So I’ve been neglectful of the blog in the past few months, however, I can’t guarantee a reform and such but here are a few things I’d like to do more of in the new year:
- Drink more water
- Write more
- Move my body more
- Connect with friends
- Find my calling (I know, that’s a big one) and make a change to pursue it
This year seems to be a bit of a blur and somewhat defined by my ACL reconstruction and recovery. This one was significantly different from the previous one. Yes, I’m now bionic in both knees (although they both ache equally…why is that I wonder?). Surgery was the same or better in the right knee, recovery went well but it didn’t propel me into re-engaging in a sport oriented routine as I hoped. I’m sure my mental attitude has something to do with that. It’s been better in the past.
Here is a list of things I will do my utmost to avoid doing in the new year:
- compare my current fitness level to years past (like when I trained for and completed 2/3 of an ironman with 6 weeks of training, or rode 150 miles between Boston and VT, or ran a 1/2 marathon, a few triathlons, and hiked to Half Dome in Yosemite)
- eat less sugar
- sabotage my dreams with thoughts of why I can’t achieve them
This year doesn’t stand out in any one particular way except that it is somewhat unusual in my lack of activity. I’ve probably been mildly or more depressed and that contributes to my disinterest in doing much of anything, including helping myself out of my own funk.
Right at this moment I’m a bit melancholy for times past where I had a tribe of people who helped energize me and excite me to push the limits of my abilities, encouraged me to reach for more, and provided unconditional and non-judgmental support the whole way through. I feel isolated and lonesome frequently and pine for the days of 35 and Dry when things were fun, there was no limit to what we could do and talk revolved around doughnuts and bacon on a regular basis. I really do miss those times. I don’t know if I could find the self motivation to get myself out of bed, dressed and on the bike by 5:20 a.m. without knowing that someone was waiting for me and would be disappointed if I stayed in bed.
Rather than lament the glory days or revel in them, I will look forward and find that happy place inside me that keeps all of those voices present and I’ll imagine that Nate, Meghan, Meagan and Chris are all riding with me (in spirit) around Hains Point, where we get a whiff of bacon, talk of doughnuts (Dunkin’ vs Krispy), and generally push myself to reach for more, having fun all the while.
Here’s my loose plan for 2012:
- explore the idea of cooking healthy prepared meals for others (as a new business)
- train for and participate in the Vineman 70.3 in California (July)
- finally change jobs (mine is killing me, literally)
- spend more time with friends and family
- do more of the things that make me laugh, smile and find the joy in life
No real specifics…no “lose 20 lbs”, no “get more organized”, no adjustment of bad habits. Just do more things that make me happy and laugh. I think that’s pretty simple and I hope easy to do. I lost sight of the motivating factor: Life is too short to do things you don’t enjoy. Do the things you love and your life will be rich and fulfilled. Life is filled with love, just open yourself to what’s out there and it will fill you too.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous (in all ways) New Year! See you in the next one!
