Acceptance in Exercise Routine

On my walk this morning, which I've just recently started, I was reflecting on a lot of thoughts. I wondered, how long is this new routine going to last? Previously, I used to roller skate every morning, do daily walks, hit the gym, and even play basketball: just shooting hoops. There's a pessimistic side of me that says I'm not consistent, which is why I'm gaining weight (2kg in the past 6 months). Not a very nice inner voice.

But then there's this angelic voice that counters, saying it doesn't matter if the technique changes as long as the principle stays the same. I questioned whether I was justifying my tendency to stop and start. As I pondered during my walk, I realized many people continue doing something even when it no longer brings joy or results because they think they have to be persistent.

The truth is, you can change your method. As long as you're working towards your goal, it's perfectly fine to switch things up. Over the past few years, I've noticed a pattern where I dive into something and then feel bored, wanting to try something else. I used to punish myself for this, thinking it meant I wasn't persistent. Now, I've come to accept that it's okay to change. It's liberating to know you're not stuck with one choice forever.

The same applies to meditation. I've been on and off with it since I was 18. Sometimes it's useful, and other times I feel it doesn't work for me anymore, so I switch to something else. And honestly, that's fine. Don't punish yourself for changing your method due to boredom.

I've read several books about acceptance, and it's challenging to distinguish between acceptance and resignation until you experience it so I won't go into describing it here for you. I am free to change my method of exercise whenever I feel like it, and that's okay. It really is okay.