Originally published 20 October 2013.
First, go watch this video: http://vimeo.com/66753575
Have you watched it? Okay, good. My pastor showed us this video in church last Sunday. It looks like pastor’s point and the original point of the video are quite different. We’ve all heard how women don’t like it when men try to “solve” their problems rather than just listening and sympathizing. This video shows that in an absurdist and humorous way. However, Pastor used it to say that sometimes there’s just one thing you can do to reach your goal (him being a pastor, he was talking about salvation) but for whatever reason, you refuse to see it, or to do anything about it.
When it comes to my anxiety, it was pretty obvious to me what my nail was. Exercise. All of my research says that regular exercise is a good way to decrease stress and anxiety. And yet, that was the one thing I just couldn’t seem to do. I was willing to go into therapy, try meditation, change my diet, use aromatherapy, you name it. But I couldn’t get off my behind and move.
That sermon spoke to me. I asked myself why I couldn’t just do what all the research said I should be doing. What was so hard about it? Is it time? No, I have a lot of discretionary time. I used the excuse that I didn’t want to get up earlier in the morning. So what? Do it in the evening. It’s not like I have a commute. Then I said I couldn’t because I don’t have exercise clothes and didn’t want to spend the money to get them. That was dumb. I have a Wii Fit and several exercise DVDs, so I don’t have to leave the apartment–I can exercise in my pajamas. Next excuse, please. I have exercise-induced asthma and can’t get my heart rate up too high. Okay, point taken. You are aware that there are lots of low-impact routines you can do, right? You’ve done yoga before, and Pilates. Next?
I ran out of excuses. This past week, I have been using my Wii Fit for at least 5-10 minutes each morning. On Thursday morning, I did the basic run and jogged for 10 minutes (in place, in my living room, but it still counts!). I logged in at 1.5 miles. It was awesome! I felt great about myself and my asthma didn’t kick in. I jogged again on Friday, for 1.63 miles.
This weekend, I was pretty sore. Jogging is a good all-body exercise, as evidenced by the many muscles making themselves known when I woke up on Saturday morning. I took a break from the jogging this weekend in favor of yoga and stretching. Tomorrow morning, back to the jog.
I’m determined this time to stick with it. I refuse to put that nail back in my head. I need to tackle this anxiety issue from all angles if I really want to learn control. And if that means picking up my lazy behind and actually working up a sweat, so be it!
So, watch the video again. What are you striving toward? What’s stopping you from getting there? Ask yourself: “What’s my nail?”
