I don't do sports!

It's sports season again at my workplace. As done yearly, this is a huge event. That's a great thing, especially since it promotes healthy physical & social activities. However, just like last year, I dread this season.

As of today, I am representing our office (branch) in table tennis, carom, dart, and fishing. I have the feeling they'll get me in to 'futsal'(!!!!) Those who know me know I DON'T DO SPORTS. I used to swim for fun, and I jogged twice this year, and played badminton maybe three times. Other than that, the only form of 'physical activity' I do is my regular cycling to do my inspection at the jetty where I work. But that's work. Apart from all the above, I don't look for outdoor activities to fill my weekends/holidays. I enjoy staying at home, reading.

But as I played table tennis, and as I performed my tasks at the registration/ score-keeper/ first aid counter for badminton and valley ball, and as I competed (and lost) the game of ping-pong, I realised one good thing about this whole 'sports' idea. It does get you out to meet people. And it does show you the different sides of your workmates. This year I am more involved with sports compared to last year, so I had the opportunity to reflect more. A privilege.

Throughout my childhood and teen years (flashback music please...) I have never been good in any form of sport, athletics, field, games- nothing. I am scared of balls coming 'at' me (valley ball), I am afraid of people colliding with me (hockey, soccer, basketball), I am quite clumsy and I learn skills very slow (carom, table tennis). And physically, I'm not that strong :) - I wonder if that's a good excuse *grins*

But now that I'm 30 *coughs*, I guess it's only natural to start thinking about how to live a 'healthier' lifestyle. I haaaaaaaaate to admit this, but I think I should start exercising (feels like deja vu after saying that). In my head, I can see me screaming and stomping my feet like an 8 year old, wishing this was not an issue. But it is. And I am living an unhealthy way of life - I don't drink much water, I sleep late, I eat out a lot, and I eat too much junk food as snacks and too much fast food instead of proper home-cooked meals; I don't take much fruit, and I always skip my greens. I'm also a fan of instant noodles and super 'kaw' teh c special. I'm glad I'm not 'hooked' to coke or any carbonated drinks, or even alcohol. But still, I'm not taking care of this 'aging' body of mine *freaking out a little bit*

So with all the sports going on, and my being face to face with my own weaknesses, I guess it's time to have a slight adjustment with my way of thinking. A tiny paradigm shift, maybe. So what if I look like a fool trying out sports I've never tried before?! Maybe it's worth a try. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be a fitness instructor *lol* But even if I dont, I wish I'll never regret taking this 'gift' of physical health for granted. So today (like many days before), I'm telling myself again, to be healthy.