My Journey With Health And Fitness – Starting To Speak Spanish

I ran into one of my new doggie friends today as we were waiting for our cab to take us downtown. Unfortunately I didn’t have any treats for this handsome English Bulldog and I apologized profusely. However, his owner told me he didn’t deserve treats because he was a bad dog. Apparently he had gotten away from her and leapt into the cenote in our park (note this is a manmade cenote and is pretty filthy). His owner was quite upset because she thought he had nearly drowned. I do have to say, that Bulldog seemed pretty proud of himself.

So I guess you could question what on earth speaking Spanish has to do with my journey. Quite frankly it actually fits nicely with improving my mental health. So 2 years ago when we started coming back to our Mexican condo my husband and I decided to start doing some online Spanish classes. While he is pretty good at remembering to do them I am obsessed with ensuring that each and every day I get through a lesson. It is important to me, I’m sure you all remember that routine is a big part of my life. And so, every morning I spend a few minutes to get a lesson in.

I’ve realized on this trip that I certainly am able to read and understand the words. Yes, sometimes I am reaching for Google Translate but I know that my vocabulary is really starting to improve. But more than that, whenever I can I try and speak Spanish. Ok, I’ll be honest, often it is Spanglish but at least I am trying. Whenever I know the words, I use them. Yes, it is often the easy phrases such as gracias or por favor (cerveza is also used quite often) but that’s ok, at least I am trying.

Ultimately, how has this helped me? Well, it gives me a goal and something to focus on. I have always been an avid learner and so each time I think I am making improvements I am thrilled. Yes, it really is a part of my health and fitness journey because as I have said many times, a big part of this journey has been improving my mental health.