Let me explain. I fell ill on one Friday morning, with extreme nausea hitting me like a bullet train, enabling me to even tilt my head sideways on my pillow. I remember seeing my entire week-end plans flashing before my own eyes as I tried to either bravely or foolishly (or perhaps both) stand up straight.
If there is one thing that I've learned from that bad episode is to never take my health for granted. Such a basic notion, and yet I've never really stopped to ask my own body how is it feeling today? Does it need to rest? Does it need energy?
I've decided that the first step is to work hard at building up my strength through exercise, and then, by experience, healthy eating habits will follow suit.
Enter October cha-cha-challenge!
All I remember doing that fateful day was setting my foot in the gym, scribbling down some letters, finding a bright spot so my picture could later be shown without silly comments being thrown in, and then carefully studying the schedule of classes.
At that moment, I clearly recall curiously peering into the glass window right next to the billboard and seeing some hands running freely and unsynchronisingly, although no one seemed to care.
I produced quite a few creases into my forehead that reflected my inner bewilderment. Seriously, what were they doing?
As I sped up to the glass door to get a clearer view of the situation, I saw that they were forming a human circle, wailing their arms in an almost crazed, lazy manner, as mismatched footsteps were clumsily dancing.
I had a strange love at first moment and knew what my October challenge was going to be!
I was going to take that damn dance class! Call it modern or interpretative dance, but that stuff's da bomb.
It is all about letting your emotions tingle through your body, freely letting it run loose with each movement, and not giving a crap about other people's thoughts.
I never quite knew how to really let myself go. My life has always been peppered with self-control. I think that this need for self-restraint stems from the fear of being judged and criticized, although it is very unjustly unfounded. People will always talk anyway, and if my actions do not harm anyone, why should I hold back and act how I feel?
And so, I present to you my October challenge: whip myself back into shape with interpretative dance classes, step classes and toning classes every week.
I've never dared to venture beyond the usual equipment in place, but these classes will definitely yield greater enthusiasm as I usually feel much more energetic in large groups rather than solo.
I cannot wait to tackle my October challenge!
