Last month (December 2012), I ended up with seven smiley faces on my calendar. Each smiley represents an effort at getting intentional exercise (as Dr Phil would say). This month is was mostly swimming, but I have also included walks with Dexter. I haven't included incidental exercise, such as the slog along the carpeted corridors at the RBWH , although sometimes I think I should; it's hard work! I started my smiley reward system in 2012, as a way of acknowledging my attempts to get healthier. I needed some kind of reward for making the effort, but it had to be something that wasn't food or money! I have a childish love of stickers, so smiley faces on the calendar (which hangs above my desk) it was. It didn't get off to a great start, as was always feeling too exhausted to possibly go swimming or - gods forbid - go to the gym. Smileys in 2012: January: 0 February: 3 March: 1 April: 1 May: 0 June: 1 July: 2 August: 1 September: 0 October: 1 Nov
Personal reflections from my life as a high school teacher with a disability.