Day 5...Change of scenery

March 18, 2008
Weight: ???
Walk: About 2 miles along Tampa Bay – 35’30”
Location: Tampa, FL

I left home early this morning in the cold and was really looking forward to my walk in the sun…especially after yesterday’s messy walk. Today there was no mud, ice or falling. I’m in Tampa on business and my hotel is situated right along Tampa Bay on Harbour Island. I could not have asked for a more beautiful walk today. There is a walking path along the water where you can look at the water, flowery shrubs, yachts and very expensive condos. And as a topper, when I came back into the hotel they have a cute young lady ready with a cup of pineapple/kiwi infused water…nice touch!

As I soaked in the sun today I was thinking about my recent struggle with anxiety. I guess I was hoping for some kind of silver bullet and that by spending more time reflecting I would be able to eliminate anxiety but that has not been the case. I have come to the realization that I just need to accept that this anxiety and discomfort is part of the learning process. I think that often it takes a certain level of discomfort to avoid complacency, and I have no room for complacency in my life right now. I need to muster up all of the energy and focus I can to try and gain proper balance between myself, my family and my work.

From this point I started to focus on my breathing again to gain a better sense of acceptance of how to properly face this anxiety and remembered something my wife has told me…just remember that it won’t kill you. This is true acceptance. It is what it is…move on. From this point I started to think about the daily reflection that I read today which asked Am I living one day at a time? I would like to say that I am, but I don’t think I’m there yet. I would look at this as more of a goal that I hope to get to by continuing to take the next right step and gaining better perspective. What I really liked about the passage was that it focused on being persistent. I think this is the best advice I have read and I will continue to be persistent in praying, walking and trying to improve my spiritual state.

I believe in the promise of joy, peace, security and serenity if I am willing to do the work required to earn it. I hope that by taking time each day to walk, think, reflect and pray that these promises will be more visible in my life. Come to think of it I believe that it is already happening…I just need to pay attention and give thanks (one day at a time!).