… so sometime ago, I walked into this gym with my friend, we were given a tour, had a 1 hour chat about our fitness goals, signed all the papers, paid our joining fee and I think we also paid upfront for a couple of months. We were so motivated and committed, we were going to do it, be fit and have razor sharp abs. This was about 20 odd years ago. Anyone that has seen me lately knows that the razor sharp abs remains an aspiration, we say no more! But the interesting part about the story was that, the day we signed up at the gym, was the last time we ever stepped foot there, honestly! It was as if we were bewitched and they just collected our money. We never even spoke about it for years, we just didn’t go, show our faces or step foot there. It was truly bizarre experience. The fact that we paid was not sufficient motivation, neither was the thought of being able to fit into my favourite jeans or any other health benefit I could think of.
Anyway, recently I decided I was going to learn a sport. An ex colleague runs the class. A man I truly respect, so we talked and he said to contact head office, register and pay. I called head office based in another town and they said there was no space, so I couldn’t register or attend. My ‘lazy’ spirit started jumping for joy as the classes were early in the morning. Anyway I ran into the instructor and he asked when I was starting. I told him I couldn’t join as head office will not register me. He then surprised me by saying I should just come as there is always at least one space due to non attendance and we just keep it on the quiet. I was so touched and grateful.
So I set my alarm for the first morning attendance, it starts 6am in the morning. As the alarm went off, my bed felt warmer and cosier than it had ever felt, all I wanted to do was pull the blanket tighter around me. But when I remembered the instructor had put himself on the line for me, I had no choice but to jump out of bed. Actually I lied, I didn’t jump out of bed, I dragged myself out, kicking and screaming. Anyway I arrived at the class, looking like something the cat just dragged in. I got into my stride after a few minutes of looking confused and I was pleased I made it.
The following week, I was even more tired than the first and so did not want to attend, I just wanted to stay in bed, but again when I remembered I was getting for free what I should have paid for, I dragged myself there again. But inside me, I wished I paid for it because if I did I would have justified lying in bed, arguing that it is my money after all and nobody should trouble me about it blah! blah! blah!!! Anyway I was pleased at the end I attended again.
At the end of the second week class, I told the instructor that I hope I am not taking the liberty attending class without paying. And he asked me back the question, if I thought I was. And I said ‘no’. My concern was that the day I pay for those classes might be the last time they see me, as I will be able to justify that it is my money I am paying afterall and I can do whatever I like. Indebtedness was giving me the right push, to get my butt to the classes. Maybe I should just take ‘liberty’ for a few more weeks to get into things before I find out if I can pay. Just trying to prevent a situation where I go AWOL. What do you think?
Beautiful Ivory 