The first week of February has already passed, and something that makes me very happy is that I've been sticking to the goals I set for myself for 2026. In the past, it wouldn't be long into January before I started sabotaging my own plans, but I'm determined not to let that happen anymore. This year, I've been very focused on learning a language, being the best student in my opera singing class, and finally losing some weight once and for all. I can't deny it, a big reason is to look good in my tuxedo for future concerts, since my choral group will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next May, and we'll have many gala concerts. I want to look my best for the occasion, but most importantly, and what's motivating me the most to lose weight, is the little time I have left before I turn 40.
I didn't waste any time with any of my goals. After the city was bombed and the tyrant who was posing as president was removed, there were a few days of forced pause, but we all quickly returned to our normal routines. Beyond my studies, I've been focusing on my health, and perhaps I'm overdoing it with the approach of my 40th birthday, since I'm only turning 38 this year, but it feels like my last chance to reach the next level with a greater focus on well-being. To accelerate the process, this year I've eliminated sugar from my diet, stopped eating fast food, I'm practicing intermittent fasting, I go hiking at least three days a week, and I started going to the gym. This last one has been challenging, as it requires discipline and extra time, but I'm already in my second month and everything is going well; I feel good and I'm more motivated than ever.
To my surprise, my two best friends have joined me in my sports activities. One of them started going to the gym with me, and even though he's more advanced than I am, he's helped and motivated me not to give up. The other is the one who gives me the best dietary advice and always plans the routes we'll take in the mountains, since he knows every single trail and has made hiking anything but boring. This February, all three of us have ended up at the same gym at the same time. I decided to go early in the morning, which is the best time for me, although I have to admit that at first it was a little difficult to go to work and sing afterward, but I'm managing it now, as I've gained stamina in both activities. Working out my muscles has made several of my usual aches and pains disappear, even my migraines, and I've also used that strength for my breathing and diaphragm support while singing, which has always been my biggest weakness. So everything is improving for me at the same time.
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I can't afford to reach 40 years old so overweight, in fact, I don't want to. I've been working on it for a while, but a couple of months ago I had an epiphany and realized I need to get more serious about this to achieve my goal. Right now I'm very focused. I think I hadn't even written about this on Hive before, but Dr. @Galenkp and his weekend topics always motivate me to reflect. I often think about how wonderful it would have been to have the mental clarity I enjoy today when I was younger, but for many reasons, that wasn't the case, and those reasons are no longer relevant. The truth is, now I know many things, I know what's good for me, and I know what I want to be. There have been many bad times in the past, so it's time to enjoy the best of life. Just like my country's politics, I'm also in a period of transition 😅
