1 New Hug (1 employee at The Little Gym)

So, I’ve got a kind of funny story for you. Ever since starting my hug journey, which brought me SOOOOOO far out of my comfort zone, I have realized that most of the limitations I think I have are ones I created in my head.  Once I started pushing those boundaries my thought process began changing.

So, there I was at the gym yesterday running on the treadmill when I thought to myself, “I wish I could just close my eyes and run.” Let me explain. I love running with my eyes closed (ok, I guess that didn’t really need any explanation). It is very freeing and peaceful. Yes, I have tried it before. I used to wait until I was on a straight almost deserted road and run as long as I felt comfortable with my eyes closed. Now, back to the gym. Old me would have thought, of course you can’t do that. You are on a treadmill and you would kill yourself. New me thought, “why not?” So, there I was deciding not only to close my eyes but for some crazy reason I wasn’t holding on to the treadmill either. (I don’t always make the best decisions) Needless to say I have some damn good balance for not actually falling off the end of the treadmill. Oh my goodness. I barely stayed on as the blasted treadmill tried rocketing me off the end. So, face completely flush with embarrassment I pull myself back to the appropriate position and continue my running. I didn’t even bother to see if anyone witnessed my brilliant maneuvering, I just assumed they had.

Did I stop there? No, of course not. I am a determined fool. But, I learn from my mistakes so this time I lightly placed my hand at the front of the treadmill and ran for a full 2 minutes with my eyes closed. It was amazing. I heard the switch in the machine as it readied itself to lower its incline. I heard faint music in the background playing Firework which happens to be a favorite of mine and my son’s. Without eyes, every other sensation was heightened and running was the furthest thing from my mind.

Eventually I would like to increase that time until I am running at least 15 minutes with my eyes closed. I may look crazy doing it, but no matter. In that moment I am transported to another world.

Please accept this blog as my virtual hug to you.