4 Sets of 10 (or, Why I'm Here)

Earlier this year, I did something quite impressive. OK, maybe not like, solving the world energy crisis impressive, but still an interesting feat. Just this last May, I turned 40.

Yep, that's right, 40 years old. The big four-uh-oh. Officially gone from Miss to Ma'am. 40 trips around the Earth's sun. Kicking it for four full decades. Listening to the hits of the 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's in real time.

Or, my inner critic's absolute favorite, "Welcome to the start of your middle-aged years!"

Don't get me wrong, this is not a lament about turning 40 -- no way. For the most part, I'm fairly OK with hurdling this milestone. Mainly because I don't feel 40 at all (more like, 25 with 15 years of experience). I'm in good shape, exercise daily and eat well. I run my own business, genuinely know my craft front to back, and clients listen when I offer my opinion. Personal life is full and peaceful, all because my past mistakes have been my greatest gurus.

Though, if statistics and heredity hold true, there are now as many years ahead as there are behind me. It's a sobering thought to consider this biological equinox, and that merits a little soul searching. What do I want for my next 40 years?

Which brings me to why I've signed up for The Peak Condition Project.

I've been dabbling on and off in yoga, meditation and eastern philosophies since college, but in my later 30's began to reinvest more fully. Lately, it's been my deepest wish to make yoga a bigger part of my world, and for the rest of my life. I want to amp up my own practice and help inspire others to explore the gifts of yoga. I'd sincerely love to enter a teacher training program.

Then there's my inner party pooper again, that little voice that ignites my doubts and taunts me with, "Yeah, but you're 40 now! Middle-aged, remember? Don't you know it's all downhill from here? Yoga teacher training is too hard! You'll never make it!"

I hear it, I acknowledge it, but I don't believe that pesky little voice. Turning 40 has given me great perspective. Perspective to know that the voice is more often wrong than right, and that it cranks the volume when I'm the most afraid to step into unfamiliar territory. I've also learned that going from the known into the unknown is where amazing growth can take place, and that most obstacles are 90% mental.

So here I am, stepping up to this challenge with my own little pledge of allegiance:

• I believe that PCP can help me build greater upper body and core strength to empower my yoga practice.
• I believe that bettering my diet and knowledge of nutrition will give me the energy to bound through my days and follow my passions.
• I believe that commitment to PCP will prove to me (and that stupid little voice) that I've got what it takes to tackle yoga teacher training and whatever the next 40 years has in store.

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All right my fellow PCPers, what say we do this thing? Day 1 exercises -- check!

Looking forward to reading your posts as we go.

Good luck, everyone!