I launched my rowing shell today for the first time in a very long time. I was too fat to use it - way over the weight limit. But today at 206 I proudly got into my shell and took off across the water. The motion of rowing in a shell involves every part of your body. You push with your feet, pull with your arms and shoulders, and your abs and back are in on it, too. Your body is constantly adjusting as the boat is very tippy so there's a lot of isometric stuff going on, too. It's graceful - (when done well and that takes a lot of practice - I'm not at graceful yet) and beautiful. Powerful. And so very peaceful. It was a bit choppy when I went out today so my plan is to get up earlier tomorrow and hit the water before the boats and the weather start churning up the waves. This is exercise that doesn't feel like exercising because it's so much fun and so pretty - there I am in the middle of the lake with gorgeous views all around. And when I got back to the dock and hefted the shell back up into its rack, I felt strong and independent and worthy. Worthy of what? Of taking care of myself really well so that I can have lots and lots of rides like the one I had today.
So how would I rather spend my time? Alone in a room with the TV and a big pile of food or alone in my car with a big pile of food - or!!! out on the gorgeous water in a boat that makes me feel young, fit, healthy, capable and strong. How could I possibly choose loneliness and food? I know what I'm choosing tomorrow. And that's all I have to do - every day - choose!