September 30, 2020

I have found my way to SparkPeople again after quite some time. At the last second, I decided to jump on the 5% Challenge Team Wagon and was placed with the Walkers, Joggers, Runners, Gadgeteers team. Since I was on a team last (my beloved Shooting Stars), I gained some weight, had joined the YMCA, started regular water aerobics and Zumba classes, took part in regular Senior classes (I am 51, but have really bad knees, so the tempo and exercises are so much safer and easier). I went there a minimum of 3 times a week, and ended up the fittest I think I have ever been, although my weight did not move down much. My stamina, heartrate, muscle tone, over all well being was so amazing... then the Pandemic hit, as it did us all. YMCA closed, my world was completely uprooted and I did what many of us did... stayed home, became paralyzed by the new situation, unsure of how to be normal. My job became unbearable with few employees left and the clients becoming complete monsters with Covid hot on their heels. I have to say, this Pandemic magnified everything. Nice people became even nicer, more caring and selfless. Mean people became monsters, hellbent on harming and ripping down others, and I almost ended up walking off my job because I just could not deal with the constant attacks from clients ( I still work as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic). The team is great though, and we got some wonderful new hires, so slowly things are improving internally, which means, it is easier to ignore the rude and mean people calling the hospital. When they say "be the person your pet thinks you are", there must be a lot of heartbroken and disappointed furpersons out there realizing who they really live with :)

But nonetheless, I am back at Spark, and happier than ever to be here. I had to work hard at concentrating once again on all the nice things that happen during a workday, and try to ignore the bad stuff. It did pay off, I am much happier in my job, we laugh and joke a lot, and the team is growing together nicely. This is what I am hoping to find in my 5% team again. Friendly competition, team spirit, making some new Spark friends and improving my well being.