A New Season of Life!

In my first “Second Wind Stories” blog, I gave a bit of background to my fitness journey and described how and why it was, upon my retirement from over 40 years in church ministry as a pastor, I was embarking on a career as a personal trainer. Well, a few weeks ago the day came; I formally retired from the church I had been serving for the last ten years. I have now begun my “Second Wind” as a trainer. 

My retirement weekend was great.  My children and grandchildren came for the weekend. We went to the beach and out for dinner on Saturday. Our church honored and celebrated my wife Kim and me with kind words, prayers, gifts, and a beautiful reception. I was especially glad that so many extended family members and friends from throughout the years joined us for the day. It really was a great day!

Then came Monday and Tuesday and….suddenly, it all seemed so final! One season of life had ended and a new season had begun. Yes, I had been planning for this moment for over a year, yet it still seemed so sudden—and again, so final. By Tuesday, I was questioning whether or not I had made the right decision. Was this a good thing? Would I get used to this new life? Would I become anxious, depressed, bored, lonely, etc.? So many questions—and even fears—began to run through my mind. But isn’t that the way it is when we step into a new season of life? 

I don’t know about you, but I like routine, the familiar, and the predictable. A new season, however, always upends each of those. A new season of life forces us to create new routines; become familiar with that which was once unfamiliar; and become comfortable with the unpredictable. I find myself having to take a deep breath and accept the fact that life has changed. 

Three things, however, have helped me as I have stepped into this new season; I consider them three points of stability: my relationship with God, my relationship with my wife and family, and, believe it or not, my workout routine.  For many, the first two may be self-explanatory (although, maybe not to all). The third may be a surprise. 

The fact is, I have found that, no matter what is taking place in my life—whatever season I may be going through—maintaining my routine of weight training and running, and doing all the other things I do for my fitness, not only strengthens my body but as well clears my mind and resets my emotions. Going into the gym or out for a walk or run, helps me break away from the undulations of life and gives me a space wherein life feels familiar. As I sweat, breathe a little heavier, or feel my muscles being challenged, I don’t have time to think about the uneasiness of life, simply what is at hand. And there’s times I need that. 

There are so many reasons to develop a routine of getting into the gym, walking more, taking those fitness classes, etc.  Yes, many of those reasons are for physical health and fitness. But maybe there’s another reason to do so: It just may be that you are creating for yourself a regular space to break away from the stresses of life; a place to clear your mind and reset your emotions. You just may find that your fitness routine becomes for you a point of stability that helps you get through the new seasons of  life. 

Have a great day! 

Tim Harris