Fitness is Learning - Self Discipline

Self Discipline


Self Discipline is when you tell yourself to do something and you don’t talk back. ~source unknown


What do I think of when I think self discipline? I think focus. I am always impressed with those individuals who workout on a regular basis. I can think of a few individuals who go to the gym – no matter what. I don’t know about you but I often envy those individuals who have the self discipline to reach their goals. They make up their minds to do something and like the Nike commercials say -- just do it.

When I was working out with Kimberly, I would go to the gym every Monday and Wednesday at 4:30. Without fail, there were always the same individuals at the gym. Even on those days I worked out on my own, the same individuals were there working out. What focus! What self discipline! When I started going to the gym on the regular, I felt self conscious.

For this term, I have decided to find out how to develop self discipline. Can it be taught? If so, how?

First, I think it is important to understand the meaning of self discipline. Here’s a definition from dictionary.com: discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement.

Reading through a number of web sites, I came across some information I could relate to and apply in my life. Four key ingredients to self discipline.

• Self control
• Motivation
• Persistence
• Goals

For me, self control entails having a plan and sticking to it. I also think portion control and training plan.

Motivation. This comes from reading various blogs and articles, socializing with all my fitness friends online, positive self-talk, and meditation.

Persistence. My training schedule. I have to stick to a specific workout schedule when it comes to exercise.

Goals. I need to do some more work in this area. In one of the courses I teach, I discuss S.M.A.R.T. goals. I need to apply this goal-setting technique to my fitness and weight loss goals.

The next term I will be researching is "mind over matter." I will be posting what I've learned in a few days.

Recovery

This has been quite a week! I went to the Urologist on Wednesday to have the Foley catheter removed. I'm still working on getting my bowels and bladder back in order.

This morning I was thinking how I am starting all over. When I began my fitness journey, I began by doing laps in the house. This is what I'm doing now. I make it a point to do laps in the house at least four times a day.

My energy is pretty much zapped. I spend the rest of my day, sitting on the deck meditating, and watching the bird feeders. I've also been watching mindless TV.

I asked Crystal to pull out my jewelry-making supplies but I haven't felt inspired yet. I'm in no rush.

My friend Malane was over on Tuesday and did some energy work on me. She visited me a few times in the hospital for some energy work as well.

This weekend I plan to take a walk down the street and back.

I haven't had much of an appetite. I've been focussing on staying hydrated and eating lots of protein.

I'm home

I spent 13 LONG days in the hospital. I'm glad to be home. I'm still pretty wiped out. I will have to give my update some other time. Hopefully, I'm feel a little stronger later on this week.

Well Wishes

Surgery tomorrow. I spent most of the day receiving a lot of phone calls.

I also spent a nice Sunday morning in the park with my brother and sister. We had a nice time. My brother went for a jog; me and my sister walked.

I'm looking forward to a speedy recovery. The first thing I plan to do is train for a 5K.

I also look forward to catching up with all my blog buddies. Thank you to everyone who has wished me well. I'll check in as soon as I can.

Fitness Quote of the Day

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown

Colonoscopy/Endoscopy - Surprise and Shock

The deed is done. The prep was okay. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

We had to be there at 5:30 am. The process was smooth. I don't remember a thing.

I do, however, remember, the recovery room. You're in this little holding room with a few others with nurses in and out encouraging you to expel gas. Once you toot to they're satisfaction, you're moved to a waiting area.

The doctor came in and told me she removed one polyp. I was surprised. They're doing a biopsy on the polyp. I wasn't expected this news. Then, she tells me the shocker. I have a stomach ulcer. I don't even know what to say. I have no stomach issues whatsoever. The bottom line is that I am very grateful to God my doctor had the foresight to order this procedure.

I am also very grateful to God I have loving, supportive family and friends. My brother and sister will be here tomorrow to give Crystal a break from all this madness.

Now, I must focus on recovering from this (I'm wiped out) and preparing for my surgery on Monday. Did I mention I have to do another bowel prep on Sunday night?

Fun times....

Fitness Quote of the Week

Self Discipline is when you tell yourself to do something and you don’t talk back. ~source unknown

Homework Assignment

I'm giving myself a homework assignment to help me stay focused on my goals as I recuperate. I am not going to let this little setback discourage me. Anyhow, I was reading the Black Fitness Blog and came across this entry titled "Fitness is Learning." Basically it is a list of terms Mike has invited his readers to research:

self discipline
mind over matter
powerlifting
isolation exercises
compound exercises
calestinics
high and low intensity cardiovascular exercises
target heart rate and anerobic threshhold
form
bodysculpting
vascularity and muscularity
flexing
equal and balanced workouts
various sports training
priority training
free weights
flys
healthy foods
metabolic rate
amino acids
rest, sleep, recovery

Over the next few weeks, since I will have some extra time on my hands, I plan to research and blog about these terms. I am looking forward to learning.

