Today I realized something.
Being a mom is pretty much just like those cardio workouts I’m so fond of. I mean, exactly the same, except for the high heart rate and lack of oxygen.
Actually, that’s not always true, either. When I’ve run up and down the stairs ten times in two minutes, my heart does start a-pumpin. But anyway.
Examples:
I typically do three days of cardio each week, alternating with my two days of weight training and one day of Pilates. Call me crazy and say it’s boring, but my favorite form of cardiovascular-related activity would be the elliptical machine. Even more than running. Even more than spinning. The reason? I get to prop a book in front of me for sixty solid gold minutes. Being this is my only real, focused time to read, I’d do the good ol’ elliptical every day if I could–a point which has absolutely NOTHING to do with this post.
So, going back to the motherhood/exercises comparison. When I first started heading to the gym, I’d hop on the treadmill and do a fast walk for about… five minutes. And I’d be dead. Wheezing, racing heart, eyes bulging out of my head. Hitting that big red STOP button. The whole deal. But after a while, I heard someone talk about jumping over that wall and being able to keep going… forever. I tried it. I didn’t quite make it to forever, but I did make it to twenty minutes. A month later, I was hitting thirty minutes and now, you can find me on my beloved elliptical for an hour or more. With a good book, of course.
That wall I needed to scale? It may be conquered, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still THERE. I still hit it every time, whether I’m in the gym or running outside. But I’ve figured out that once I get that thing behind me, I can chase the horizon line.
Today was the kind of that had me calling John at lunchtime, jokingly begging him to come home from work early. (Okay, I lied. I wasn’t joking.) It wasn’t anything specific. Just… stuff. Kiddos making messes, being little people, the normal training of hearts, potty accidents, recovering from birthday weekend and a busy Sunday, lots of laundry, a house to clean, getting ready for company to arrive tonight and a trip to the Land of The Mouse tomorrow. Just stuff. But by the time I glanced at the clock and saw both hands pointing UP, my head was spinning.
Regular readers of this here bloggity will know THAT’S NOTHING ABNORMAL.
John sweetly told me he’d see what he could do, but since he, you know, also had work that needed doing in order to get tomorrow off for that Mouse-land trip, it might not be likely. There wasn’t any red stop button this time.
But, you know what? It’s almost 5pm. And I’m still going. God gave me some distractions–not by way of a book, but through turning on some music, odds and ends with the boys and other things–and I made it. He gives strength to keep moving, keep going, and push through the wall. It’s still there, and it will be there tomorrow, but it’s been conquered.
The house is finally clean, the laundry’s almost done, and all I have yet to do to be “ready on time” is to take a shower. Yes, I’ve been in my gym clothes since my trip over there this morning. Fitting, don’t you think?
My endurance has been strengthened. I realized I can make it over that wall, even in such simple things as the day-to-day of motherhood.
Just remind me of all that on Thursday when I hit that wall again, mmkay?
Ginger says:
I want to go to the mouse of house!!:) I hope you all have a wonderful time today and please allow me to wish you a very happy birthday today!!
As always reading your post made me sit back and think about my own life and how that applied to me. You are such an encourger Ashleigh and I am so thankful I met you through this bloggity world we are apart of.:)
Again have a wonderful day today!!
Ginger~
April 1st, 2009 at 7:35 am
Leah says:
Oh Ashleigh! What a beautiful post. It is so amazing when God gives us strength, a strength that we could never could have imagined! :)
April 1st, 2009 at 7:39 am
Megan says:
The wall conquered me yesterday! It’s already threatening to conquer me today and it’s only 7:45. But yesterdaty I gave up, cried with my two crying boys in my arms, called Kevin at work crying (begging him not to stay at the station!)… ordered pizza and on-demand Madagascar 2, and waited for bedtime. I’m not doing well with the boys, I don’t know what to do or what I’ve done wrong… but I wish I could conquer this wall! Even when *I* make it over the wall, I still don’t know what to do about my kids behavior… they are so difficult, I don’t know what to do! Sorry to complain. Your post just happened to preceed another difficult-kid-moment, which happened to bring tears streaming down my face again. Pregnancy. I definitely need his strength today, and every day. *hug*
April 1st, 2009 at 7:53 am
Megan says:
P.S. We might see you there today! I’m taking the boys just to see the Playhouse Disney show and maybe have some lunch. We haven’t seen it and I’m so afraid they’re going to phase it out soon.
April 1st, 2009 at 7:54 am
Steve n Vickie says:
That must be why Paul compaired life to a race. Nice illustration. Have fun at Disney land.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Anna says:
I about to come upon my wall as my husband and I are gearing up to move in three weeks. Because he works and I stay at home (no kids yet, just me finishing up school so we can start!), we decided my primary job would be to get everything organized into groups so that everything can be easily moved. Easier said that done, yes, but I know it’s manageable. You’re post was very encouraging :)
April 1st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Jen says:
I don’t know about you, but I get the high heart rate and lack of oxygen thrown in as well. ;)
April 1st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Debbie says:
That was a great post. I love the verse. Happy Birthday a day late. Hope you have a great trip.
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 am
LeAnna says:
I love the analogy! So very true. In our weaknesses HE makes us strong. :)
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 am
Steve n Vickie says:
Happy Birthday!!! Hope noone played any mean jokes on you this year :D Did you do anything fun?
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Heather says:
(((hug))) beautiful post Ash..and can so relate to the calls to work, *begging* if it is at all possible for him to come home early. Love you!
April 5th, 2009 at 5:39 am