Motivational Monday - One Scary Step

Today in my gym class the instructor says, "Next is a lateral jump with one leg onto the step." 

I stand next to the step and watch her demonstrate.  Suddenly the "...with one leg.." part hits me.  I'm supposed to jump up a couple inches onto the step with just one leg???

Um, probably not. 

"Feel free to jump with both legs to modify if you need to.", she says.  So, I do that.  I jump up and down laterally onto the step with both legs.  Challenging, but much easier to attempt than jumping with one leg.  

And then I think, "I have to see if I can do a one-legged jump, but I'm scared."  The other dozen ladies are doing the jump, but the thought of lifting all my weight with one leg really makes me uneasy.  

Finally I did it.  I had to tap my lifted leg after landing to make sure I didn't fall, but I lifted myself and jumped laterally onto the step with one leg.

I only completed two before we had to switch to the other side.  Again I looked down, got scared and then finally made myself try it.  Again I got about two done before it was time to move on.  

The next round I did two-legged lateral jumps and then made myself finish with one or two single-legged jumps. Of course, it was a little easier that time;  at least my mind was more comfortable with the idea.  

The last round I made myself do a few one-legged jumps before switching to the two-legged jumps.  My mind was past the scared stage and into the "just do a few, you'll get stronger with time" stage.  

When we finished that section of the class I pulled my phone out for a quick picture, because I realized this is exactly what life is like when faced with tough situations.  Maybe it's all in the head or maybe there's a true physical limitation, but by taking one step in the right direction we have a chance to overcome any obstacle. 

Have a great week!