A Good Friday

Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day.
~Ice Cube


I spent all afternoon at the doctor's office and the hospital yesterday. Preop stuff. If I have to fill out one more form, I'm going to scream! Things at the doctor's office were slow but great. The hospital was another story. They want you to fill out all these forms without giving you ample time to read through them. I felt so overwhelmed.

I go in to see a nurse. The first thing she wants to do is give me a pregnancy test. I start laughing. I told her there's no need for me to have the test. She snaps back at me ... are you refusing to take the test? I smile and said, no ma'am, I'm not. I had a hysterectomy in 2005. It's on one of those forms I filled out. She mumbled something about not seeing it.

I hate hospitals. I'm a huge germaphobe. I am not looking forward to this experience at all. I hate public restrooms so I didn't want to go to the bathroom while I was there. I was miserable. I couldn't wait to get out of that place so I could wash my hands. The fact that I was exposed to TB the last time I was in the hospital doesn't help. I was able to amuse myself with the fact that I didn't want to use any of the pens they kept handing me. Lol!

For the most part yesterday, I played the hurry up and wait game. Crystal played games on her iPhone. I prayed and meditated (and tried not to think about germs). I probably spent 3 hours praying and meditating yesterday. I continue working on staying positive and focused on my fitness journey. After we finished with my appointments, Crystal treated me to a nice Mediterranean salad at the Peachtree Diner. I came home, relaxed for a few, went for a quick walk, finished watching the first season of Nurse Jackie. Considering what was going on all around me, it was a pretty good day.

Good Morning, Headache, How are You?

Good morning heartache
Here we go again....
~Billie Holiday


I’ve always been a nerd…a square…a goody two shoes…a geek. Last night when a friend was telling me how she used to get high all the time while in high school I sat there trying not to be judgmental but thinking OMG! I was too much of a Jesus freak in high school to ever consider smoking weed.

I remember the first time someone offered me a joint. I was in the 8th grade. Kim asked me to skip gym class with her. I wanted to be cool. I wanted to fit in so I said okay. If skipping class wasn’t bad enough, she then invited me to smoke a joint with her. When she pulled that thing out of her pocket, I looked at it and hauled my butt off to jump gym class as fast as I could. I didn’t care about the tardy I was going to receive. Our friendship was never the same after that incident.

My next encounter with illegal drugs wouldn’t happen until 12th grade. We were on our senior trip in the Bahamas. My roommates decided to try cocaine. To this day I don’t know where they got it and whether or not they went through with trying it. I left the room.

I’m sharing all of this to say I woke up jonesing for an Advil this morning. It’s the strangest feeling. I would give or do anything (well, just about anything) if I could have just one of those blue liquid-gel caps right now. It’s odd because I have a high tolerance for pain. I’ll purchase a bottle of Advil, take two or three, and the rest will expire before I reach for it again. I normally just grin and bear it.




Last time I was in the hospital I remember arguing with a nurse because I didn’t want to take the pain medication she was trying to give me. Sometimes those nurses are like legalized drug dealers.

--Ms. Smith, I’ve been here all day and you haven’t requested any pain medication.

I’m fine. Thank you.

--Well, we want you to be comfortable. On a scale of 1 to 10 where is your pain?

About a 6.

--I’ll go get something for you.

No, it’s okay. I don’t like how that medicine makes me feel. It gives me weird dreams and nightmares.

--I’ll ask the doctor to give you something else.

I’m okay.

--I’ll be right back.

Now, to me a “6” is nothing. It’s doable. A little discomfort lets you know you’re alive and all your nerves and stuff are working. If it gets to be too much for me, I just fall asleep. I can’t tolerate anything above an “8.” It’s really not the pain that bothers me….it’s the nausea and possibility of vomiting that accompanies it that I don’t like. I will do just about anything to avoid throwing up. So, this is where I am this morning--headache, cramps, nausea…fiending for Advil. I’ll be okay after a large glass of ginger ale.

I wonder if the fact that I watched four episodes of Nurse Jackie before going to bed last night has anything to do with this craving. Hmmmm……

It's a Date!

I received notice yesterday that my surgery has been scheduled for April
12th. My preop appointment is tomorrow. Well, this was one way to get out of jury duty. I was supposed to serve on the 12th. Truthfully, I was looking forward to it. I'm not one of those individuals who dreads doing my civic duty. I thought it was going to be a huge hassle but the clerk I spoke with was very nice about it. She simply said she was send me another summons at a later date. I was quite surprised she didn't ask me for any verification. So, it's a done deal. I've already packed my bag.