Back to pilates.

My grand plan to stick to 28-day pilates schedule has not stood the test of time, I've actually managed to fall behind the schedule within the first week (well done me), but I'm getting back on track and (!) enjoying it. It's far too easy to just skip the workout when I'm so busy with studying and after a long day in the library I barely have the energy to sort out my dinner in the evening, not to mention getting into my sports kit and going through three workout videos. But I can feel that my body is changing, certain position which were unmanageable before are quite easy now. This is great, feels like an accomplishment of some sort. Not to mention the boost of endorphins that you get from physical activities.

I don't know how I've managed to live many years with barely any exercise, I've become an advocate for regular physical activity simply because it's healthy. You need to look after your body, it's your vessel that needs to carry you through this life.

http://www.blogilates.com/blog/2014/12/30/new-beginners-calendar-2-0-for-2015/

So, put your leggins on and try pilates. Or Zumba. Or whatever else that will make you happy. I like pilates, because it's so varied and you can target particular body parts or do a total body workout instead. And you see the results pretty quickly. Within a week I've noticed that my muscles became stronger and I could follow routines without feeling like I'll just collapse. Yep, that might be the feeling at the start, but you need to push through it. It's worth it. Swimming is another great way to exercise, a low impact and relaxing workout. Though don't swim in your leggins.

How I've ditched saying 'I want to get married'

and embraced being single.

Having A in my life is wonderful, she's such a good friend, but there is one problem with us together. Both of us really want to get married, so many of our conversations turn into litanies of complaints about the lack of the significant other, or about the lack of men of appropriate qualities around us.

And, you know, it's good that we are clear about what we want in life. But sometimes I feel as if my life here and now was a waiting room before something better and more fulfilling. This is rather sad, to be honest, so I've resolved not to say 'I want to get married' again. I just want to embrace being single and enjoy the moment.

My Babcia always say that you're single once and you should make most of it, because once you've got a husband and later children, there's just not enough time in the day to do the same things as you could as a single lady. It's hard to disagree with it, especially when I look at my Mum. She has no time at hand at all, even now that we're all grown up.

I'm not sure what I've been longing for so much. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I want to be by myself. I want to explore the world, learn new things, travel, read book after book, bake, go for long walk on the beach and dance. Will I have time for this when I'm in the committed relationship? Probably not for all of these, probably not for that many. But I can't imagine my life being so terribly constrained.

Many people say that single life is not a vocation, but I don't agree. It can't be either-or: either religious life or marriage. And I'm beginning to think it might be an option for me. I'm my best self on my own. I do most good things when I'm on my own. I can serve better when my head is free from butterflies. A lot of things to think about during this Lent...

Food for the Journey.

"Someone may object that God has promised beatitude under such and such conditions. The condi­tions may be reduced to a single one, which was pro­claimed by the angels at Bethlehem: “Peace on earth to men of good will.” They did not say “to men of char­acter,” nor “to men of genius,” nor “to men of good deeds,” nor “to men of great virtue,” but “to men of good will.”  

When St. Thomas Aquinas’s sister asked him how to obtain salvation, he answered her with one phrase: “Will it.” Nothing more is necessary. The promises of God demand from us only this one condition: Will it!"

From Archbishop Martinez’s When God is Silent. Luis M. Martinez (1881-1956) was Archbishop of Mexico City and a philosopher, a theologian, a poet, and a director of souls. He is author of True Devotion to the Holy Spirit, When Jesus Sleeps, and other works. 

Stuff.

This is so true:

I'd like to consider myself unattached to material things, but, gosh, I've decided to sort out my wardrobe and really just leave clothes that I wear and it's been a struggle. I used to be able to fit all my possessions into two suitcases, but it's not the case now, especially that I've acquired things like an iron, pans and pots, candle holders, all sorts of stationery equipment, posters and so on... But! One of the perks of being ill is that I get to do things for which I normally don't have much time and I've got rid of some clothes, finally making it to the wonderful Oxford Animal Sanctuary charity shop. Now my wardrobe looks much better. Rather airy, really.

Not getting attached to things is a big challenge. I've learnt to let go of little things from the past that were supposed to remind me of something or somebody. Many of these ended up in the bin; instead, I've printed out some pictures and stuck them of the wall. The only thing that I let myself have in plenitude is books. One can never have too many books. Still, even if I never use something, somehow I like just having it. It's interesting, because I don't get attached to places so much. Maybe that's actually the reason why I like my things, I can simply take them with me when moving around so much.

But I want less stuff. Apparently this makes you happy. Definitely it means that there's nothing weighing you down. I like that.