Gabby No More Tears
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Acceptance in lieu of tears
I sometimes feel like the heartless tinman in the Wizard of Oz. Things might be scrambled in my head but my bicycle accident did not affect my heart whatsoever. So it's been baffling me. Like part of my womanhood has been removed because tear-jerker films no longer jerk any tears from my eyes. My friend Miriam declared that it's most likely a new ACCEPTANCE I have for life's sad events. Because of my own losses and sad story, I accept these events as an extension of life, instead of a loss worthy of grieving. It's a transition of life's path rather than a loss.
When I hold people close to my heart and they physically leave me in this world, their place does not shift.
Monday, September 12, 2011
9/11 Memories
Monday, June 20, 2011
I am a fitness lottery winner!
I feel like I won the fitness lottery. Trust me, I’ve been around the fitness block as a fitness writer and editor for the last 10-plus years. And I’ve finally found an exercise group and instructor who are perfect for me. No fitness fads or gimmicks either, just the a healthy exercise regime, suited just for for me, three days a week. Mind Your Body Pilates Studio. It’s perfect for me now because, not only do I get to spend three hours a week in mat classes with kind, like-minded students but the instructor, Jeannie Carpentier, is full of body knowledge and tailors the exercises to most benefit you and helps you move toward your fitness goals whether it’s to get rid of pesky aches and pains, or to become a stronger, fitter athlete.
In my recent discovery of the Pilates benefits, I have felt like a new member of an exclusive club without the pretentiousness. Perhaps a Pilates family is a better explanation. Jeannie, the matriarch of this supportive, fit family brings us all together and helps us function as a finely tuned unit. She is a mother to us in that she cares deeply about every member of the Pilates family and fosters bonding through Pilates exercise and friendship. She highlights the best in all of us and motivates us to reach our potential through our practice of Pilates. I never expected to have one of my first Pilates mat classes alongside an Olympian, but I did. Accomplished equestrian Bobby Costello was so gracious as I grunted through the Hundred, which is a Pilates classic move that challenges your core and your upper body. My Yoga and meditation helped me remember to use my breath to help me through physical challenges like this one. I also find breathing to be helpful in stressful situations. When life is tough – BREATHE! The other amazing discovery is I am sleeping more soundly than ever. Summer brings vacations and traveling, but I am sure happy Jeannie has mat classes year round! She is great at nudging us all to be compliant to experience the best benefits. I like that I am reminded of the correct ways and given modifications for movements, which will surely deliver results in strength and flexibility. I need an extra nudge here and there to stay on my fitness track--and now I've got one.
I’m convinced my new Pilates family will help me strive to improve in all areas of health like hydrating during these hot, 100-plus-degree summer days. Seriouly, on these hot Norh Carolina days, I’m tempted to not burn a single calorie by lounging all day near the air conditioning. Pilates has me moving, run-walking to classes and exercising my pup. I feel like I’m in the middle of a strength, health-makeover and I’m so thankful for it, because those cool New York days are behind me and now I am a healthy southern girl, y’all.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
CORE LIFE LESSONS
Life seems really in sync! I was walking my new pup Bella around town and to the farmer's market, when I reacquainted myself once again with my Pilates instructor of six years ago, Jeannie Carpentier of MIND YOUR BODY PILATES. Bella became instant friends with her pup Savvy and we took pictures of them. We were both excited about our veggie basket. I found out we have a friend in common – Meagan. We three met up and enjoyed my latest crepe diet together. One conversation led to another and Bella ate my scone right out of my purse.
In our powwow I shared that I had been dreaming of a 2012 goal to try a tri.(I'm such a word geek that I can't help but LOVE the alliteration) I thought at my 10 year anniversary of my horrific triathlon—training accident, and in honor of my trek recovering—it was an awesome idea. I ran it past the girls. The brainstorming began … Jeannie has a bike collecting problem—I think I can keep those wheels turning and help her out. WOW, Jeannie would be a fabulous coach! Will my dream become a reality? My journey begins with Pilates mat classes at Jeannie’s studio three times a week. It’s next door to Beefeater’s so I can walk downtown AND I already have a mat waiting for me with my name on it. Jeannie and many others compliment me on my writing … she surprised me and asked me to help write a blog for the Pilates studio. This will be perfect bartering for my CORE training and will help me work toward my goals. I’m so excited to keep doing what I love to do—write. How can life be anymore synchronistic right now? It's freaking me out! I know I should NOT be shedding tears over all this good in my life but …DEEP BREATHS. Ahhh … this feels good. As Joseph Pilates put it: "Ideally, our muscles should obey our will." My will is whispering try tri in my ear on a constant basis as I look at May 2012 come up on the calendar. Therefore, Jeannie reappears in my life offering not only a new dog-loving comrade who is my exercise mentor.<http://www.facebook.com/MYBPilatesNC/> BUT she offers me help in completing my goal to get in tip top shape, fit enough to try a tri 10 yearslater. If I keep doing what I love to do- blogging for her studio (something she doesn't have time for between mat classes and private equipment lessonsand being civic minded). Regardless of whether I compete, life IS a race and I am headed toward the finish line. What a concept that I've fallen in love with!