Be gentle to yourself

I have learned a lot about myself in the last week. Let me start from the beginning.

After a wonderful holiday in the Kruger National Park, I came home with a piece of my heart left behind. Visiting the bush has always been my favourite holiday and coming home and trying to fall back in step is not always easy. But three week later, I am sure I have to get back on the boat and keep rowing. And so have been trying my best.

Then my mom, precious angle, sent me in invitation to our yearly colour run. I keep missing this every year due to all kinds of activities which happened on the same day, and this year, I chose, I will do it! No matter what.

But running for 5km, unfit, and mainly out of breath? And not to mention – I DO NOT like running, no offence to the amazing athletes out there. But I only run when something dangerous and big is chasing me. But how hard can it be? I decided to set the gears in motion and started training.

I had questions – How do I start? Where would I run? What can I do when my legs become too stiff and sore? I found an exercise program and tweaked it a little to suit my schedule. Then I thought of a lovely place – our sports grounds, went to visit it for safety concerns but knew this was my only option. I love the place. And off I go.

Ran the first day, 2.2km, yeah I know short but okay and very slow. Rested two days (weekend and sore body). Ran two days in a row and I feel amazing. A little sore still but both days managed to run 2.2km again and I can already feel it – I am getting stronger.

I have also noticed some other changes – I feel exhausted every night but I sleep better. I have more energy after my run mostly because it clears my head and relieves stress, I feel the tension in my body is no longer there. I take some time to drink a nice cup of coffee after my run and shower and I don’t need to rely on coffee as much during the day as I used to. My face is less bloated and some body parts feel and look “lighter”.

I also feel clear minded, more relaxed and less like “running to the hills”. I am focussed and less moody (only my husband will be able to confirm this, and he might disagree anyway). I am motivated and in good spirits. And to stay in this positive “frenzy” I will try to take part in our weekly park runs once I am fit enough to actually run 5km, without complaining to the birds and trees in my surroundings.

I asked ChatGPT a simple question: “Why am I exhausted?” I gave some information and explained my schedule and the response was: “You are very busy and over-worked.” Gee, thanks, I just came back from holiday.

That is why you should be gentle with yourself, because life is a lot sometime. You might not notice what you do or how you feel, you might push yourself aside to take care of others but care for yourself too. Whether you are juggling flaming pineapples, or starting with a new exercise program you need to remember to take a deep breath, drop the pineapples or take the rest.

You are doing your best!