The Week from Purgatory

I knew going into the work week that it was going to be a challenge to maintain my composure and optomism. My calendar was full of both personal and work related activities.

I knew on Monday morning that I was going to be behind the 8 ball each and every day. I was feeling the stress before I had started.  Luckily, I did start off the day on Monday at the gym.  I felt energy when I left and thought I could face the day with ease.  Unfortunately as the morning wore on it was apparent that my fears were to be realized.  Each day became more stressful as demands increased and I began to feel like I was falling behind!  I did go to the gym every morning except Thursday (I did a radio spot at 7:30 that morning for the Arc Capital Campaign).  A couple of mornings required a serious self pep talk to get out of bed.    I worked late each evening and had meetings each night.  By Friday I was dragging.  It was the week from Purgatory!!  But I got through it.

During the kick off for Follow the Fifty, one of the stations that we visited demonstrated breathing and relaxation techniques as well as another that demonstrated yoga.  I am sure that I forgot many things, but I do remember the relaxation breathing that was part of both stations.  I did find myself practicing this a little and I must admit it helped. 

Friday morning's gym routine was the most intense workout yet.  I found myself amazed that I was able to finish it!!  After my aerobic routine I always do a few situps and some stretches.  I use a exercise ball for sit ups because of my back problem.  I have a "gym buddy" that I met five years ago and have come to enjoy as I do my routine.  We both arrive at the gym a few minutes before it opens at 5:30 a.m. and begin our workouts at the same time.  We usually talk while on the elliptical and bike, and we do our stretches afterwards.  While I was doing my situps, he commented on how many and how quickly I had done them.  When I started in January adding the situps, I would do a set of ten.  Now I do two sets of fifty.  Its funny but I never realized how much stronger I had gotten!  I was thinking..."o.k.  I am going to really get a lot accomplished at work today". 

Well it didn't turn out that way and when I left the office at 5:00, I left behind a stack of work that will face me on Monday.  I needed to get to the home of a fellow board member of the Arc to prepare for a home social that is part of our Capital Campaign.  I'm glad a got there a little early because I helped cut up veggies and arrange cheeses, breads, and fruit on platters. 

By the time the guests arrived everything was done and I began to relax.  After an hour or so, I spoke to the guests about the importance of the Arc to me.  I felt this great surge of pride and purpose.  I also felt the stress of the week begin to slip away.   I remember a quote (although i can't remember who was quoted) that said,"the most effective exercise for your heart is bending down and lifting someone up".  That pretty much summarizes the experience.  My heart felt wonderful as I worked to help an organization that I felt passionate about.  And looking a the face of one of the other presenters, Keith, who is a remarkable friend who was born with downs syndrome, I knew that I had done a good job!!
So I survived the week from purgatory!  I guess it is because I am pointed towards heart heaven!!