Is a countdown a good and motivational thing, or a bad and stress inducing thing?
On New Years Eve - it is considered joyful and good. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Happy New Year!" For a shuttle launch - it is exciting and inspiring. I remember quite clearly standing on the NASA causeway six miles from the launch of Discovery on July 4th, 2006 and hearing the countdown - "T-minus 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 - go for main engine start, 2, 1 - booster ignition and liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery". Incredible!
On the bad or stressful side - there is the common angst associated with a countdown to an event where one wants to lose weight, i.e. high school reunion, wedding. What if the scale doesn't say the "right number"? What if the dress doesn't fit? What if the people I will see don't react well to me? Not a good thing unless it serves as motivation to achieve a goal.
This morning I found myself in the light grey area between inspiration and angst. The countdown clock for me is at 40 days before The New York City Marathon.
First - the angst:
I haven't received absolute, firm, signed, sealed and delivered confirmation of my participation in a charity. So - I wonder if I will actually be participating, or watching on the sidelines while my two friends participate (which would be fine as well). But - I don't sit well on the sidelines. So my angst is the waiting (and waiting and waiting). Hopefully this week - but until I know - I don't know and I like to know. Angst inducer number two - I am also managing through an RA flareup that doesn't want to leave me as much as I want to see it go. Each day I expect it to be gone, and each day it returns. I hate that when that happens. Fighting it makes it worse, so again, I wait for it to lift (and wait and wait).
Angst - don't like you too much.
Second - the excitement:
I have 40 days remaining to complete preparations for the greatest marathon in the world (my opinion) and even if I somehow don't get my charity slot - I will be in marathon condition for another event in the same time frame (Honolulu again? Vegas?) The flare up will leave (darnit) - and I am working daily to escort it out the door of my joints and into the atmosphere.
So today I chose the inspirational avenue towards this countdown. I will obtain my charity slot (more on this organization and what they do - which is really amazing - once the final confirmation comes), and am going to get out and walk today. I walked 4 miles yesterday despite my screaming joints, and I will go further today.
Conclusion:
Countdown = positive and inspirational. No more light grey - all systems are green and go for launch.
Carpe Diem, and so it is.
About Me
- Carol Fitzgerald Tyler
- I lost 103 pounds without surgery, and there was great rejoicing! However - over the last year and a half, life got in the way. Between serious bouts of fibromyalgia and debilitating migraines, I gained some weight, and found myself feeling dumpy, frumpy, and most definately in a slump. 2012 is over and the time has come to dump that frump slump, release the excess weight, change my attitude, and be and feel fabulous! This journey is about more than just weight loss. It is about facing and releasing all things that hold us back from living life to the fullest each and every day. Make the most of what you have, and live a "seize the moment" lifestyle. Join me on my journey, and dump your own slumps - whatever they may be. Welcome to Fabulous!
