Simplicity

Simple Living.

It sounds...well...simple.

It isn't.  I look around my home and see clutter where there was nothing a month ago. I wonder why I have any desire to surround myself with "things" and I wonder what joy these "things" really bring me.  Saturday afternoon I began clearing away excessive things.  I pulled the rug from the living room, and took away a much too large coffee table. I took out the rug to give myself a better yoga space.  When it was gone I noticed a new clearness to the room. It suddenly seemed so much more un-cluttered.  With the coffee table gone the room was even more clean.  It became very clear to me that I sometimes collect to surround myself with something as if it is a security blanket.

I vowed to unclutter my living space over the next week.  To live more simply (perhaps a yard sale in the near future).

Simplicity.

Simplicity in exercise is one reason why I chose running as my primary cardio (coupled with my memories of going out for a long run and getting an amazing runner's high). But, what about rain days?!

I was looking out the window Friday morning, thinking about getting myself soaking wet by running in the rain. It wasn't that pleasing of a thought. I am not getting into this to become a dedicated runner. I want to be dedicated to physical fitness, mental fitness, and spiritual fitness. I am not trying to run a marathon. I'm trying to be in great shape for the big 4-0.  So, I needed an alternative to running.

Well, it is also Easter weekend, and my kiddo is spending the weekend at daddy's house. So, there was a basket to fill (yes, with "things")!  While perusing the local Tarjay, I had a brilliant idea. There, on the clearance rack in the sporting goods section, I found my new piece of exercise equipment. A jump rope!  Now, I know, it is another "thing" I've brought into my home, but it takes up very little space and can provide a simple exercise with amazing cardio/fat burning abilities.

My first jump rope session was pretty weak. I'd hate to have anybody see me stumbling around like a fool (luckily it was dark outside).  However, it doesn't take long to realize how much a jump rope is making you work.  $5.00 well spent on a useful thing. Now to just get rid of some of those non-useful things!