I’ve happily joined the ranks of the constantly plugged-in. I received (by my request) a Fitbit Flex 2 as a holiday gift, and I think it’s pretty nifty.
Longtime readers may recall that the only exercise I’ve really found enjoyable over the years is exercise in the pool, so I was delighted when I learned that these little gadgets were safe for use in water. It’s been too cold for that now, but walking on terra firma has taken on a new bit of fun with the little blinking lights around my wrist.
Some features I like:
It buzzes me at ten minutes before the hour if I haven’t taken at least 250 steps. I need to get up and MOVE, and the vibration reminds me to do it.
It buzzes me if my phone rings or I get a text. I’m a teacher and don’t spend all day looking at my phone, so this is handy.
When I hit my goal number of steps for the day (which I set, thank you very much) it does this little flashing dance party on my wrist. I dig it.
I’m not ready for any big challenges yet, or anything like that, but so far so good. Like they say, one step at a time.
I just came from a cooking home-party, where several women got together and made a delicious meal with a dessert. The whole point of the event was to sell the various cooking tools and utensils, and for me, at least, it was a success. I know that I can get by without using the exact tool, but in many cases having the right tool for the job makes the process not only smoother, but more successful.
This lesson can be applied across the board, not just in cooking. Of course there are extreme examples, such as the carpenter who tried to hammer nails with his screwdriver, but in real-life the examples are usually more subtle.
I think about my students who often don’t have the right tools to approach a particular problem. It’s my job as their teacher to equip them, but only after their parents have done the lion’s share of the job. They need to have a certain level of curiosity as well as a healthy dose of perseverance in order to be successful. They have to be open to making mistakes and be able to collaborate with others. A dose of self-control and a willingness to listen to others are necessary tools for learning. I can help develop those tools, but some children are clearly better equipped than others.
Then I think about my personal goal of improving my health through better eating and more movement. What tools do I need there? First, I need the knowledge of how to feed myself properly. I have plenty of resources in that department, so I think I’m set there. Then I need support and motivation. I find these waxing and waning, and I need to develop ways to keep them both high. I also need tools to get me moving. Again, motivation is a big one. Maybe a nice new pair of sneakers will help? Perhaps a Fitbit? I’ve been toying with the idea of both, but realistically I know that it has to come from within.
And what about writing? Do I have the tools there? Well, yes and no. I have the tools to be a decent blogger. I have ideas, I have this blog, and I know how to put out posts that people occasionally respond to. I can string words together into sentences, and sentences together into thoughts. I have some knowledge, a few ideas, a laptop, and a platform, so yes, I have the tools.
But what about other writing challenges? Do I have what it takes for those? I’m not sure. Again, I think the biggest obstacle is motivation. I’ve got a fear of failure, or maybe a fear of success, I haven’t decided which yet. I have great support and terrific resources to develop as a writer, now I just need more time and better focus. Wouldn’t it be nice if those were available through a home-party? I’d be the first one to sign up.
As a teacher, one of my responsibilities is to supervise children on the playground before school a couple of days per week. I have my own designated area, and fortunately for me it includes a paved path and some large shady trees.
This morning I made the decision that as long as I have to be out there watching the kiddos, why not use the time and location to my advantage? I will try to get in a little exercise during my morning duty times. I can just as easily supervise while I’m walking as I can when I’m staying still. In fact, I’ll probably be more effective, since I’ll cover more ground. I’ve got my most comfortable sandals on and I’m ready to go! Happy Friday, everyone.
BulgingButtons 