Year of Push 4.17 Clinging To Comfort

by | Jul 19, 2017 | Blog

“She doesn’t cling to her own comfort,

thus problems are no problem for her”

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That quote jumped out at me this morning as I sat outside reading tao te ching.

I’m sure it resonated because I was pretty darn uncomfortable this morning. I shared with you yesterday that due to a knee injury & the desire to avoid a much more serious issue, I have to keep weight off my right leg for the next two weeks and avoid anything that requires flexing my quad. But, that’s not the discomfort I’m talking about…

I went to the gym this morning with a great attitude, planning to find something I can do. As soon as our warm up started, I noticed myself feeling insecure & uncomfortable. While they did jumping jacks, push-ups and air squats, I sat there stretching.

My mind was drifting to insecurities related to what other people might be thinking of me. They don’t know I’m injured. Do they think I’m lazy? Incapable? Are they judging me?

It was uncomfortable and I was deeply desiring comfort in that moment. I didn’t want to stand out.

I made the decision right there in that moment to change my perspective. Maybe they are thinking those things. Maybe they aren’t. I’m certainly not going to assume the worst. In fact, I’m not going to assume anything. I don’t know what they are thinking and, quite frankly, it doesn’t matter.

I don’t go to the gym to prove myself to anyone there. So, what anyone might think or not think is just none of my business and has nothing to do with my purpose: to take great care of my body and mind.

Every time those uncomfortable, insecure thoughts arose, I chose to remind myself: I will not assume the worst. I will not assume, period. And, I am here for me and only me.

I came home, had some food and went to sit outside to read and journal. Low & behold, one of the first things I read was that quote:

“She doesn’t cling to her own comfort, thus problems are no problem for her.”

Uncomfortable in the gym? That’s fine. I’m not seeking comfort.

Uncomfortable facing temptation? Great. Defy that comfort zone.

When I don’t cling to my own comfort, to what it easy or convenient, problems are no problem.

How beautiful & empowering is that?

Back to that uncomfortable workout (comfort ain’t for me anyway!)….

I had to modify the heck out of it. The workout called for push jerks, front squats and all the things I can’t do right now. Here’s what I did instead:

  • 5 sets of 7 bench press
  • 3 sets of 5 bench press (heavier)
  • 2 sets of 3 bench press (heaviest)
  • 9 minute AMRAP
    • 6 ring rows (right foot crossed over left to avoid weight bearing)
    • 9 heavy KB deadlifts (yeah yeah, my weight was on my leg but I used my hams & glutes instead of quads)

Did I perfectly follow the rules? I did not. But I made sure that everything I did avoided all pain & discomfort. And, I’m learning.

On the food front:

After the workout I had a decent sized piece of steak & a big plate of steamed broccoli.

Around 1pm I took my normal cobb salad from Paleo Power Meals and added 3 cups of raw, shredded cabbage to it.

Dinner was early (because I plan to go to bed as early as possible) and was chicken & broccoli over cauliflower & broccoli rice. Allllll the cruciferous vegetables today! They keep me so freakin’ full!

Make it a great day!

Don’t forget: you can listen to these blogs on my new short form audio channel, Anchor!

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