I did it! I went to the water aerobics class! I was super anxious, but I made myself do it. Part of the way I ensured I wouldn’t chicken out was by telling several people I planned to go. I didn’t want to let them down.
The class started at 9:00 and I realized at 8:00 that I didn’t have a lock to use in the locker room. I thought “No problem, I’ll just pick one up from Target.” I pulled it up on the app so I’d know where to look, but as I left I decided to go to a different Target so I could avoid the school zone by the high school. When I got there, I needed to go to the bathroom, so I headed there first. There was a cart blocking the door, showing that it was getting maintenance. Frustrated, I pulled up my app to see where locks would be in this Target, but apparently they don’t sell them at that one!
I quickly got back to my car and drove to the big Target. I should have just gone there to begin with. I stopped by the bathroom and then got a lock quickly. I made it to the Natatorium at 8:50. Being the first time since signing up for the membership, I didn’t know how to sign in. I asked someone at the desk and she told me I needed to download an app and follow a set of instructions that she handed to me. I started to panic that I would end up late to the class. Thankfully, she offered to sign me in this time and I could take care of the app next time. She then took my picture and I went to the locker room.
It was filled with high school girls. I hadn’t even thought about the fact that the Natatorium is where the swim team practices. I saw students I knew, but I didn’t say hi and I don’t think they noticed me. They were busy on their phones or doing their hair.
I went out to the pool and stood near the person I assumed was the instructor (she was the only one not wearing a flotation belt). I guessed right! And when she noticed me she asked if I was joining the class and if I’d ever done deep water before. I told her it had been a long time, so she gave me a few pointers for the floatation belts and buoys. She was very nice and checked in on me throughout the class.
The water was much colder than I anticipated (a sign said the water was 81*, but that could not be right!). The shock of the water temperature started a conversation between me and the person closest to the ladder when I got in. We talked a little, then the class got started. As the instructor gave us exercises to do, I tried to look to the people around me to make sure I was doing them correctly, but with our bodies under the water it proved difficult. Thankfully, a woman next to me started explaining to me what to do each time the exercises changed. I was extremely grateful for the extra help!
The workout was difficult at times, but in a good way. Nothing was painful or so hard I couldn’t do it. It just took some concentration to coordinate my arms and legs. I know I got a good workout and anticipate a bit of soreness tomorrow. I’m looking forward to Friday’s class. The helpful woman next to me said she won’t be there, but at least I’ll recognize the instructor and have an idea of what to do when I arrive.
When I went to get my things from my locker and get dressed I realized I forgot to put a shirt in my bag! I had underwear, a bra, and pants, but no shirt! I needed to meet someone at the church after and really didn’t want to go home and disturb the dogs just to leave again, so I went to Walmart (yes, in my bathing suit!) and bought a Halloween shirt, then went into the bathroom to change. Crisis averted!
After my meeting I decided to get some lunch at Panera Bread and sit down to write (which I’m doing now). Thankfully, as I ordered I remembered that I have to pick my kids up from school early today for an orthodontist appointment! After the appointment we are meeting D for dinner, and then there’s Small Group at church. A busy, busy day! But a good busy.
I’m noticing that my anxiety is much more manageable than it used to be and I’m so grateful. I know some of that is from going out and doing things, but I am sure a lot of it is from my medication. I mentioned to my husband that I was noticing an improvement and he agreed that he had seen it too. Now if I could just figure out how to help my son with his anxiety…
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