Recollection of Personal Significant Places - Essay Example

Autobiographical Collage Recollection of Personal Significant Places The Court I can recall waking up very early and meeting my fellow schoolmates at the spacious basketball court. These were the most trying times of my life. I was in my first year at high school and had always wanted to join the school’s basketball team. This was a challenge for anyone because everyone in a group of over fifty students worked very hard to make sure they got the same positions. The training was vigorous and defying because the interschool competitions were approaching. The coach did not spare anyone; we would wake up early every day of week at four in the morning and meet him in the basketball court. Upon approaching the entrance of the court, I remember all I could hear was the loud whistle as the coach was instructing players and sounds of my fellow students trying to grasp for breathe as they did laps and sprints round the court. I also took two seconds to think about my goals and the option I had. I would choose to walk back and give up on everything I had wanted since the first week of joining the school or endure the painful and tiresome training. The morning sessions at the court had more challenges than in the evening where there was the relief of getting away from a long day full of assignments, classes and tests. My friends and I would always hurry to the court, our sacred place, for the evening unlike the hell it was in the evening. The basketball court was many things to me as a place I visited almost every day and at the different levels, I had different perceptions of it. Before starting to train, it was that place that I felt the need and urge to be, my probable breakthrough and a place I would fit in. After starting the training, it was perdition in the morning and a refreshing in the evening, enjoying the company of friends that face the same challenges as you. Fortunately, I stomached the whole encounter and got the chance to join the team, making the place the paradise I always pictured it to be before starting the training. Decisively, going through the experience and generally my life at the court gives me a better perspective of challenges I face in life. The Gym Working out at the gym is something I always wanted to do but never had the courage to start until late last year. At first, I did not plan on what days to attend or the type of exercises to do so because I knew it was necessary I consult the trainer first. I visited they gym one week before I began my training where the trainer gave me all the required information and an idea of the routines for every day. During the conversation with the trainer, I remember that he was keen to tell me that it would be the most trying and painful period, especially as a beginner. I did not take the statement rightly and at some point, it made me question the decision of taking up the task. In the end, I decided to start and each day there were different exercises that entailed weight lifting and aerobics. There was a choice of choosing either one or both of them but most people focused on only one as weight lifting is for building muscles and aerobic is for weight loss and physical fitness. Relative to my goals, I choose both of them after which I designed a personal timetable with the assistance of my trainer. ************************** Significantly, my core goals were reducing weight and gaining physical fitness. I aimed at engaging in multiple intense physical activities to burn as much calories as possible. The reason I opted for the intense exercises was that I had to achieve a lot in a limited amount of time; moreover, this was the only way I would adapt to the harsh conditions faster. I was sure that through the hard physical activity, I would be free from common illnesses and health conditions that are there today. At the start of my period at the gym, I targeted using the experience as a foundation for ways that would apply in other life challenges, despite the fact that this was a major challenge. The regular workouts would help me mend my muscle power and enhance my fortitude. Relatively, I would display this in all my activities including the schoolwork and chores. *********************** Most of the time, assignments and classwork at school were hectic and stressful so I used my exercising to overcome the stress and boost my moods for the day. I was aware that the physical activity would stimulate my brain cells bringing the feeling of joy and relaxation. Definitely, when starting at the gym people expect to face multiple physical challenges like those experienced by friends or relatives. However, the psychological challenges are the most disconcerting because the mind is very powerful. Largely, I experienced a lot of anxiety during the first week because almost everything seems hard then. Moreover, there were friends and relatives that had tried working out but failed, so often, they would discourage me because they believed that I would not surpass them at anything. The most stressing times were when the trainer got mad because I failed at completing a task, which led to a lot of pressure but I would try it frequently until I was successful. Fear always led to self-doubt and most of the times, I was tempted to stay in my room, miss the sessions and never set foot in the gym again. The physical pain led to the psychological instability but after adapting, chances of overcoming every challenge were very high. I was able to counter all the barriers finishing the challenge and meeting the set goals. ********************* Even before I began attending, I would watch videos online and watch programs involving weight lifting competitions or even weight loss. Naturally, this always motivated me so during the period of the challenge, I had a number of motivation ideas involving the working out itself and other things. One thing that gave me motivation was seeing my friends and colleagues take up hard challenges and succeed i.e. heavy weight lifting. This gave me the courage to do the same; moreover, some of them did not believe that I was capable of the task and would discourage me consistently, saying that I would not survive the pressure, pain and the gym’s atmosphere. I saw this as an opportunity to prove every one of them wrong and as my core source of motivation. Secondly, before starting the different routines, I made a goal for each exercise on the personal schedule where I would refer every day. Each week I was determined to improve in every area and I would keep all the records in my personal journal. Generally, this inspired me to go beyond my physical and psychological restrictions. After every exercise and improvement, I would reward myself with a treat such as an expensive meal. However, I made sure that this happened only after I had met my goals for the week. While working out, I would listen to music and motivational speeches on my phone. Classic pop was my favorite because of the fast beats that psyched me up hence increasing my work output and participation in the different sets and routines. During rest periods, I would listen to the calm songs with slow beats such as blues and RnB to decrease apparent exertion hence prompting me to improve once I got back to the exercises. When I felt like giving up, I would make self-affirmations by talking to myself as a way of underpinning my self-esteem. This would happen frequently and help me to change my ways of belief absolutely. Sometimes I would just think about it and reflect back on other challenges I failed in or even personal role models that made the challenge look easy. Finally, I had multiple videos on laptop that are of inspiring people working out. Watching some of them before going to the gym gave me a positive perspective of the work out and throughout the session, I was able to overcome almost every challenge. The gym is that one place where I was finally able to overcome a combination of physical, emotional and mental challenges, on my own. As things got harder every day, I had the guts to look forward to another day clinging on to the belief that the struggle would end and the same time get to achieve the set goals. Looking back at it now, it gives me the confidence that I have the will power and required self-drive to meet any life objective, no matter how high the bar is set. Moreover, no one, even the people that I love, have the power to change my perception and credence about certain aspects of life especially those that they fail to achieve. Occasionally, I visit the gym and remember every single day and instances of when I almost gave in; however, I am proud that the experience did not help me alone but also some friends who apply this in challenging moments. Read More