Chapter 1: A Commitment to Wellness

As the year drew to a close in December, I promised myself to concentrate more on my physical and mental health. While these aspects are often at the forefront of my mind, they aren’t always given the priority they deserve. Thus, I resolved to recommit to being a person who honors her promises to herself, witnessing the outcomes of her dedication across various life domains.

I am a goal-oriented individual! My efforts have yielded tangible results in my career, finances, and social interactions, yet my physical wellness has not seen the same progress lately.

Making Space for Peace

In yoga, there are tranquil adaptations of various poses. My experience shows that achieving these peaceful variations often requires patience. While the pose may seem beautiful, both my body and mind must exert significant effort to maintain the balance.

This year, I’ve chosen to dedicate myself to cultivating peace. I’m creating an environment where I can embrace challenges for an extended period before moving on to new objectives.

Eliminating Obstacles

I began to remove barriers that were creating friction and excuses, hindering my ability to cultivate discipline. My first step was to utilize my Peloton bike almost daily, as commuting to the gym during winter in Washington, DC, can be daunting. By focusing on 40 to 50-minute rides five days a week, I found a more straightforward and less stressful alternative.

Typically, I ride in the morning before school. I simply get out of bed, bypass my desk (a potential distraction), and head to the bike. By the end of February, I had completed 40 rides in January and February, despite some travel that could have hindered my progress.

Riding Against Myself

As I became more consistent on my Peloton, I started revisiting certain rides. There’s a feature that allows you to compete against your previous times, called “Just Me.”

I find great joy in racing against myself! The predictability of the playlist helps me recognize which aspects of the ride feel challenging or manageable as I repeat it. Since January, I’ve achieved more personal records than ever before, and I’m determined to maintain this momentum. Regular riding has reinforced my original goal of being disciplined about my mental and physical health, and I can see the results reflected in my performance metrics.

Understanding Progressive Overload

Let’s clarify the concept of progressive overload, which was new to me too. This method of strength training involves gradually increasing the stress placed on your muscles and nervous system.

On February 5th, a friend named Lenora joined me for my 500th ride. We agreed on a ride and texted each other to start together, despite being in different homes. It was a challenging HIIT session with fantastic music. Although Lenora usually achieves higher output scores, my goal was merely to celebrate this fitness milestone with her.

As our instructor provided resistance ranges, I decided to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Lenora encouraged me via text to increase my resistance, which was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Since that ride, I’ve consistently raised my resistance, leading to improved performance metrics.

The Role of True Friends

Good friends will uplift you. Those fortunate enough to have supportive friends understand that they will also challenge you constructively. Lenora’s supportive message during our ride has influenced every ride since, igniting my curiosity about progressive overload. I am grateful for her encouragement.

Navigating Relationships and Alone Time

Unforgettable words from a few months back resonated with me: “You handled that well.” I was in a situation where someone made backhanded remarks, and when one of my friends noticed, it made me realize the dynamics of that friendship.

I cherish social interactions, yet I began evaluating my relationships, questioning their alignment with my wellness goals. I noticed who contributed positively and who created unnecessary stress. This led me to take a break from certain friendships to prioritize my growth and well-being.

I have learned to appreciate solitude and have found joy in spending time with friends who uplift me. Quiet weekends have become opportunities for healthier eating, reading, and consistent workouts. When I feel down about a smaller social circle, I remind myself of the peace I’ve gained and express gratitude for my supportive friends.

The Challenge of Peace

Achieving peace in life is a demanding journey, requiring a realistic assessment of what you can manage and what you’re willing to accept. Questions arise: How much strain is beneficial? Which challenges might overwhelm you? How prepared are you to embrace discomfort for your growth?

Peace is not easily attained, but it is a worthy pursuit. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on my journey. I hope this narrative inspires ideas, abundance, and a sense of flow in your life.

The first video titled "Peaceful Warrior (2006) - Official Trailer [HD]" explores themes of personal growth, perseverance, and the quest for inner peace.

The second video, "Peaceful Warrior Official Trailer #1 - Nick Nolte Movie (2006) HD," further delves into the inspirational journey depicted in the film, showcasing the struggle and triumph of the human spirit.