We are so accustomed to going about our lives on auto-pilot that we may not even be aware of how we are walking, talking, thinking, feeling or doing…whatever it might be. I have been on the planet for nearly 56 years and in that time, I have danced gracefully and stumbled awkwardly, stepping on toes inadvertently in the process. My ‘dance partners’ have been mostly gracious about it with a precious few grumbling about my lack of skill at times. As I approach the next milestone birthday next Monday, I am doing a life review, because had circumstances been different, I might not be here to be celebrating it OR even writing these words.

I am  discovering that the element of surprise is a new theme in my life. At cardiac rehab today, Dave Woods who runs the program, was telling me that I need to mix up my workout routine, to maximize the benefits and surprise my body with different exercises and machines. I did just that, trying out new machines, including a stair climber that reminded me of an upwardly moving escalator, which I actually enjoyed since I had a scary experience when I was 12, sliding the opposite direction on the conveyance while balancing on one foot. I also pedaled a Nu-Step that had me chugging along pushing with both sets of paws. It would be really cool if I could put that energy into a container and recycle it to power up the lights in my house. Could feel the ‘liquid awesome’ (a.k.a. sweat) dripping down as I charged my own batteries.

Next week I am getting back in the pool (I was a competitive swimmer in my youth and a coach for 3 summers) I still have the shoulders to show for all those years swimming butterfly It was also where I learned to meditate while swimming what seemed like endless laps. I had Olympic aspirations but not Olympic discipline. I will also be getting back on the mat, since it’s been awhile since I had a consistent yoga practice. He asked about my goals and I told him that weight loss and increased vitality and stamina were the top three. I had taken all three for granted over the past few years, believing that I would always have the energy to do all I was called on, without replenishing the supply.

I am willing to be positively surprised by what I discover about myself in this ongoing process of stretching and expanding comfort zones.