Excuses, Enough is Enough. Ask me how, ask me why…
When I owned my own studio and still as a personal trainer (mainly in home) all I ever heard were excuses as to why people couldn’t do this, or couldn’t commit to that. They would comment about how organized I must be because I owned a studio, home schooled, worked at my parents’ shop and maintained a household of 4, still finding time to volunteer. I am the least organized person I know – I just find time to squeeze things in. I don’t have long to do lists, or everything mapped out, I just prioritize and multi-task on a day by day, moment by moment basis.
I had a bunch of clients who wanted to get more out of their practice but there was always something stopping them – money was a big one – and I understand. My classes were $12 drop in, and we had small class sizes so everyone got attention, and I usually ran class for 1.5 hours. I really cared about these students, and understood a lot of them had stress to release and used yoga as a way to do it. I had one particular class of 4-5, and offered them on one occasion classes for $4 each if they would commit to 3 times a week (they could choose together the days/times), more excuses – oh, we can’t do that to you (I offered and I don’t mind, you would be spending the same amount money wise, so it doesn’t matter to me and I would be honored to help you achieve your goals) then it was they didn’t have the time (well, I have to get home to make dinner for my 17 year old, etc., etc.).
My belief is that you have to take care of yourself and judge for yourself what is a priority. A 17 year old should be able to make their own dinner – or at least heat up something you have prepared. Your husband should be able to manage without you for an hour at night if that hour is spent helping you unwind, let go of stress and in turn come home with a better attitude (which will in turn help your relationship with others). Name the excuse, its just that -an excuse. Even with an infant – there is always something you can do to take a moment for yourself. Yoga isn’t loud (or doesn’t have to be) and newborns sleep a great deal – bring the baby in its bucket and place it next to you during class, have grandma watch the baby, or your partner – an hour is not much to ask for – you are worth it.
Along this line of thinking – if you have any questions about how to fit yourself into your life, what to do to relieve stress or suffering, need a place to start – just ask. I will post every Friday an Ask Me How and answer questions throughout the weekend. If you don’t ask, you won’t know. There is no harm in asking – there is only harm in not taking care of yourself.
