So Mike and I are doing this nutrition and workout program to get in shape for our wedding.

We tend to try different cleanses and nutritional approaches rather frequently, so I didn’t think much of signing up for a personalized online coaching program from a guy who Mike found on Instagram.

But it turns out this program is far more intense than anything we’ve ever tried before. We’re dialing down grams and ounces to ensure we get the right amount of macro nutrients per meal. And we’re working out every day (we usually work out regularly, but not always every single day).

For the first few days, I totally panicked. Within the first 24 hours of starting the program, I sent our coach about 25 neurotic emails asking him really specific, nitpicky questions.

I obsessed about how we were going to handle our travel schedule and pre-wedding events. I found myself sending our coach emails setting boundaries about what I would and would not do, as though he were forcing me to change my habits.

I was going through my workouts preoccupied with all of the other productive things I could be doing with my time. I was eating my food just to get the nutrients in my body rather than actually taking the time to taste and enjoy it.

With All My Heart

When we make any significant change in our lives, it stirs up the dust bunnies lurking under our beds, so to speak. Some level of resistance to anything new is inevitable. It may or may not come in the form of sending multiple tweezer-brained emails to your new fitness coach, but it will come in one form or another.

On Saturday my assignment was to do a high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. I decided to get outside and go running by the water. I got my P!nk radio station on Spotify going and I was off.

Now, let it be known that I am not a runner. I started training for a half-marathon last year and bailed about three weeks in because I just don’t like running.

During the high intensity intervals I’m supposed to go full out, as hard as I can. So, after my warm-up, I ran as fast as I possibly could for 20 seconds.

What happened next surprised the heck out of me. I felt elated. A huge, uncontrollable smile spread across my face. I felt so free sprinting with all my heart. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d run as fast as I could outside. I was actually thoroughly enjoying the experience.

What changed? Running as fast as I could required my full attention. There were other runners on the path. There was some mud. I had to actually BE THERE. And being there, fully in my body, lungs on fire, hair blowing wildly, made me feel ecstatic.

Where is the love? Where is the fun?

Since Saturday I’ve been approaching this whole process from a new angle.

What if, instead of grumbling and counting down the minutes until I’m finished, I actually decided to be present and enjoy this journey? Folks, I’m aware that I’m not the first one to have this revelation. But I find that we need to continue to learn the same things over and over again, but each time in a new and different context.

When we make a decision to enjoy something, we usually do.

What’s an area of your life that could use a little enhancement?

Craving some romance?

Is your body overdue for some sweat sessions?

Does your bank account need a little lovin’?

Whatever the area of your life, whatever the program of your choosing, remember:

The attitude with which you approach anything affects the outcome.

OVER TO YOU:

Do you ever find yourself trying to grin and bear it when making a change? What strategies have you tried to help you be present and enjoying the journey?

I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below!