Life can be a challenge sometimes. Lately it seems that the world is going completely nuts and there is nothing that can be done to stop it from happening. So, you try and concentrate on your own little world that surrounds you and make that the best that it can be. Hoping, no praying that the rest of the world or at least those that are close to you will see that things are good in your world and that they will try and do the same. Or at least that is the way it should happen.
Being a nurse, I see people from all walks of life, big, tall, short, skinny, happy and sad. Those in good health and those in failing health. I see men and women that are positive self motivators and negative, pessimistic, always seeing the negative side to everything individuals. Of all the patients and family members that I get to take care of, I find that surrounding yourself with positive, optimistic, energetic people has a lot to do with good health and an enjoyment of life. Even when all looks gloomy, like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, having those kind of friends and family around you can make all the difference and keep you from falling to the "Dark Side"
Yesterday I felt myself slipping to the dark side. Nothing went well all day long. I started the day with big plans for training - another large swim. I wanted to see that 2000 meter goal again. I had my morning planned out to a tee. I left the house 1/2 hour early to get in the pool early and get started. About 15 miles out from the house I realized that I forgot all my swim gear. Shucks, Darn, and F*&$. So I told myself, "Self, let's go for a run instead" OK. Oh no! I did not have my running shoes with me either. Well that about did me in. I got into town, found a quiet spot at the park, and took a nap, disgusted and pissed off. Depressed that the morning did not go my way. The rest of the day did not go much better, my schedule continued to be messed up and I ended up staying at work till late. I left for home dejected, with my tail between my legs.
But then it occurred to me in a flash of light from above. ( Not really but it sounds good) I thought, what am I kicking myself for. Here I am at 42 years old, I can run a marathon, bike for 60 miles, swim 2000 meters and still go to work and not crash. In the last 3 years I have done more for myself than I have my entire life. And I owe it all to the sports of running and triathlons. I ran 5 marathons, 3 triathlons, ran at 10,000 feet. I have made plans for triathlons for the next 2 years and think about Ironman Florida 2008 before I go to bed at night. I feel better than I have in years. So what in the world am I sulking about.
Life is too short to let bad days linger. Get up, kick yourself in the ass, smile and get on with life. Knowing that at any time your number could be called should encourage you to live life to the fullest. Don't wait around, don't allow depression take a hold of your life. Smile and move on. Swim, Bike, Run until your feeling the positive energy of life flow through your veins. Feel it in your heart and in your mind. Remember - you are a minority. If you run marathons or triathlons, you are a minority in life. You can do more before breakfast, than most everyone else does in a whole day. Relish that though next time your out training. Keep the ride going! |
