Exercise As Therapy

I have a lot on my mind, all the time. I’ve never been a person who could just “turn off” – if I’m awake, I’m thinking. And thinking. And then thinking some more.  Of course it’s not always deep thoughts that keep my mind occupied – it’s often random, worrisome, or trivial thoughts that just won’t quit.

These thoughts are commonplace:

“Shit, I forgot to buy toothpaste again.”

“Well if you’re going to drive like a moron, I’m going to pass you.”

“Why is she looking at me like that?”

“If I go to the gym at lunch, I can do the dog park and cook dinner early.”

“Why are some people suck assholes?”

“Am I getting my period?”

“Did he really just say that?”

“Apparently muffin tops are in, based on what I see on the street.”

“Will I ever have sex again?”

One thing that I’ve found to be very helpful is EXERCISE. I find it strange that I always shied away from actually getting a workout in, when it’s really made me feel so good. I’ve found that the 20 – 50 minutes I spend working out every day is quiet time for my brain. Eureka! Whole moments go by without a single thought. I close my eyes and only hear my breathing and my music, and often I don’t remember what I was even listening to. It’s heaven to have a quiet mind, if only for a short time.

Exercise has become my daily therapy. I’ve come to relish those short moments when I don’t have to worry about anything, when no one is asking me for something, and when I’m only responsible for myself and no one else. Those precious moments of total self-commitment are really priceless. By the way, I’m down thirteen pounds since I started this new journey. Therapy is really paying off.