Sandwiched
I walked seven miles last Saturday morning as part of my training for the Geist (virtual) Half Marathon, taking place on Oct. 10. This wasn’t so amazing to me. However, what did amaze me is that I did this without eating breakfast first. And I’ll probably do the same for my nine-mile walk tomorrow.
See, I’ve been doing intermittent fasting since Dec. 26, where I only eat between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. I like to walk when it’s cooler, so I’m usually out the door by 8 a.m. with no food in my stomach.
Just a couple of years ago, I said I’d never do intermittent fasting. In fact, I thought people who did it were crazy. But when the numbers on the scale started slowly creeping up (thanks, perimenopause) I knew I had to try something. And fasting has helped me lose those extra pounds and keep them off.
But once I started intermittent fasting, I said I’d never be able to exercise without eating first. Well, here I am, walking four plus miles in the mornings while fasting!
This accomplishment got me thinking about the other things I said I’d never do.
“I’ll never start and run my own business.” I started Grants Avenue in the summer of 2016 and am thriving as a business owner. No, I’m not a millionaire, but I look forward to every workday and enjoy doing things my own way. I love helping clients secure hundreds of thousands of dollars each year so they can make this world a better place. And on that subject …
“I’ll never manage people or work with friends.” I came to a crossroads last year with my business. It was growing but I didn’t want to work more hours each week due to being in the sandwich generation. However, I didn’t want to turn down clients who needed help.
Three friends of mine mentioned to me that they looking for part-time work. I took the plunge, hired them as subcontractors, and they’ve blown away my expectations. I’ve enjoyed having co-workers again, even though most of the time we just work virtually together.
“I could never juggle working, taking care of my family and home, and helping an elderly parent.” Well, if you’ve read this column much at all, you know THAT statement was blown to bits many years ago!
This stage of life continues to teach me so much. It’s challenging to stretch outside of our comfort zones. But God knows that in order to be the people He meant us to be, we have to do just that – over and over again. We may surprise ourselves with what happens and achieve success beyond our imaginations!
So one of my new mantras is “never say never”! Be open to change and challenges. While you may be surprised with what happens, God won’t be.