up!

Related articles

• Let’s Be Nice to the New Folks in the Gym (goodbyemr300.wordpress.com)
• Gympact: Encouraging Health Or Just Another Gimmick? (geardiary.com)
• Pam and Gym (minnesodad.wordpress.com)
• Hit The Gym To Help Hit The Books (scientificamerican.com)
• Don’t Lose Steam – 5 fitness tips from a pro on how to stay motivated at the gym (theinsider.retailmenot.com)
• The Link Between Stress and High Blood Pressure (everydayhealth.com)
• Bring Back Gym Class; Physical Activity Linked to Positive Academic Performance (examiner.com)
• Planning to Skip the Gym? That’ll Cost You – Literally (trainingdaily.runnersworld.com)

Gratitude 25: Mimosa Trees

 

 

In the early ’60’s our family moved to the little town of Greenwood, Louisiana, just outside of Shreveport, and also near the town of Waskom, Texas.  In our large back yard, the best climbing tree ever–EVER–grew next to a chain-link fence.  A Mimosa, every summer it’s pinkish reddish fuzzy blossoms would decorate the tree, adding color and unique beauty in my eyes.  I spent a lot of time in that tree.  Many years later, after my kids were grown and gone, we moved to Silver Spring, Maryland.  Due to the haste to relocate so that Richard could start his new job right away, he moved to Maryland one month ahead of me and found a house for us to live in.  Imagine my surprise and joy when I first saw the house, and after walking through it, looking out the back door and seeing a Mimosa Tree!  Not only was it the kind of tree I use to climb and play in, it grew in the same location of the yard, next to a chain-link fence as the tree of my childhood.  I am much bigger now so climbing trees is out of the question, and the tree that grew in Maryland was in no way large enough yet to be considered a climbing tree, but it still triggered fond memories of summer fun from years gone by.  When we left Silver Spring, I was truly sad to leave the tree behind. I am grateful for Mimosa Trees!