I’m really starting to feel cooped up these days. School is back in full swing and I’m hitting the books hard again. Plus I haven’t been to Kung Fu in forever; I’m starting to feel so very far behind. I miss the freedom of being able to go wherever whenever I please.
I’m going ice climbing in Jasper this weekend with friends. I’ve been looking forward to it, I haven’t been to the mountains in awhile. The fresh air will do me good... and the adrenaline too. I can’t wait to get out.
A couple of days ago, while walking the last few blocks home after getting off the bus, I picked up a Tim Hortons cup lying on the sidewalk. Now, I have to admit, I usually don’t make a point of picking up litter while roaming about. Something about the cup at the time really stood out and I couldn’t leave it sitting there. After throwing it out I realized I’d done it instinctively, I just did it, without thinking... how cool is that? So I savoured that brief moment in time, delighted with my ability to recognize my attitude is more forward than backward. My mentality is steadily (albeit slowly) progressing more and more towards improving the world around me and my ability to stay in the moment is ever increasing.
Giddy with discovery I continued walking, looking for other things to pick up. That’s when my spirit got crushed a little. I suddenly noticed just how much litter there was around me. All the garbage I hardly seem to notice was now right in my face. I felt overwhelmed. I’d need a garbage bag just to pick up the stuff lying around the bus stop. As easy as it was for me to pick up a single cup it would be incredibly hard for me to make much of an impact in my area. But I am just one guy, if everyone stopped to pick up a few things every day then we could make a major impact.
My vacation is over and I’m back in school. It’s a new year and a new UBBT. I admit I have yet to add up the numbers for the last UBBT, I’m kind of afraid of doing it. I know I’m going to be short on a lot of things. The end really snuck up on me, the past year flew by and I wish it had ended with a bigger bang. Over all I consider the past year to be a great success. It was definitely one of the best years of my life.
Even if I didn’t get to do everything I had wanted to do for the last UBBT I still managed to carry the spirit of it with me. My attitude has shifted and I’m picking up habits and beliefs that will help keep me on the path of self improvement. I get the idea of what the UBBT about and I believe in it.
I enjoyed my holiday very much even though I slacked off thoroughly and let myself get a bit soft. I was restless yesterday, from not getting enough exercise, and improvised a workout at home with some dumbbells, a plank of wood, a couple chairs and a recliner. I was disappointed to discover I’ve lost some strength and endurance. I’m ludicrously sore today and it feels fantastic. I’ve come to realize how reliant I am on having a vehicle. Not being able to drive to kung fu, the grocery store, gym, school, friends...etc results in me sitting on my butt far too much. I need to work on my discipline and get a vehicle as soon as possible.
At least it’s a wakeup call, a motivational kick in the pants to pick up the pace. UBBT 7 has begun but yesterday was the first time it really sunk in. Starting out the first day with a 1000 pushups/situps felt great, aside from the scab on my back caused by situp rug burn. I have a lot of work ahead of me. It should be fun.
